Roundabout shouldn’t throw you for a loop

Editor,

My family and I have been coming to your wonderful city for more than 18 years and still enjoy every moment of our time spent. While celebrating Thanksgiving here last week I caught an article mentioning plans of a roundabout at the intersection of Hwy. 23 and Hwy. 62. 

I encounter this intersection many times each visit, and it is one of the more dangerous I have seen, especially in summer with peak tourist traffic. Not knowing any of the details or history of these plans I urge everyone to embrace this decision.  

I have included some statistics below to help advocate in favor of this investment in your community and make sure that all are aware of many benefits such as dramatic reductions in serious injury and fatality crashes as well as reductions in delay for road users.

The Federal Highway Administration designated roundabouts as one of nine proven safety counter measures. Additional benefits are:

Safety

Naturally reduces speed through intersection

Fewer and less severe crashes; 90% fewer fatalities and 75% fewer injuries

Safer for pedestrians and cyclist; 10% to 40% fewer pedestrian/bicycle crashes

Safer for beginner and elderly drivers

Time Savings

Allows higher traffic capacity: 30 to 50% increase for intersection

Less delay waiting at stops and signals

Environmentally Friendly

Reduces pollution (from cars not waiting at traffic signals), reduces noise, reduces fuel consumption

Roundabout islands can be landscaped with native plants and trees

Roundabouts generally take less land than traditional intersections as they don’t require turning lanes

Saves Money

Without traffic signals, no cost for traffic signals and yearly maintenance

Intersection still operates in power outages, no need for police to direct traffic

Roundabouts can help improve sales at nearby businesses across the country as more people can walk or easily drive to locations compared to traditional intersections

Can act as a marker to a business or downtown district.

I am submitting this as my unemotional, non-partisan, respectful, and professional opinion in hopes to encourage the citizens of Eureka Springs to improve their perfect little slice of the Ozarks that my family will continue to enjoy for many years to come.

Thomas P. Bergquist, P.E.