Albion Drive and SR 27 Roundabout

The north urban growth area (UGA) of Pullman had begun to develop, with more growth expected within the next 20 years. Two student housing projects were currently permitted, with an industrial park planned soon for commercial development. The area was accessed through the stop-controlled Albion Drive intersection with State Route 27 (SR 27), both high-speed roads, with capacity and safety issues expected in the future without remediation.

Ardurra worked with WSDOT, the city, and private interests to advance the construction of a single-lane roundabout with advanced chicanes for speed control. Our firm prepared an accepted traffic impact study and design report to evaluate alternatives, resulting in a recommendation for a roundabout. Ardurra submitted 60, 90, and 100-percent geometric designs, followed by preparation of a bid package accepted by agencies, with advertising going out in the winter of 2021. The project was constructed in the summer of 2022, with Ardurra providing construction administration & engineer of record responsibilities, and the project opened to the public in August of 2022. The project design efforts were streamlined to allow construction to be completed before the apartment complexes were finished, to allow certification of occupancies to be released. Other aspects of the project included a drainage report, lighting analyses, and specialized traffic control plans.

• Enhanced Safety & Flow: Roundabout reduces high-risk collisions while meeting LOS standards.
  Community Protection Through Traffic Calming Measures: Chicanes slow north–south traffic from 55 to 35 mph, creating a safer city entrance.

• Accommodates Local Agriculture: Mountable design accommodates large farm vehicles within existing right-of-way.

• Innovative, Space-Efficient Design: A compact layout balances safety, mobility, and land use without costly expansion.