The following proposed ideas are still under development and may change as this pre-design continues, based on feedback from the community and other agencies. Many of the proposed ideas may need to be paired with other improvements to be successful and only a few may be prioritized for near-term design and construction.
Roundabouts
Roundabouts are designed to make intersections safer and more efficient for all travelers.
- They are safer. There are fewer points of conflict than a four-way signal, slower speeds reduce the seriousness of collisions, and one travel direction results in less severe sideswipes instead of more severe T-bone or head-on collisions.
- They have fewer and less severe crashes. Replacing stop signs or signals with roundabouts results in a 90% reduction in fatal collisions, 75% fewer injuries, and 10 to 40% fewer pedestrian and bicycle crashes.
- They increase traffic capacity. Roundabouts result in a 20% reduction in delays, keep traffic flowing unlike a stop sign or red light, and can be used in series for multiple road intersections.
WSDOT is planning to add several new roundabouts along the SR 7 corridor. These funded roundabouts include:
- SR 507
- 22nd Avenue East
- 224th Street East
- 260th Street East
A fifth roundabout at 208th Street East is also funded. This roundabout will be built as part of a Pierce Transit project.
Additional roundabout locations under consideration include:
- Pirnie Road/B Street
- 8th Avenue East
- 204th Street East
Find more information about roundabouts or watch an informative video on how to use roundabouts.
Median curbs
Reducing left turns to and from busy roadways can increase path user visibility, lower speeds, and reduce congestion. WSDOT is considering adding raised median curbs on SR 7 in some locations between SR 507 and 224th Street East. This would make it safer for vulnerable users and drivers. This improvement would allow for right turns only in and out of some driveways and intersections. Roundabouts and/or U-turns at signals would accommodate left turns.
Shared-use paths
A shared-use path can be safer and more comfortable for non-motorized users. WSDOT is considering creating shared-use paths along SR 7. The paths would be completely separate from the roadway. They would include a buffer and landscaping. Potential shared-use path locations include:
- SR 507 to 208th Street East (both sides of SR 7)
- 208th Street East to 214th Street East (East side of SR 7 only)
- 214th Street East to 224th Street East (both sides of SR 7)
- 224th Street East to 267th Street East (East side of SR 7 only)
Speeds and crossings
Research shows that lower traffic speeds often lead to safer roadways. Lower speeds can decrease the number of crashes, as well as the severity of crashes. WSDOT is looking at roadway changes to encourage slower speeds. This includes roundabouts, median curbs, and reducing lane widths. It also includes adding or improving pedestrian crossings along SR 7. WSDOT is also looking at reducing the speed limit north of 224th Street East. Lowering the speed limit will only be possible if other design changes that encourage slower driving are implemented.
Potential locations for new or improved crossings of SR 7 include:
- Field Road East
- Walmart Supercenter – Spanaway Location
- 204th Street East
- 214th Street East
- 217th Street Court East
- 243rd Street Court East
- 255th Street East
One crossing at the Spanaway Transit Center is currently funded. This crossing will be built as part of a Pierce Transit project.
Next steps
November/December 2024: Review community input and share outreach summary on the SR 7 Pre-design webpage.
December 2024: Prioritize proposed ideas to implement through the current project.
January 2025: Select final recommendations.
February 2025: Pre-design complete.
Spring 2025: Project design begins.
Stay connected throughout this process by visiting the SR 7 Pre-design webpage.