State, tribal, county, city, community leaders secure $2.5 million in state transportation budget for improved safety at SR-203 & NE Tolt Hill Road

April 2, 2026

A broad coalition of state, tribal, county, city, and community leaders succeeded after three years in securing $2.5 million in the state transportation budget to construct a roundabout at SR-203 & NE Tolt Hill Road to improve public safety and emergency access.

This intersection, just south of the City of Carnation, is a critical route for those traveling from east to west and from north to south across King, Snohomish and Chelan counties. The project is one of only two new infrastructure projects statewide to receive funding in the state transportation budget this year, which was signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson on Tuesday, March 31.

The project received the approval of Senate Transportation Chair Marko Liias and House Transportation Chair Jake Fey, and their committee members, as well as the support and advocacy of the late Sen. Bill Ramos. The funding request also received the full support of all six legislators from the 12th and 5th Legislative Districts – Sens. Keith Goehner and Victoria Hunt and Reps. Mike Steele, Brian Burnett, Lisa Callan and Zach Hall.

“I’m immensely grateful to Senator Liias and Representative Fey for meeting with us in Olympia and working with us throughout the years to bring this critical investment to fruition for the Snoqualmie Valley and the King, Snohomish and Chelan County region,” said King County Council Chair Sarah Perry. “Our strong collaboration has resulted in a tangible difference for our broader community, ensuring that every parent, teen, commuter, bus driver, truck driver and more are safer because of this.”

As population and traffic have increased in the region, this intersection has seen consistent increases in significant traffic incidents. It also serves as a key flood and fire evacuation route. The roundabout will ensure greater first responder access during emergencies. The recent December 2025 historic flooding further underscored the importance of these critical safety and access improvements.

“The City of Carnation extends our sincerest thanks to our partners, elected officials, and Governor Ferguson for prioritizing funding to improve the dangerous conditions at the NE Tolt Hill Road and State Route 203 intersection,” said Carnation Mayor Jim Ribail. “The completion of the roundabout will significantly enhance public safety for everyone traveling through the Snoqualmie Valley. This achievement is a reflection of the strong collaboration between government agencies, non-profits, schools, and businesses who dedicated their time and efforts to advocating for this project.”

The leadership of the Snoqualmie Tribe throughout this process was critical from the federal to the state and local level.

“The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe has a deep and enduring connection to this valley, and many of our tribal members live and travel this stretch of Highway 203 regularly,” said Chairman of the Snoqualmie Tribe Robert de los Angeles. “The safety of this intersection is not an abstract concern for us, it’s personal. Tribal Council is proud to support this roundabout project over the last few years, and we hope it signals what’s possible when tribes are brought to the table early in the planning process. That kind of partnership produces better outcomes for everyone who calls this region home.”

This investment in the Snoqualmie Valley is the culmination of three years of collaboration and advocacy by a broad coalition, including King County Chair and District 3 Councilmember Sarah Perry, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier, the City of Carnation, the Snoqualmie Tribe, Washington State Patrol, WSDOT, King County Sheriff's Office, Eastside Fire & Rescue, King County Roads Division, King County Flood Control District, Snoqualmie and Riverview School Districts, and local community leaders.