Auburn Approves Roundabout Plan Despite Concerns

City moves forward with R Street project despite objections over future traffic impacts

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Auburn City Council has approved an ordinance authorizing the use of condemnation to acquire property rights needed for a new single-lane roundabout at the R Street SE/21st Street SE intersection. The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, but some council members argued that construction should be delayed until a nearby development's environmental impact study is completed to assess the full traffic load on R Street.

Why it matters

The R Street roundabout project is part of the city's broader efforts to upgrade infrastructure and improve transportation along the corridor. However, the decision to move forward despite concerns over future traffic impacts highlights the tensions between short-term needs and long-term planning considerations.

The details

The city plans to add a single-lane roundabout, new pavement, a pedestrian crossing with flashing beacons, a multi-use pathway, improved lighting, and upgraded water infrastructure as part of the R Street corridor improvements. While some council members argued for alternatives like a lighted intersection or two-way stop, the city says it has secured grant funding for the roundabout project and needs to move forward to meet timelines.

  • The Auburn City Council passed the ordinance authorizing condemnation on February 16, 2026.
  • A traffic study for the R Street corridor was completed in 2020.

The players

Auburn City Council

The governing body of the City of Auburn, Washington that approved the R Street roundabout project.

Ingrid Gaub

The public works director for the City of Auburn who stated the city needs to move the project forward to construction this year in order to avoid losing grant funding.

Brian Lott

An Auburn City Council member who argued the roundabout construction should be delayed until an environmental impact study is completed for a nearby development that could significantly increase future traffic on R Street.

Nancy Backus

The mayor of Auburn who noted the Segale gravel pit at the center of the proposed Rainier Vista development is still operating, and years could pass before it closes and the EIS is completed.

Segale Properties

The developer proposing the Rainier Vista development near the R Street corridor, which could significantly impact future traffic in the area.

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What they’re saying

“If we do not succeed in that process, then we will have to return the grant funds to the grantee. The ability to get future grant funds would be dependent on whatever grant opportunities might be out there in the future, and the criteria for those grant opportunities in the future.”

— Ingrid Gaub, Public Works Director (auburn-reporter.com)

“This is one of those that we were successfully able to get grants for the design and construction and the right of way acquisition. And we do have timelines that are associated with those grants, and so that timeline is that we need to move this project forward to the next phase, which is construction this year.”

— Ingrid Gaub, Public Works Director (auburn-reporter.com)

“The Segale gravel pit at the center of the developers' plans for the Rainier Vista development is still operating, and years could pass before it closes, and until Segale completes an EIS, if indeed, it decides to continue with its massive project.”

— Nancy Backus, Mayor (auburn-reporter.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the city to use condemnation to acquire the necessary property rights if negotiations with the owners fail.

The takeaway

The Auburn City Council's decision to move forward with the R Street roundabout project despite concerns over future traffic impacts highlights the challenges municipalities face in balancing short-term infrastructure needs with long-term planning considerations. The project's timeline and funding requirements have compelled the city to act, even as some council members argue for a more cautious approach.