City of Ferndale Public Works Project Manager Katy Radder told Ferndale City Councilmembers Monday construction of a planned compact single-lane roundabout at Portal Way, between the I-5 northbound on- and off-ramps, is scheduled to begin sometime mid-July.
The project is expected to take 3 weeks to complete once started according to Radder. The project will also include installing storm sewer pipe, pre-cast curbs and modifications to existing lighting and intelligent traffic systems (ITS).
Drivers seeking to avoid Main Street during high-volume commute times have encountered long back ups on the off-ramp from the stop sign at Portal Way. At times, this back up has extended onto I-5.
Installing a roundabout is expected to enable traffic from I-5 to be able to access Portal Way without requiring every car to stop first. Completed, the proposed compact roundabout will be similar to the 3 currently in place on Slater Road at the I-5 interchange.
A standard single-lane roundabout is already in place for the I-5 southbound on- and off-ramps at Portal Way.