They keep traffic flowing
Published 8:30 pm Sunday, September 5, 2010
Driving and the basic rules of the road are second-nature to most American adults. So it’s understandable that when a major new wrinkle is added, it’s greeted with apprehension.
Such is still the case with modern roundabouts, even though several have operated successfully in Snohomish County the past few years, increasing safety, easing congestion, and reducing fuel consumption, emissions and intersection maintenance costs. Experience with roundabouts in Monroe, Lake Stevens and Tulalip has proven their efficiency, and drivers haven’t had much trouble learning how to negotiate them.
Now the state Department of Transportation is considering roundabouts as a solution for the increasing congestion on Highway 531 (172nd Street NE) in Arlington between I-5 and Highway 9. We’re convinced they’re the right solution for that major east-west corridor.
After much public feedback, a decision is expected this month on whether to install a roundabout at the often-crowded intersection of Highways 9 and 531. That project is funded, so construction would begin soon. Go round, we say.
Three more are under consideration for future improvements to Highway 531, at 43rd Avenue NE, 51st Avenue NE and 67th Avenue NE. No funding has yet been dedicated to those projects, and a final decision about roundabouts vs. traditional intersections hasn’t been made. But with significant growth projected in the area, roundabouts make sense because of their ability to move more traffic through a corridor, with greater safety.
Roundabouts are safer because they prevent the most violent intersection collisions. With traffic moving in a continuous, one-way flow, there are fewer potential points of dangerous conflict. Crosswalks are placed outside the roundabout, so drivers can watch for pedestrians first, before having to watch for other vehicles. An inside “apron” leaves plenty of room for large trucks to maneuver.
Roundabouts prevent long lines of stopped traffic, because there are no stop lights. The DOT estimates that on 172nd between 43rd and 67th avenues, roundabouts could get vehicles through in half the time during peak commute hours.
Because traffic keeps moving, cars spend less time idling or starting from a complete stop, which saves fuel and reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
And learning to negotiate a roundabout isn’t hard. Really. The biggest rule to remember is that when you approach a roundabout, yield to vehicles that are already on it. If the path is clear, there’s no need to stop.
Consider that the next time you’re stopped on 172nd, waiting in line for that light to turn green.
To learn more about roundabouts, including how to use them, visit wsdot.wa.gov/safety/roundabouts.
