DOT Says Drivers, Not Design at Fault for Accidents at Columbia Drive Roundabout Off 240

We all need to realize we are going to be 'stuck' with the Highway 240-Columbia Drive roundabout near the Blue Bridge until somebody can find the hundreds of millions of dollars to completely renovate the area. But until then the Washington State Department of Transportation says, it's driver error that causes the bulk of the accidents.

Kennewick is known as the roundabout capitol of the U.S. because we have so many, and most people are used to them. But over the last few years, complaints have piled in about the roundabout just south of the Blue Bridge that crosses to Pasco on Highway 395.

The Department of Transportation said this week that although some revisions to striking (striping and configurations) and signing has been done, they are still seeing the same accident patterns as in the past. This was true for 2015 compared to 2014.

There have been 32 collisions or accidents in the three years since the project was completed. Officials say the roundabout and other changes made to the interchange area were the only real cost-effective way to improve traffic flow and safety, short of completely tearing up and redesigning the entire area, which would have been extremely cost-prohibitive.

Officials say although it may not be 'easy' or preferred, drivers simply need to slow down to the posted speed limits and follow the signs carefully. Pay extra attention especially during bad weather, and you should be fine.

Due to the number of collisions in the last three years, many people were questioning the design, saying it was a 'problem' area that needed to be addressed.