Roundabout might be a better solution than new Stadium Boulevard bridges
A recent news item reported that the financing for the Stadium Boulevard bridges has again been delayed. This seems to present an ideal time to re-examine the problem, and perhaps find another solution.
I believe a roundabout should be considered. With the recent rise of these, in and around Ann Arbor, this would seem to be an ideal location for another one. While the nearby houses and university facilities might require a lot of negotiation, and high property acquisition costs, there should be a large saving in construction costs.
Without a bridge at State Street, there would be no need for a bridge over the railroad tracks, hence more saving. A grade crossing there should be no more troublesome than the one around the corner at State Street.
Another solution, probably even cheaper, would be a light controlled intersection such as the existing one at Main Street. Except for football Saturdays, traffic seems to flow well there.
Just because there has been a bridge here for many years should not mean that a bridge is required. Howard P. Fox Scio Township
Editor’s note: Ann Arbor lost out on $500,000 in additional federal funding for the Stadium Boulevard bridges project in December, but $17.3 million in state and federal funding for the project remains intact.
Comments
MIKE
Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 12:51 a.m.
The railroad owns the land, and will not allow a grade crossing. So, a bridge it will be.
RuralMom
Tue, Jan 11, 2011 : 12:41 p.m.
So Local what you are saying is don't use something that may be the better option because YOU don't have the patience for the learning curve. Yep that's a great reason!
local
Mon, Jan 10, 2011 : 7:57 a.m.
No more roundabouts, people simply don't understand how to drive on/in them. The new Geddes rd. roundabouts would be awesome except people simply stop before entering them or while in them because they don't know how they work. This would be a bad idea specially in that area during sporting events.
jcj
Sun, Jan 9, 2011 : 2:30 p.m.
If the bridge is allowed to deteriorate any more. The best solution might be to just close it off and put a culdesac on each side.