Traffic should flow smoother at three key intersections in Freeland after road construction is complete later this month.

Crews contracted by the state Department of Transportation are making a series of improvements along a one-mile stretch of Highway 525, said WSDOT spokesperson Ally Barrera.

Work is underway at South Woodard Avenue and Highway 525, where an upgraded crosswalk, featuring new overhead lighting and pedestrian-activated flashing beacons, is being installed. Drivers turning left from the highway onto Main Street or Fish Road will no longer have to wait for a green arrow after that project is finished. Crews are replacing the existing turn signal – which only has solid red, yellow and green arrows – with one that includes a flashing yellow arrow.

At Scott Road, one of the more dangerous places to turn left onto Highway 525, a warning system is being installed that will detect when vehicles are pulling out.

“In the years we spent gathering community feedback about this project, many expressed concern over rear-end crashes near this intersection due to slowing traffic for left turns,” Barrera said.

Crews will embed vehicle detection loops into the highway, which is a component of the department’s Intelligent Transportation Systems.

“It will trip an advanced warning sign that will flash when there is a turning vehicle or slowed traffic ahead,” Barrera said. “This early notice will help prevent rear-end collisions.”

Crews are doing most of the work overnight, Sunday through Friday. Highway 525 will be reduced to one lane so travelers should allow for 5-10 minute delays as flaggers alternate traffic.

The project is expected to be completed in three weeks.