Accidents Prompt Installation of Speed Bumps In Kennewick Roundabouts

We've reported on numerous accidents involving the roundabouts in Kennewick, including one recently on Kellogg where a driver going 80 mph went THROUGH and over the one at 4th. Now, the city is taking action.

According to sources, the city is going to begin a new pilot program installing four speed bumps in each roundabout at 4th and Kellogg and 4th and Union.

The speed bumps will be placed in clock-like quarterly positions, at noon, 3, 6 and 9 in each intersection. If you're looking at your watch or a non-digital clock, they will be at those positions.

City officials have already posted a lot of information an the city website about the proper ways to negotiate these traffic zones, but over the last year-and-a-half there have been numerous wrecks.

These speed bumps will be a little taller than the one pictured here in our story, likely to be at least 4-5 inches tall. That's because in order to be an effective deterrent they need to be able to slow cars down enough to make the areas safer.

It's also believed additional lighted warning signs maybe added a block away, so drivers who are unfamiliar with the area can see a roundabout is ahead. If this pilot program works, speed bumps will be added to every roundabout within the Kennewick City limits.

Kennewick is listed in the top five when it comes to the number of roundabouts per capita (population) in the entire U.S.

Construction and installation expected to begin with two weeks at both locations.