By Pepper Fisher

SHINE – They told us it was coming. Now, the Washington State Dept. of Transportation has announced that work is about to begin on installing two large roundabouts on SR 104 near the Hood Canal Bridge. Work begins Monday, May 13.

One of the roundabouts will be at the intersection with SR 19 and another at Shine Road/Paradise Bay Road. Crews will construct the roundabouts one at a time starting with SR 19. That one will be a single-lane roundabout to replace the existing intersection. DOT officials say it will reduce the severity of collisions since vehicles enter at an angle. Roundabouts also promote lower travel speeds and continuous traffic flow.

This spring and summer, travelers will see temporary changes to the intersection. The changes include turn restrictions and a 21-day closure. During the closure, travelers will detour via Center Road. A temporary signal will keep people moving through the detour.

Later this summer, work will begin at Shine Road/Paradise Bay Road. Crews will build a metered roundabout at this intersection. The meter will only activate during Hood Canal Bridge span openings to help alleviate backups on Paradise Bay Road and Shine Road. This fall, travelers will see temporary intersection closures on Paradise Bay Road and Shine Road.

WSDOT will provide advance notice of all temporary intersection changes on the WSDOT app and statewide travel map. Crews expect to complete work by spring 2025.