The town board in Alabama has notified that New York Department of Transportation that it opposes a planned $1.8 million roundabout at the intersection of Route 77 and Ledge Road, the site over the years of numerous accidents.
State officials maintain that roundabouts save lives and reduce high-impact, right-angle, serious-injury accidents but town officials in a letter to the DOT said they believe a roundabout at that intersection will make things worse.
"While it may decrease high-impact accidents," the board members wrote, "it will increase low-impact accidents, which will, in turn, increase the amount of emergency calls for our volunteer firemen."
The letter also raises concerns about farmers moving equipment through the roundabout, plowing it in winter, increased noise from trucks slowing and applying their jake brakes, and the danger of traffic slowing as vehicles approach the roundabout.
"The proposed roundabout will be approximately 30 feet from a residence," the letter states. "This poses a significant safety hazard to this property owner."
The town is also concerned that current equipment cannot properly clear the roundabout during and after snowstorms.
"Is the state going to pay for (the town) to purchase the equipment necessary to maintain it?" the letter states, adding later, "Our own highway superintendent is not in favor of this project. It is very difficult to keep this intersection clear in the winter as it is. Adding a roundabout to the mix will make it even more difficult."
The letter is signed by Supervisor Janet Sage, Deputy Supervisor Kevin Fisher, board members Gordon Linsey, Jill Klotzbach and William Cleveland.
The only thing they left out
The only thing they left out is that it's a massive waste of money. If they want traffic to stop at the intersection install a traffic light. They could use almost any of the dozen they have on Main St. in Batavia and nobody would miss it.
I should have included that
I should have included that they do suggest the state try less expensive measures first.
The problem I think is that
The problem I think is that traffic from the south going north(rt 77) around the curve can not stop in time to avoid collisions. Traffic on Ledge Road can not see beyond the top of the knowl looking south. Two bad situations. It sounds like, and I am in favor of a traffic light. But there needs to be a warning before the curse going north. (or the same situation) There is only about 500 feet to stop after the curve.
A traffic light ahead sign in
A traffic light ahead sign in both directions would do it.
Extending the 40 mph speed
Extending the 40 mph speed zone north from Indian Falls past this intersection wouldn't hurt either. Instead of routinely patrolling that area looking for reasons to pull people over with hopes of making an "illegal cigarette" bust the cops could set up radar frequently in that area too.
How about dont be an idiot
How about dont be an idiot, and always look two or three times before you pull out onto a numbered highway from a side road. Plus a sign that says "Cross Traffic doesnt stop" or " Look twice dangerous intersection" or some such. Done.