By Karen Middleton
A News Courier Facebook writer recently admitted that he was one of those opposed to the roundabout at Lindsay Lane/Nick Davis Road, but now, seeing how it is working to solve traffic problems, he’s all for it.
Public Works Director James Rich said Tuesday that he frequently hears such comments.
Thirteen months after the opening of the roundabout, local officials and residents now see the roundabout as the most efficient way to solve the ongoing problem of traffic backup at the intersection.
“The one thing I most often hear from everyone is ‘congratulations,’” said Rich. “People have accepted it really well. At first, there were some skeptics, and most of the cars moved through it very slowly and carefully.”
Rich said the roundabout does what it was designed to do — move traffic through more quickly, safer and efficiently.
“There’s just a lot of positives about it,” said Rich.
Rich said his department workers have their eyes on a couple of more city intersections, but traffic volume doesn’t quite indicate they are ready for roundabouts.
“One of them is at Alabama 251 and North Lindsay Lane, “ he said. “Traffic volume might support a roundabout there at a later time. The other spot is at West Washington Street and Lucas Ferry Road. The volume and waiting times aren’t that great yet, but we will monitor them.
“But I do want to emphasize we have no plans, no funding and nothing on the drawing board for those intersections. We have just identified them to watch.”
Meanwhile, the city is advising that a portion of South Houston Street at Washington Street will be closed today through Friday to replace collapsed clay storm drains.
