EDITORIAL: Roundabouts have mutliple benefits
Apr. 16—The only passable explanation of why some people dread traffic roundabouts is human doubt — the indecision, the hesitation — when a driver enters what can be seen as a circle of commotion.
But it doesn't have to be that way.
We just have to prepare for change. Think ahead.
There are more than 260 roundabouts across Indiana.
Roundabouts may soon become more prevalent in Madison County and at intersections where there are larger volumes of traffic (as say compared to the ones at Hoosier Park or Buffalo Wild Wings).
They are rolling in from the west, from Carmel (where there's more than 120) and Fishers and from just outside of Pendleton where they hover above Interstate 69. Two are planned for Indiana 13 — one south of Elwood and another near Perkinsville. One is scheduled for Indiana 32 at County Road 925 West at Lapel as well as one at County Road 600 West. They are coming, indeed.
Roundabouts mostly exist to help motorists.
Primarily, they calm traffic. Don't feel too relaxed. Navigating them takes an alert driver.
Roundabouts generally reduce conflict points — such as left turns — as the angles of entry are designed to slow the speed of vehicles.
They reportedly save on gas with less braking and jump-start accelerating.
Sure, there are accidents at traffic circles. Some people in compact sedans don't always give the right-of-way to much larger semitrailers. Some motorists barrel into the circle forgetting that they are losing only 1 or 2 seconds of drive time by slowing down.
That is why we rely on transportation planners to study traffic patterns and add wider aprons for trucks and emergency equipment or add separate bicycle lanes and sidewalks. Enforce speed limits have to be enforced, as well.
Construction costs vary based on the design.
As one example, Indiana University's Environmental Resilience Institute studied Carmel. The city engineer's office said that roundabouts cost $250,000 less than signalized intersections to build and saved more than $5,000 per intersection in electricity costs.
On average, Carmel's roundabouts cost between $1 million and $1.5 million each. Traffic moved more efficiently so there wasn't a need to add travel lanes that can cost between $7 million to $10 million per mile.
Carmel, which got a jump-start on roundabouts, found mixes of local, state and federal grants to offset costs.
In fact, Carmel or Fishers might not be bad places to test drive your circulatory skills. Still wary? Try navigating them during non-rush hours.
Local motorists and Madison County officials alike should plan for the eventuality of roundabouts. It's the best way to get ahead of the curve.
