The new roundabout constructed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) at the intersection of Plaza Way and State Route 125 opened on Aug. 17. It’s designed to move traffic through the intersection more efficiently while improving safety for all modes of transportation. 

Please drive slowly and be patient as everyone becomes familiar with using the new intersection. Below are some tips for using the roundabout safely and easily. Additional information can be found on WSDOT's website.

Drivers

The direction of travel in a roundabout is counter-clockwise (to the right). As you approach the roundabout, you will see a black-and-white “lane choice” sign. The four graphics to the right show what the sign looks like on each street, and which turns can be made from the roundabout. Think ahead and have a plan — choose the lane you want before you reach the roundabout.

The yellow arrows show the movements that can be made from the right lane, and the blue arrows show the movements that can be made from the left lane. Note that the roundabout entrance from The Dalles Military Road has only one lane, while the others have two lanes.

As you reach the roundabout, slow down, assess the situation, and look for pedestrians. If someone is waiting to cross the roadway, stop and let them cross.

Look for traffic to your left. In this multi-lane roundabout, you must yield to both lanes of traffic. If no vehicles are approaching on your left, enter the roundabout without stopping. If there are vehicles to your left, wait until a gap in traffic appears, then merge into the roundabout.

Drive slowly in the roundabout, don’t change lanes, and don’t stop. As you approach the street you want to exit onto, look for pedestrians and check your blind spots. Use your right turn signal to let other drivers know you are exiting. 

If an emergency vehicle with lights and siren approaches behind you while you are in the roundabout, don’t stop. Continue through the roundabout and exit onto your street, then pull over to allow the vehicle to pass.

Roundabouts are designed for use by vehicles of all sizes. Oversize vehicles and vehicles with trailers may straddle both lanes while driving through a roundabout, and may drive over the lower portion of the central apron if necessary. Because they may need extra room, never pass or drive next to a large vehicle in a roundabout.

Pedestrians

  • Cross only in the marked crosswalks.
  • Don’t walk in the roundabout or on the center island.
  • Make sure drivers can see you and stop for you.
  • Cross one lane at a time, stopping in the splitter island, which is there to provide a safe place to wait before you cross the next lane.

Bicyclists

If you are riding a bicycle, you can get through the roundabout two ways: Get off your bike and go through a crosswalk like a pedestrian, or ride around it like a vehicle. If you decide to ride around it, stay in the middle of the lane.

  • Do not stop in the roundabout.
  • Signal for a right-hand turn before you exit.