(Looking south on Commercial Ave. from 32nd St.)
The state Transportation Department says roundabout construction is about half over and it could open two weeks from today. Meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce is asking locals to try to patronize businesses south of 32nd St.
In an update on roundabout construction, the WADOT says “Crews are halfway done with construction on the new Commercial Ave/SR 20 roundabout at the entrance to Anacortes” and that crews still have about 13 more days of work left to do.
Chamber of Commerce Director Mitch Everton sent an email to chamber members today, saying “Based on recent feedback, the roundabout project at the top of Commercial is harming the central business district, especially those businesses south of 32nd Street.”
Everton’s email asks residents to make “a concerted effort” to patronize local businesses over the next few weeks. “Small companies in town rely heavily during the summer months on consumer traffic to tide them over the slower winter season—for these family businesses, June-Sept is truly a ‘make-or-break period,’” he said.
“It is vital that they receive local funding during this difficult period.” Everton said.
WSDOT said drivers may not think that much has been accomplished, but that's because there has been a lot of behind-the-scenes work. Crews have removed all the old concrete, ground down the asphalt, and installed new sewer and drainage systems.
The next step is to begin the more visible work of building the roundabout. Crews started installing roundabout curbing midweek , and hope to have major construction complete and the roundabout open to traffic by Friday, July 24. But, WSDOT says they will still likely have sidewalk and landscaping to finish.