Lovelanders, start your engines.
The first much-discussed traffic roundabouts
are open soon at the outlet mall. If well received, the intersection design
may prove to be a model for other roundabouts in the city.
"This is a demonstration project to allow the public
not just to talk or think about roundabouts but to actually use them,"
said Tom Gathmann, Loveland's city engineer.
"We're optimistic they will work well in Loveland
just as they have when properly designed elsewhere in the U.S., Europe
and Australia."
Loveland's roundabouts resemble those of Vail and
Avon, which have proven very successful in improving traffic flow and safety.
In a survey of residents there, the roundabouts received an approval rating
of 4.4 on a 5-point scale.
"We will continuously evaluate them with regard
to how efficiently and safely they work," Gathmann said. |
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Benefits of Roundabouts
--Less serious accidents
Head-on and "T-bone" collisions
are virtually non-existent because of the circular rather than opposing
flow of traffic. The angles of traffic interaction and slower speed through
the interchange reduce the severity of accidents.
--Environmentally friendly Continuous
flow means vehicles consume less fuel and emit fewer pollutants as compared
with waiting at a stoplight then having to accelerate from a complete stop.
--Increased traffic flow
Overall, more traffic can flow through a
roundabout than through a conventional intersection with its the stop-and-go
traffic.
--Cost Efficient
When compared to a traditional intersection
with traffic signals, the roundabout is less costly to operate.
--Compact Space
Roundabouts have the ability to handle
high traffic volumes in a relatively small space.
--Aesthetically Pleasing
Instead of just concrete, the roundabout
centers will feature landscaping, flowering plants and perhaps even sculpture.
--It's more fun
Heck, if you don't get it right the first
time, you can make another lap and try it again!
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