38th Avenue Phase 2
38th Avenue Phase 2 Half-Width Roadway Improvements
38th Avenue is classified as an urban minor arterial and can be considered a high-volume roadway. An urban minor arterial is a type of street designed to interconnect with major routes, serving as a link between higher-capacity principal arterials and local streets within a city.
Project overview: Design and construct half-width roadway improvements with the intent of using low-impact design for stormwater management. The city successfully applied for and secured a TIB grant. Local funds are proposed to be used for the grant match.
Project progress is tracked through the Public Works Department’s Capital Improvement Projects StoryMap.
FAQs
Q: Why are we installing a roundabout and not just replacing the existing signal?
A: When we plan road projects, we look at how well an intersection works today and how it will perform six years into the future. This intersection is expected to reach a failing level of service within that timeframe. A roundabout would eventually be required, so instead of replacing the signal now and then building a roundabout later, we’re going straight to the long-term solution. This avoids two disruptive construction projects, keeps traffic moving more safely, and saves taxpayer dollars by only paying for one project.
Q: Why are we building this now? (if it's not failing yet)
A: Even though the intersection isn’t failing today, it’s on track to do so within the next few years. Building the roundabout now means we can get ahead of worsening congestion, coordinate utility relocations, and avoid higher construction costs in the future. It’s a proactive investment that prevents bigger headaches down the road.
Q: What is the timeline for each element of this project?
A: Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026 and continue through the end of that year. Before then, utility providers are relocating their lines, and the city is securing the land needed for the roundabout. We plan to award the construction contract in late 2025 so work can start right away in 2026.
Q: Will the traffic circle cause challenges for cars heading north on 38th during evening rush hour to turn left out of the neighborhood at Harbor Park Estates?
A: We understand left turns can already be challenging at rush hour, and traffic in the area is expected to keep growing. A roundabout helps by keeping cars moving while slowing them down, which naturally creates gaps in traffic for side streets. If needed, drivers can also turn right and use the roundabout to circle back safely.
Q: What will be done to deter speeding?
Roundabouts slow vehicles at the intersection while keeping traffic moving. This project also adds mid-block crosswalks on 38th Avenue with flashing beacons, which act as additional traffic-calming features.
The Gig Harbor Police Department continues to patrol the area, and residents can report non-emergency traffic concerns directly to the police department through its online traffic complaint tool.
Q: How will pedestrians access the businesses located near the roundabout?
The project includes two new pedestrian crosswalks on 38th Avenue, each with flashing beacons to make crossing safer and more visible.
Q: Why is the roundabout center offset from the existing center of the intersection?
A: We had to shift the roundabout slightly so nearby buildings would stay within property line requirements. If we centered the roundabout exactly where the old intersection is, some existing structures would end up too close to the new roadway.
Additional roundabout resources
https://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/2022-06/fhwasa11026.pdf
https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/traffic-safety-methods/roundabouts
https://dol.wa.gov/media/pdf/4745/driver-guidepdf/download?inline