Aiming to curb traffic congestion and decrease collisions at Sharpes Corner, the state Department of Transportation is revisiting proposals for revamping Sharpes Corner, where Highway 20 turns south toward Whidbey Island. Among the ideas considered in the past are a large roundabout.

The state Legislature recently approved $13.4 million to continue design work, right-of-way acquisition and construction.

Funds are to be collected through a 11.9 cent increase in Washington state’s gas tax.

The Sharpes Corner intersection has significant congestion, particularly during tourist season, according to state officials.

Todd Harrison, state Department of Transportation Mount Baker area assistant regional administrator, said that, as of his last assessment a few years ago, there were approximately 30,000 cars passing through the intersection each day.

Harrison estimates that the number is a bit higher now. A more recent count is yet to be completed.

Data from 2004-06 indicates that there were 80 collisions involving 152 vehicles which resulted in 51 injuries within that three-year period, Harrison said.

On average, there were approximately two to three collisions per month.

“I know it hasn’t gone down, it’s probably gone up,” Harrison said.

The high collision rate prompted state Transportation to begin seeking solutions in 2005. The Legislature provided funding for the project as a part of the 2005 Transportation Partnership Program.

At that time, funding for the project was a part of the 9.5 cent gas tax revenue package.

After several public meetings and extensive analysis, state DOT established a leading design proposal which involved a raised intersection over Highway 20 with a roundabout for turning only.

Before design proceeded any further, the Legislative budget delayed the project indefinitely until May 2009. Design work re-commenced in 2012, but was once again put on hold in Aug. 2013 due to a lack of funding.

Harrison said state Transportation will be revisiting the design proposals and deciding what, if any, modifications are necessary.

“We need to reevaluate and look at what has changed with land use and traffic forecast,” he said.

“We’re going to reengage the community and reengage the project, pick it up and dust it off.”

Design work will recommence this year, some time between September and December.

Harrison said he is unsure when construction will begin, but the legislative package has scheduled construction to begin some time in 2018-19.

For Whidbey Island residents and visitors, any transportation project, the construction will impact commuters in the short-term, Harrison said.

The long-term benefits will outweigh temporary inconvenience, he said.

“It has huge benefits for folks that travel.”