Roundabouts Cause Traffic Delays… But Not For Long

    I’d like to just confess right up front that I am a fan of roundabouts, properly sized roundabouts anyway.  Now, with that out of the way and a few of you mad at me, let me explain.
    Beginning May 26th and lasting all summer the intersection of Joor and Gurney will be closed to build a roundabout.  The plan is to have it opened by the beginning of school in August.  I live in Jackson Park, so this will be an inconvenience, and it is an even bigger inconvenience to those living just north and just west of the intersection.  But, I am suggesting it is well worth the trouble.
    Studies show that roundabouts result in 35% less crashes, 90% less fatalities, and 76% less injuries.  Those numbers alone support a move to roundabouts over signaled intersections, but there is more.
    Traffic flow through roundabouts is more efficient than regular intersections, assuming of course that drivers know how to drive in a roundabout.  That part is simple, any car already IN the circle has the right of way.  “Letting someone in” is actually the worst thing drivers can do, just get in and drive to your outlet and keep moving.
    There are a few less talked about advantages of these intersection merry-go-rounds.  In a storm or power outage there are no lights to quit working, so traffic flows safely.  The long-term costs to operate and maintain are minimal.  And, I am not a fan of overhead power lines, so if we can keep the signs to a minimum they are certainly more visually pleasing.
    If you still aren’t convinced, try this: For the next month, each time you find yourself sitting at an intersection with no cars coming from your left or right, waiting for the light to turn green, say to yourself “If this was a roundabout I wouldn’t be sitting here waiting.”
    I’m not saying roundabouts are the correct solution for all intersections, but nationally their use is trending up quickly and I do see more in Central’s future.  I hope that will be Good News for a Great City.