Kitty Public Road roundabout alternative

May 05, 2018 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
Thanks for sharing the proposed roundabout at Kitty Public Road in your publication.
I wonder if a traffic analysis was done to determine the efficiency of this two-lane roundabout as compared to the existing maneuvers from traffic lights.
I am not a roundabout expert, but at face value, there are some poor design considerations.
Firstly, I do not think a two-lane roundabout is the better geometric option, considering the existing roadway alignments. A two-lane roundabout would require a greater length for weaving traffic and sight distances, and hence the need for a large diameter central island for higher operating speeds.
Weaving means traffic trying to change lanes. My suggestion would be to restrict users to a single lane around the roundabout. By having a one-lane circle, it is much easier for other users to enter and exit the circle at higher speeds.
Secondly, the roundabout is not pedestrian-friendly; in the long term, pedestrian crossing lights may be required.
Thirdly, a driver on the seawall road trying to enter the roundabout will have to look far backwards in order to proceed into the circle. That is a poor design consideration. As much as possible, the designer should allow the pedestrians and the drivers to see the traffic at a right angle.
Fourthly, I would suggest cutting out the left turn to go to the seawall from the roundabout. Traffic roundabouts with too many maneuvers are a recipe for accidents and loss of efficiency.
Finally, I would like to share with your readers a preliminary roundabout design for the same location that may be helpful.
Ralph Seegobin, PE.

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