On a major road construction proposal in our town, public input was invited. The major roadway from I-90 to the opposite end of town was a four lane road with traffic lights. The proposal was to create a boulevard of grass and deciduous trees in the center with single lanes in each direction to include left turn lanes. The computer designed rendition was beautiful. Videos were shown of other places in the country where similar road conditions were improved with single directional lanes and left turning lanes were included. Data was presented to show the reduction of accidents and injuries. City officials and residents were interviewed to share their insights. It was informative to see and hear how the project worked in other communities.
Unfortunately, the plan was rejected by many of our town’s citizens. They could not tolerate a reduction of a traffic lane even though data showed an improvement in safety and traffic flow. The necessary infrastructure changes were made and the road was rebuilt with four lanes but at least left turning lanes were added.
In this same project, a roundabout was proposed and fortunately, it was approved. It’s a HUGE improvement for flow of traffic. The lanes are narrowed to one lane in advance of the round-about and every vehicle approaches the intersection at a reduced speed, following the traffic rules for negotiation. Roundabouts calm the traffic as vehicles move through it, trucks included. A quick look-see online shows that properly designed roundabouts can certainly accommodate truck traffic.
Note: before the round-about, there were times I was at the intersection waiting at a red light to make a left turn, staring at an empty intersection. Now the round-about maintains the smooth traffic flow.
I’m sure the students at the Cross County school will quickly learn to negotiate a round-about. I’m a senior citizen. It’s something we can all learn to negotiate. After all, we have YouTube! If you want to figure out how something works, check it out! On YouTube you can learn how to make Swedish Cardamom Rolls. Just saying . . .
LINDA MEYER
Spearfish, South Dakota
What do you think? Drop us a line. Email your letter to the editor to polkcountynews@yahoo.com today.
