SE Kent-Kangley intersection improvement project

Map showing SE Kent-Kangley at Landsburg Road SE intersection.

Latest update

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

On Thursday, February 25, King County Roads will install stop signs in both directions of SE Kent-Kangley Road at the intersection of Landsburg Road SE/SE Ravensdale Way, which will make the intersection a four-way stop. The work is weather-dependent.

This temporary four-way stop will be in place until at least 2022. Once installed, we will monitor the intersection to evaluate how well the four-way stop is working and determine whether more interim improvements are warranted. This approach of making safety upgrades in stages is necessary until the county secures funding to install a permanent traffic calming safety improvement, such as a roundabout or traffic signal, at this intersection.

What has King County done so far?

In 2019, our Road Services Division conducted a study to improve traffic flow and reduce the high number of collisions at this intersection. The study identified two options to improve safety at this high-traffic intersection - installation of a roundabout or a traffic signal. We were scheduled to hold an open house on this study in March but had to cancel because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study revealed the cost estimates for the two options are significantly higher than anticipated. Due to Roads’ budget constraints, the county cannot afford either of these long-term options (roundabout or traffic signal) at this time. The additional stop signs will serve as a temporary measure to address safety concerns, but funding for one of the preferred long-term options must still be identified and secured.

Each new stop sign will have flashing, LED lights to help alert travelers to stop before proceeding through the intersection. LED lights will not be installed at the two existing stop signs at SE Ravensdale Way and Landsburg Road SE because our study indicates those signs are effective in getting drivers to stop at the intersection.

The temporary four-way stop will be in place until at least 2022. Once installed, we will monitor the intersection to evaluate how well the four-way stop is working and determine whether more interim improvements are warranted. This approach of making safety upgrades in stages is necessary until the county secures funding to install a permanent traffic calming safety improvement, such as a roundabout or traffic signals, at this intersection.

What's next?

As we get closer to installation of the new stop signs, King County will place “traffic change ahead” warning signs and electronic message boards approaching all four legs of the intersection to alert drivers of the upcoming change. The traffic warning signage will remain in place for several weeks after the four-way stop is installed.