Drivers in Burien should plan ahead this weekend as major closures will affect South 160th Street and several SR 509 ramps for roundabout construction, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced.
WSDOT said that South 160th Street will be closed between 5th Place South and Ambaum Cutoff South starting at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9 through 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12.
Additionally, at 9 p.m. Friday, the following SR 509 ramps will close until 5 a.m. Monday:
- Northbound SR 509 on-ramp
- Northbound SR 509 off-ramp
- Southbound SR 509 on-ramp
WSDOT encourages drivers to detour using South 156th Street, Des Moines Memorial Drive South, South 168th Street, and First Avenue South.
Local access to Fifth Place South and pedestrian/bike routes will remain open.
The southbound SR 509 off-ramp will also remain accessible.
These closures are part of ongoing construction for a new roundabout at South 160th Street. The work is scheduled to repeat over three weekends: Aug. 8–11, 15–18, and 22–25.
More information is available on WSDOT’s social media and project pages.
Round up everyone! Plan ahead for ramp closures in @Burien at S 160th St for roundabout construction this weekend!
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) August 8, 2025
8p Tonight- 5a Monday: S 160th St will close between 5th Pl S & Ambaum Cutoff S.
9p Tonight- 5a Monday: NB SR 509 on- and off-ramps & SB SR 509 on-ramp will close. pic.twitter.com/lFFowtvLjl
Unnecessary road projects are how republicans are made! Build sidewalks instead! We don’t need roundabouts.
You are now a traffic control expert who links improvements to intersection safety and vehicle management to politics? If you knew anything about the project it has pedestrian safety goals through the entire scope. Improvements with crossings, improvements to paths, improvements to disability ramps, improvements to lighting, and it slows traffic down. The State of Washington runs the project and last time I checked we haven’t had a Republican governor in decades so you can stop ranting.
Hi Louis,
My earlier comment was intended as a lighthearted jab aimed specifically at the allocation of funds for a turn circle east of the Ambaum cutoff on 160th. I guess the sarcasm was too subtle for the B-Town Blog audience.
I’ve reviewed the project materials and am generally supportive of the 509 extension. However, I don’t see how the 160th turn circle was necessary or essential to meeting the project’s stated objectives. If there’s documented data showing a significant traffic or pedestrian safety issue there, please share a link here.
In case anyone was wondering, I’m not opposed to safety improvements. In fact, I’m supportive of Burien’s proposed tax levy to help fund these types of improvements. Yet in a recent council meeting outlining safety priorities, 160th was not identified as an area of concern. It’s frustrating to see the state prioritize a turn circle when municipalities are struggling to fund improvements to pedestrian and vehicle safety within the city. My point is simply that we should ensure public funds are prioritized and spent based on clear, constituent-driven, data-backed needs.
Historically there have been numerous serious T-Bone accidents with injuries at the circle location due to speeding traffic on S 160th and/or vehicles not stopping at the Stop signs. The circle serves as a calming measure and is State funded as it’s within the boundaries of 509, in addition roundabouts are being installed as part of many projects because of flow efficiency. There’s even going to be metering lights on both on-ramps now as well because all the housing growth everyone is demanding to lower cost, ya sure.
Could you provide the data on number of accidents over the last 12 months?
Seems like conjecture rather than facts.
Of course they have to have a turn circle, got to get those cars on the toll Rd, I would much rather they spend money on the . much need sidewalks, especially on 4th Ave from 160th SW up to 156 th, the school kids take a chance on their lives just trying to get to and from school, and you can’t even see anyone on the side of the road until you crest the hill, a very dangerous section of road.
….. look around where you live……
There are no cities nearby that are republican ran. ( but there is a giant effort to change that) but yeah good luck blaming anything on republicans in this state.
You can pat the lib/dems on the back that control the state and its civil infrastructure – because they can govern “correctly”, so “correct” might I add, that their own supporters blame their own party’s mistakes on republicans… in a democrat controlled state. You may want to look at who you vote for! The hypocrisy of democrats and libs 🙄
Because we all know Republicans control the State of Washington……….yeah
One thing for sure is the accidents that WILL happen due to the two worthless “Roundabouts” will be minor due to the traffic gridlock this mess will cause. NOTHING about these roundabouts will cure the traffic problems on 160th or North and South 509. The same goes for the new roundabouts on S188th. The morning and evening traffic will still be backed up 509 especially now that WSDOT is adding thousands more vehicles from I-5.
(NP) You obviously don’t live near the intersection or have personally responded to any of these accidents or you would know how many have happened. I have, and for over a decade so I can assure you they have happened and they won’t be happening at that severity any more. You want facts, you should have been here in person like I have been.
I’ve reached out to the project hotline to learn more about the “why” behind the traffic circle. We’re missing unnecessary data and insights to have a constructive discussion on the topic. I’ll post an update once I have the info.