South State roundabout: Pittsfield Township supervisor promises 'practice runs' for seniors
A look at the proposed roundabout at State Road and Ellsworth Road in Pittsfield Township.
Lisa Allmendinger | AnnArbor.com
That’s the message from Pittsfield Township Supervisor Mandy Grewal, who spoke at the A2Y Chamber’s Early Edition event Wednesday morning.
Grewal said she approached the Road Commission last week to ensure seniors at the nearby Pittsfield Township Senior Center will receive instructional presentations on roundabouts, including practice rides in cars.
“Road Commission folks, starting next month, will do periodic presentations to [seniors] to tell them how to use the roundabout, what they are and then take them on actual rides as well.”
She added: “It’s our commitment here in the Township to make sure we work with them…we will have many different practice runs with the seniors.”
Part of that decision stems from listening to people voice their concerns at an informational meeting about the project that was held last month. About 240 people came to Pittsfield Township Hall, many questioning whether the roundabout is the best way to handle additional traffic, bikes and people expected to traverse the intersection.
“We took it upon ourselves to do a full-fledged mailing to residents and businesses on the State Street corridor to make sure folks know this is going on,” Grewal said. “I’m very proud to report we packed the house.”
Grewal said the amount of feedback from the community shows Pittsfield Township has an “amazing, committed body of people that feel very strongly and are very logical in their approach.”
She added: “We hear from people and from residents and we fold in their concerns and their perspective and feedback, and we put into place, in my opinion, something better than originally planned.”
Grewal also reminded attendees that although Pittsfield Township is working with the community to address concerns, it’s ultimately up to the Road Commission to make the final decisions on the project.
But Pittsfield Township, she said, will act as a “liaison” to ensure it’s a “very good project.”
It’s expected that construction for the roundabout would begin next April or May and be completed in time for Labor Day and the first home U-M football game.
For more details on the roundabout, read about February’s informational meeting here.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
Myles
Tue, Oct 9, 2012 : 7:50 p.m.
Seriously I swear A2 is the dumbest city when it comes to managing its roads and pedestrian paths etc
Ann English
Fri, Mar 23, 2012 : 11:33 p.m.
Cory, If you can't enter a roundabout because of traffic, it might be because there are motorists to your left who are approaching the roundabout fast and are close together; roundabouts slow down every driver, but the next driver gets there, too, too soon for you to safely get into it. I don't know who has seen Yield signs at roundabouts; I see YIELD painted on the pavement around them, just like the ones at Lee Road and US-23 in Brighton.
Scott Batson
Fri, Mar 23, 2012 : 6:28 p.m.
At a properly designed modern roundabout cyclist have two options. if confident enough to travel at the 20 mph operating speed with auto traffic, they are to take their place in the traffic stream for the direction they want to go, just like a motorist and just like they would at a signalized interseciton. If not comfortable they are to use the provided exit ramp and travel at pedestrian speed around the circle like a pedestrian would until they get to the destination street and then re-enter the bike lane there. The small size of modern roundabouts is what makes them so safe. 20 mph is a very safe speed for all road users to interact.
annarborfan
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 7:11 p.m.
Robert Granville must be a baby... or a member on the board who thought of this hair-brained idea. It's not that turn abouts are hard, but should not be every corners solution. Especially here.
15crown00
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 6:04 p.m.
these are the most confusing stupid things i ever head of.they're accidents waiting to happen.
sellers
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 5:58 p.m.
Am I reading the diagram correctly, in that the bike lane will merge with the sidewalk? Does that mean bikes are not to use the roundabout ?
EyeHeartA2
Fri, Mar 23, 2012 : 5:35 p.m.
It doesn't matter if there is a dedicated bike lane, or even a 4 million dollar bridge dedicated to bikes (Geddes & US23), they still feel the need to use the car lanes. They are on bikes after all, and so by definition morally superior.
Robert Granville
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 3:34 p.m.
If you can't navigate a roundabout, you shouldn't have a license.
15crown00
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 6:06 p.m.
great attitude mr. driver supreme.
Basic Bob
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 4:12 p.m.
They could collect all the keys at the beginning of the presentation. When you pass the test, you get your keys back.
dougfair
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 3:28 p.m.
The biggest problem with roundabouts in this area is that they are Too Small. sailor67 is right, as constructed here they are really chicanes - very congested chicanes. Large traffic circles work because there is room to move into traffic and time to maneuver into the correct lane. Oh wait, we don't have traffic circles; we just put a blockade in the middle of an average intersection and call it a "roundabout"!
annarborfan
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 3:25 p.m.
Grewal must be very very young. Here we go again, making a huge decision that will effect hundreds of people a day by a few select people that don't always make the best decisions. The Township or "someone" could have stopped the Costco coming in... There needs to be tighter rules when it comes to building, especially when it effects the traffic flow. This is going to be pure hell at State and Ellsworth, mark my words!
Robert Granville
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 3:36 p.m.
So your solution is more government? No thanks.
Dorothy Strotkamp
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 12:28 p.m.
I feel a little offended that instructions for seniors. I am a senior and like roundabouts. I think people of all ages have problems initially.
sellers
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 6 p.m.
I believe this article (one of many regarding this improvement) is directly addressing one of the concerns brought up at the information meetings. I didn't read it to say that only seniors have trouble with this type of intersection. I probably should dig into some old microfiche to read what happened when traffic signals (the original red/green) were installed and how seasoned drivers struggled to learn the new lights. Or I could go back in more recent times to the camera operated signals that people didn't trigger due to not pulling up far enough.
heresmine
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 12:12 p.m.
@Maxwell - Tip #2. You still need to look in all directions. I drive the roundabouts in Brighton nearly everyday. People without experience can come at you from unexpected directions. All I can say is they are given much more leeway and I'm sure a "Thank goodness that's not me" from other drivers. Roundabouts do what they are supposed to do. Keeps the traffic flowing. You just need to do it enough to feel comfortable.
Maxwell
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 4:24 p.m.
While I've not seen a motorist try to go the wrong way in a traffic circle yet I'm sure it has and will happen. Just the same is is maddening to be behind a motorist who literally stops and waits for no traffic to be in the circle before entering themselves.
motorcycleminer
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 10:46 a.m.
Train wreck waiting to happen....can these peoples heads get any further up........can't wait for the " call sam "" billboards next to this abject piece of crap.....250 people voiceing their opinion to a brick wall kinda sound like " OZ " mosis to me...the dumb cloud is spreading....
Maxwell
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 4:47 a.m.
I drive through four traffic circles twice a day. Here's some simple tips many could use... Tip #1 - Read the signage as you approach the circle - Since a traffic circle is basically an intersection with no stop signs it always helps to know where you're going. Tip #2 - Look to your left for oncoming traffic as you approach the circle. Tip #3 - Yield signs mean "Proceed with caution" no need to "Stop and look both ways". Two or more vehicles in the circle at any one time is to be expected and is normal. Vehicles already in the circle following the arrows they are passing over ALWAYS have the right of way. Also there is no need to signal your entry as you should only be heading towards the right. Tip #4 - In general the outer lane exits first and the inner lane exits last. Again, read the signage as you approach the circle and know where you are going! Tip #5 - Follow the white lines and arrows. If the arrow you just drove over points to the right then YOU MUST GO TO THE RIGHT! Tip #6 - Always exit to your right - those low curbs are not normally driven over.
dougfair
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 3:10 p.m.
re: Tip #1 - the signage has to be CLEAR AND ACCURATE. To cite a local example, that double circle mess east of Brighton is only vaguely marked, with too many options to read while driving in a curve. I know plenty of people who end up on northbound US23 when they wanted to be in the shopping center. re: Tip #5 - If the arrow you just drove over is covered by snow (a frequent occurrence most years) or the reflection of rain, you didn't see it.
Salinemary
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 2:33 a.m.
I have driven through many round-abouts and clearly know how to use one. However, there is so much traffic at this intersection it will be a zoo. I travel this spot 2 times a day, to and from work and I will avoid it like the plague.
A2Boiler
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 2:48 p.m.
Maybe influencing people to avoid the area is part of their plan? (TIC) Folks - you don't have to post everything that pops into your mind...there is this thing called civility...
ArthGuinness
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 4:43 a.m.
Good riddance.
actionjackson
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 2:27 a.m.
I use Brighton's roundabout quite frequently. No problems. Speed limit is 20mph. Look left, clear, go. Pretty simple stuff here. I have driven through the "magic roundabout" in Hemel Hempstead UK. Now that was an experience. Five roundabouts with at least 30 choices for exit.
Dog Guy
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 9:48 p.m.
I didn't need anyone to hold the pony's lead rope and I don't need a "senior practice run." Just post a sign noting the minimum number of turns required before leaving the traffic circle.
Gorc
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 9:44 p.m.
The intersection at Carpenter Rd (Hogback) and Washtenaw Ave has the most auto accidents per year than another intersection in Wasthtenaw County. It will be interesting to compare the number of annual accidents at this new roundabout to Carpenter/Washtenaw Ave after the first year in use.
MRunner73
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 9:42 p.m.
I am turning cold to the idea of a roundabout at this intersection. Rush hours times will be aweful. I have seen roundabouts work in very high traffic areas but not here locally. The folks over there are highly skilled and experienced driving roundabouts across town for decades. (St Maarten).
melissa
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 9:16 p.m.
My only question is, is there a back route I can take to avoid this intersect altogether? I hate roundabouts because NOBODY uses them properly.
daytona084
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 8:29 p.m.
All these comments claiming that roundabouts are the preferred solution for high volume intersections makes me wonder why nobody knows this. If this is true, let's get roundabouts at Maple/Jackson, Washtenaw/Huron Parkway, Washtenaw/Carpenter, etc etc. For the record, my opinion on the best way to handle traffic at high volume intersections: a bridge.
Ann English
Sat, Mar 24, 2012 : 12:16 a.m.
Right now, the Maple/Jackson intersection has five lanes apiece. So does Washtenaw/Carpenter. I wonder how many lanes a roundabout would have in those intersections. If either road has to be widened for the latter, both gas stations at the eastern side of the intersection will go.
sailor67
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 8:05 p.m.
Fellow senior citizens, you're looking at these roundabouts the wrong way. You need to view them as chicanes ... a quick flick of the wheel to the right ... another quick flick to the left ... and you're through. Don't yield to those slow idiots - just out drive 'em.
Ariel
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 7:48 p.m.
The problem isn't getting the residents acquainted with the roundabout, but all of the out-of-towners who haven't experienced a roundabout before. Traffic at that intersection is horrible during rush heading south, since 2 lanes from State Street turns into 4 lays (2 to turn left onto Ellsworth) and then only 1 lane of State Street south of Ellsworth. I hope this roundabout works, but I feel like it might not during rush hour.
Ann English
Sat, Mar 24, 2012 : 12:11 a.m.
Even at intersections that don't use roundabouts, you sometimes have to know the lane layout ahead of you right before and right beyond the intersection, if you don't want to miss your destination. Or find out too late that you're in the wrong lane AND the correct lane is full of cars so you can't move over to it. Or find out too late that on the other side of the intersection, two lanes quickly become one, but again, that "only" lane is full of cars who didn't realize your intentions.
John Q
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 2:01 a.m.
What out-of-towners are driving through that intersection?
John Q
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 7:44 p.m.
A bit condescending to seniors. They're not idiots and many of them are far better drivers than much of the driving public. I'm more worried about the people who don't seem to be able to handle even the most modest change in the roadway. If those people can't handle a roundabout, can we get their driver's license revoked?
Are you serious?
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 7:18 p.m.
Forgot to mention - who would like to bet how long it is before there is a call to 911 saying "I've been going around in this roundabout for 30 minutes and nobody will let me out!"
Ann English
Sat, Mar 24, 2012 : 12:04 a.m.
Why, did you see a movie dating back to the twentieth century, in which two guys got into a roundabout and stayed in it all day, even while the sun was setting?
Brad
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 12:19 p.m.
Big Ben! Parliament!
Basic Bob
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 8:19 p.m.
Hopefully they will be calling hands-free. But that does bring up a good point. If you miss your turn, go around and try again. Can't do that at a four-way light with 2 left turn lanes.
Are you serious?
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 7:10 p.m.
I think I am in the "senior" categorey , whatever that means. Does one have to show their senior status before being allowed on the track? Er I mean street? I got excited when I read this headline because I assumed it was something like the "practice runs" at NASCAR or Indy car races. I was looking forward to setting some personal speed records taking a few laps around the circle before exiting. Alas it does not appear to be that at all. Sigh...
ynot31
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 12:47 p.m.
Oh, that gave me a good belly laugh. Thanks for that!
a2migrl
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 6:38 p.m.
Without traffic lights it looks like a bad game of frogger to get across both Sate and Ellsworth. Again the issue of the lack of traffic FLOW on Ellsworth has not been addressed. If Ellswoth is the parking lot it usually is how exactly is a round-about going to solve this issue? I work on Research Park Dr, how are we ever going to make a left on State or Ellsworth in the rush hours? Social Security office is located on Research Park Dr as well as a school and many other businesses with people that need to cross Ellsworth and State to get to the bus stop. I understand that it is a good idea for this intersection, traffic has been horrible for the last 10 yrs. Also, the businesses on Research Park Dr were not notified of the meetings or that this was going to be done.
Dawn
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 6:36 p.m.
This is one of the most rediculous locations for a roundabout! The traffic there has enough trouble without people trying to figure out which lane they need and who has to yield to whom! Many people don't even realize that the lane that sends traffic to the gas station acutally merges later on! Leave this location alone as a regular intersection! Our road planners and decision makers need a heads up on where roundabouts would work better. Notice the 3 in a row out near Dixboro- that's a drivers headache! Stop trying to be like England- I thought we were independent from them.
Ann English
Sat, Mar 24, 2012 : midnight
It took awhile to figure out that by "3 in a row out near Dixboro" you mean Geddes. It was no headache to turn right on Geddes from US-23 earlier this month. By "Dixboro" at first I wasn't sure if you meant the village or the road.
Scott Batson
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 6:22 p.m.
Here's a quote: "By 2025, a quarter of all drivers in the United States will be over the age of 65. Intersections are the single most dangerous traffic environment for drivers of any age with left-hand turns being the single most dangerous traffic maneuver that any of us can make. Forty percent of all crashes that involve drivers over the age of 65 occur at intersections. This is nearly twice the rate of experienced younger drivers. AARP would like to see more roundabouts constructed because of the many safety benefits that they present for drivers of all ages." - Jana Lynott, AARP Public Policy Institute Modern roundabouts are the safest form of intersection in the world. Visit www.iihs.org for FAQs and safety facts. If you want to see the difference between a traffic circle, a rotary (UK roundabout) and a modern roundabout, search www.k-state.edu to see pictures. www.fhwa.dot.gov has a video about modern roundabouts that is mostly accurate (http://tinyurl.com/3hjrqus ).
15crown00
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 6:13 p.m.
AARP is nuts
Townie
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 10:08 p.m.
Opps, trying to convince people with facts. That's a mistake here with the 'fear factor' crowd - they will not be convinced by facts,. Just fear.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 6 p.m.
Can we have some practice runs for the self checkout line at Krogers too? Thanks.
dfossil
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 5:47 p.m.
The Road Commission folks cite a growth rate of 20% for Pittsfield Township, but plan a Roundabout to slow traffic down to 20 miles per hour! Hows that going to work for you, Pittsfield Township? Especially the trucks trying to navigate this mess. The Senior's are only a tiny factor here so don't try & blame us! That we need special treatment, Ha! I'll just go to Sam's club and not patronize Costco, just like I don't go to Brighton either. I can do roundabouts, Semi's can't so well! You have an industrial corridor just south of Ellsworth and this is the main route to Saline. You all, Pittsfield, Ann Arbor & the Road Commission should get together and WIDEN ELLSWORTH & STATE SOUTH OF ELLSWORTH! That is what is needed. But no one is interested in the residents; they got some Federal funds and they wILL spend it this way. Oh, well. 240 folks showed up but are being ignored.
Long Time No See
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 7:31 p.m.
"a Roundabout to slow traffic down to 20 miles per hour!" Umm... I think the alternative is a traffic light, which reduces traffic speed to zero. 20 > 0 If one really can't handle driving in a roundabout, one probably shouldn't be driving at all.
a2migrl
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 6:46 p.m.
There is no frontage to be able to widen Ellsworth between State and Platt. They have looked at it over the years. I have a feeling that State south of Ellsworth is the same way. I have worked out this way since there were no stops on Ellsworth from Platt to State. I have seen the traffic situation grow beyond what most had imagined it would be. Widening these roads has been brought up almost every year in the last 22, since I started working out there.
SMC
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 5:36 p.m.
I'm more concerned about bad drivers in general than senior drivers in particular. Considering the number of people I see who apparently feel as though they must come to a complete stop before making any turn, I wonder if the traffic flow at this intersection will really improve that much.
TylerB
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 6:14 p.m.
Agree 100% - - - Except, of course, for those making a right-hand turn on red ... then, most see no obvious need to stop.
A2Boiler
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 5:33 p.m.
If someone can't figure out how to navigate a traffic circle, I have to wonder what other rules of the road are beyond their comprehension?
Cory
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 5:31 p.m.
Do you think some of the naysayers preaching "nascar-like crashes" and Armageddon at the thought of this roundabout would be speaking a different tune if they knew the following: An average motorist who drives through this intersection can expect to save about $200 yearly due to reduced fuel consumption caused by not stopping and starting at a light. Just a fun fact to add some extra fuel to this fire.
15crown00
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 6:14 p.m.
ya,right ok
Brad
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 12:18 p.m.
Each average motorist who happens to be driving through that particular intersection will save $200 yearly by not stopping/starting at that one roundabout? That does not sound like either "fun" or a "fact". The word I'd use is "ludicrous".
daytona084
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.
We'll see... You are assuming there will be no backup due to the traffic circle's ability to handle the flow.
Are you serious?
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 7:14 p.m.
Is that at $4.00 per gallon or $6.00?
lefty48197
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 5:30 p.m.
Traffic circles have been proven time and time again to be safer and far more efficient at moving traffic. Since nobody around here can seem to make traffic lights work efficiently, traffic circles are clearly the way to go.
Ann English
Fri, Mar 23, 2012 : 11:52 p.m.
I usually avoid the Carpenter-Washtenaw intersection because of the long waits there for a left-turn green light. I drive through residential areas instead. That was how I discovered the traffic circle at Yost and Jeanne. Safe as anything to go through it. Of course, there are other significant features on Yost to get motorists to slow down: SPEED BUMPS.
Townie
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 10:06 p.m.
Forever27: and your point was? That a roundabout is safer - right?
Forever27
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 6:51 p.m.
plus, it's better than having people assume an intersection is safe because of a green light only to get t-boned by someone who blows through a red one at full speed.
ArthGuinness
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 5:21 p.m.
By the way, I'm perfectly happy with the plan to give practice runs to the seniors. People who are willing to learn something are a hell of a lot better than those who just complain without any rational basis.
ArthGuinness
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 5:19 p.m.
For all the people who claim it's "not right for this intersection", let's see some sort of facts or studies to back up your assertion. Because they've already done the studies and you're wrong.
SalineBob
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 5:02 p.m.
Seniors will probably successfully navigate the roundabout as well as anyone--perhaps better. They may use a bit of extra caution and proceed at a slower rate than teenage speed demons who haven't determined when it might be a good idea to use that car accessory called a brake. Slower is better than faster. People will adjust after a few runs through it. Now if you want real excitement in your life try navigating through the triple roundabout off 23 near Brighton. Roundabout fender benders and side swipes aren't as dangerous as more severe collisions caused by people running red lights.
Barzoom
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 4:53 p.m.
I don't understand why this is necessary. The current traffic light seems to work effectively. I realize that Costco will increase the traffic volume through this intersection. Everyone wants to get to their destination with a minimum amount of trouble and delay. People simply don't know how to use round-abouts properly (especially those who don't use them often). Anyone who has been to the one by Costco in Brighton will understand. Drivers will constantly be in the wrong lane causing accidents and delays. This round-about seems like a bad idea to me.
ynot31
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 12:39 p.m.
That roundabout in Brighton is the worst intersection to get through safely. And if you are unfamiliar with it, you have a split second to figure out which of the 3 or 4 lanes you need to be in.
SMC
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 5:39 p.m.
Let's face it, Barzoom: Everything changes. You either adapt, or get left behind.
lefty48197
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 5:32 p.m.
Traffic circles ROCK! That intersection is a MESS and traffic will FINALLY move through that area once the traffic circle is built.
ArthGuinness
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 5:18 p.m.
Everybody, including most proponents of roundabouts, agree that the design in Brighton is terrible. But that's because it's a ridiculous figure-8. Normal roundabouts have been repeatedly proven to be safer and with better traffic flow, even in the good old United States where you apparently think nobody has the ability to learn anything.
Les Gov
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 4:51 p.m.
Good grief.....
John of Saline
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 4:32 p.m.
Can we have the practice runs televised and streamed over the Internet, with a NASCAR-style announcer? Ideally, the cars would have numbers painted on them , too.
Ann English
Fri, Mar 23, 2012 : 11:44 p.m.
Before the roundabouts on Maple Road were built, I watched an online instructional video narrated by Paul W. Smith, on using roundabouts. The cars in the roundabout there in the background were doing everything right, smoothly entering and exiting the roundabout. No, it was not for entertainment value at all. I can add to your fanciful suggestion by adding, "Let's have the cars all do U-turns in the first roundabout, and U-turns in one other roundabout. That would be more like driving on a real NASCAR track." Real laps.
15crown00
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 6:15 p.m.
don't forget DW and Kyle Petty
ynot31
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 12:36 p.m.
I don't care who you are...that's funny, right there!! Thx 4 the laugh, John :)
sultanofswing
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 4:32 p.m.
Now that we have those incompetent seniors covered will there be a class for drivers on cell phones ?
dougfair
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 3:14 p.m.
@Arieswoman I think you missed the sarcasm in sultanofswing's comment.
jns131
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 1:41 p.m.
I second that comment as well. My round about can beat your round about any day of the week.
Arieswoman
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 5:24 p.m.
We seniors are far from incompetent! I have been driving probably more years than you are old. Resent the comment.
ksr48
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 4:27 p.m.
Glad to hear the township is being proactive. Would have been easy to just sit back and say "its the road commission's baby and we can't do anything about it." Not like the township asked for the roundabout. The road commission did.
Basic Bob
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 5:56 p.m.
Oh, but the township altered the master plan and rezoned for Costco, causing the increase in traffic. It's hard to blame the road commission for creating the problem.
justcurious
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 4:20 p.m.
Hopefully no one will end up in one of the lanes that deadens into an island. This could cause traffic jams in itself.
obviouscomment
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 4:17 p.m.
It seems to me that more people than just seniors need help with roundabouts. How about stepping up traffic patrols at roundabouts to slow people down. Roundabouts are a pain in this area because people go through them too fast causing other traffic to have to stop before entering because they can't get in the appropriate lane. The roundabouts in Ann Arbor seem more like 4 way stops to me.
M
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 6:36 p.m.
@lefty - If we put people in jail for traffic violations, everyone would be in jail. Disproportionate response much?
lefty48197
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 5:33 p.m.
I agree totally. People driving too fast through roundabouts totally screw up their efficiency. The police need to monitor new traffic circles and be prepared to ticket EVERYBODY who doesn't obey the posted low speed limits within the traffic circle. Put them in jail if you have to...
Cory
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 5:04 p.m.
Roundabouts are a pain because people aren't used to them. If you can't enter a roundabout due to traffic, you're doing it wrong (unless you're behind one of those people who confuse "Yield" with "STOP")
Forever27
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 3:39 p.m.
cue the typical fear of learning how to change driving habits
grimmk
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 2:49 p.m.
@ Cory - or the idiots who stop IN the roundabout to let people in. Seriously?!
Cory
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 5:01 p.m.
3rded. Why can't people understand that "Yield" doesn't mean "STOP"? That's the #1 problem with roundabouts in this country. "Oh, there's a Yield sign, I guess I've got to come to a complete stop to make sure that the empty roundabout is really empty... (as seen repeatedly on Geddes)
deletedcomment
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 4:16 p.m.
Truth!
ThaKillaBee
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 3:28 p.m.
I didn't think roundabouts were meant for such high traffic areas. I know they ease congestion, but with cars coming from all angles at once, it's going to be a fight to even get in at rush hour.
jns131
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.
They need one at State and 94. That is always an accident waiting to happen.
MRunner73
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 9:38 p.m.
This can also be a high traffic area. Lots of north/south traffic on State Street to and from Saline as well as east/west on Ellsworth.
ThaKillaBee
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 3:31 p.m.
Nevermind! I was thinking Eisenhower instead of Ellsworth.
Basic Bob
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 3:25 p.m.
Any word on the proposed State Road widening from the new roundabout down to Dr. Grewal's house?
Ann English
Fri, Mar 23, 2012 : 11:21 p.m.
That illustration of the proposed roundabout does make it appear that widening that part of State Road at the southeastern corner won't affect the Citgo Station's day-to-day operations.
Basic Bob
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 5:46 p.m.
@ksr48, Zippy is a mascot.
ksr48
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 4:29 p.m.
Would widening help you get to your house easier? Sounds like it. Textile to Thomas. By the way, what's up with the puppet flipping the bird? Seems bit inappropriate, don't ya think?
GeeWhiz
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 3:19 p.m.
Experts can site all the surveys they want, seniors can be given tons of practice runs, but a round-about is not ideal for such a high-volume intersection - it is going to be a mess!
Arborcomment
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 12:06 a.m.
Lefty is correct, for an example, google map "Gants Hill" in London England. Seven streets and the A12 all going into one roundabout.
lefty48197
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 5:35 p.m.
WRONG! Traffic circles were DESIGNED to be used in high volume intersections! They wouldn't serve any purpose at low volume intersections!
dukeravenwood
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 3:19 p.m.
uh oh, sounds like a set up for the pittsfield demolition derby
Captain Splat
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 1:11 a.m.
Haha, awesome. My co-workers and I have often joked we should open a restaurant at that corner just to walk all of the collisions that will occur.