Douglas County begins Grant Road roundabout construction

Construction is beginning on a federally funded roundabout project at the intersection of Grant Road and Nile Avenue in East Wenatchee. The project, managed by Douglas County, aims to improve safety and traffic efficiency at a busy intersection that serves as a freight route connecting industrial and farming areas to Pangborn Airport.

Starting September 8, motorists should expect significant traffic changes. Grant Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction with a 20 MPH speed limit in effect. Nile Avenue will be closed to through traffic within the project limits, though local resident access will be maintained. A detour will be implemented via South Nevada Avenue and 2nd Street SE during the southern phase of the work.

Douglas County Engineer Aaron Simmons noted that roundabouts are the state’s default intersection control mechanism because they are safer and more efficient than signalized intersections, where crashes are often more severe. The project, with Selland Construction serving as the general contractor, includes curb and gutter work, sidewalk and shared-use path installation, and utility relocation. Substantial completion is expected by summer 2027.