With new neighborhoods, shopping centers, and hundreds of homes on the horizon, Stanwood is planning a series of roundabouts to keep traffic flowing, calm busy intersections, and prepare for the city’s future. Here’s everything residents and newcomers need to know.

Why Are Roundabouts Coming to Stanwood?

Stanwood is facing a wave of new development, including its largest-ever project, Cedarside Commons—a community bringing over 500 new homes plus shopping, offices, and recreational spaces. As more cars, families, and visitors use city roads, roundabouts offer a safer, more efficient solution to traffic than traditional stoplights or signs. They reduce wait times, lower accident rates, and keep intersections functioning even during power outages or heavy traffic.

Where Are Roundabouts Proposed?

Stanwood’s capital plan and corridor studies have identified several key locations for new roundabouts:

• 64th Avenue NW & SR 532: Construction of a single-lane roundabout is required as part of Cedarside Commons approval. This intersection will see much more traffic as new housing and retail projects are built.

• SR 532 Gateways & In-Town Intersections: Possible future roundabouts include 272nd Street NW & 72nd Ave NW, 270th Street NW & SR 532, and 98th Drive NW & SR 532. These would help manage congestion at both the eastern and western “gateways” to downtown Stanwood.

• Further Study Underway: The city’s 2025 SR 532 Corridor Study may recommend additional roundabouts or intersection upgrades as Stanwood grows.

How Will Roundabouts Help?

• Reduce Congestion: High-capacity roundabouts keep cars moving, decreasing wait times at peak hours.

• Improve Safety: National studies show roundabouts cut serious accidents by 75% compared to standard intersections.

• Accommodate Growth: They can handle surges in traffic from new homes, schools, and businesses while controlling speed and improving walkability.

• Connect Neighborhoods: Projects often include improved sidewalks, bike lanes, and landscaping, making Stanwood safer and more attractive for everyone.

The Road Ahead

As with any road improvement, construction may bring temporary delays and detours, but the long-term goal is smoother traffic flow and safer intersections. With major projects like Cedarside Commons and more on the horizon, roundabouts are part of Stanwood’s forward-thinking investment in infrastructure to support both residents and local businesses.

This post is intended to share information only. Please check with the City of Stanwood or WSDOT for the latest updates and project details.

👩‍💼 As a local Stanwood REALTOR®, I keep track of growth and city planning updates like this because they impact neighborhoods, property values, and daily life. If you’re curious how Stanwood’s development might affect your home or future move, I’d be happy to chat.