Clark County Council OKs $2.9 million for roundabouts on N.E. 179th Street east of Interstate 5

In November, the council removed roughly 2,200 acres of land in the area from an urban holding designation, clearing the way for development and infrastructure improvements. Building out all of the land lifted from urban holding would produce 5,650 housing units, 7,670 jobs and $34 million annually in local and state tax revenue, according to a study commissioned by the county.

The roundabouts were included in discussions about lifting urban holding, which is a planning designation that halts development until funding is secured for infrastructure upgrades to accommodate additional traffic. They are also part of the county’s state-mandated, six-year Transportation Improvement Program for 2021 through 2026.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how this project progresses over the years,” Councilor Julie Olson said. “I know it’s been years in the making … so it’s just really nice to see some really positive movement and momentum.”

The county agreed to the contracts Tuesday with local design and architecture firm Otak Inc. to complete the work. Funding will come from the county’s road fund, traffic impact fees, federal grants and real estate excise taxes.

Ahmad Qayoumi, Clark County’s Public Works director, said Tuesday that roundabouts will be cheaper options than signaled intersections due to maintenance costs. He also pointed to a significant amount of data illustrating roundabouts as safer options because they force drivers to slow down and focus on just one direction.