I attended the Aug. 29 DOT meeting about the “done deal” roundabout coming to the seriously sloped SR-104 entrance to the Hood Canal Bridge. Not only have they (non-Olympic Peninsula resident officials) fast-tracked their final decision for a roundabout, it will be metered. SR-104 traffic—our only and vital link to Kitsap—will be forced to a complete stop in both directions before entering the roundabout during peak times.

Not once at the meeting was the much lower cost of a solitary “smart” signal at that intersection addressed.

The DOT officials’ mantra to every challenge was that their only concern was safety—and that roundabouts are safer, based on national averages. I actually like roundabouts and do not question the statistics but this is a unique case.

Vehicles waiting to turn onto the highway from Paradise Bay and Shine Roads get impatient and frequently dart onto the highway recklessly. There’s your primary safety issue.

Of course, an overpass is the best solution of all if safety is the primary concern but was rejected due to cost. With either an overpass or a smart signal, the existing highway would remain intact. And months of construction tying up traffic, making folks late to work and doctor appointments is no small matter.

And the DOT has the gall to brag that this will lower the carbon footprint. Really? All forward momentum lost before chugging up that grade from a standstill? Even when the metered signals are off, you have to slow to 15 MPH to get around a roundabout and most momentum is lost.

Judging from the meeting I attended, about 99% of the affected population is opposed to the current plan. Could a massive public outcry directed at the DOT derail this boondoggle? Have they actually flouted the law?

David Michael
Port Townsend