Roundabout is proposed
Public meeting
to be held Oct. 7
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
At a special meeting Monday morning with Florence City Council, Kansas Secretary of Transportation Deb Miller and other Department of Transportation officials introduced the idea of installing a roundabout at the intersection of U.S.-50 and U.S.-77.
A roundabout is a circular intersection that does not require a stop but requires a yield at entry. According to traffic engineers, it keeps traffic from locking up and allows free flow movement.
Roundabouts are common in other parts of the world but are relatively new in the United States.
According to Miller, if the proposal is approved, an attempt would be made to build the roundabout at Florence at the same time the stretch of U.S.-77 between U.S.-50 and U.S.-56 is reconstructed, a project expected to occur sometime in 2005.
The roundabout would be a little more than 130 feet in diameter to accommodate tractor-trailers and would have a raised center. Each entrance would have a splitter island and a flared entry.
One-way signs mounted in the center island would help guide traffic and keep drivers traveling to the right. Destination signs also would guide travelers.
Traffic engineer David Church said 22 roundabouts have been constructed in Kansas, with positive results.
He said people initially are opposed because of unfamiliarity or the cost, but after a roundabout is in place, most see it as a good thing.
Church said statistics prove that accidents drop as much as 75 percent at roundabout intersections, and those which do occur usually are minor.
Florence Ambulance director Scott Zogelman asked how traffic could be deterred at a roundabout when an accident occurs.
"The roundabout will eliminate the type of accident you're talking about," Church said.
Zogelman reiterated his position that an overpass is the best solution. Noting responses of law enforcement, ambulance, and fire truck to accident scenes, he said, "this little town of Florence has to absorb all the costs."
Miller said an overpass would cost approximately eight million dollars.
"We're working hard to find the money to fund currently planned projects," she said, noting the crunch in state revenue.
A four-way stop was instituted at the intersection about three weeks ago. Mayor John Lehman said he was informed by one sheriff's deputy that numerous infractions had occurred.
It was noted that "Stop Ahead" signs on U.S.-50 are clearly marked, some with flashing red lights, but people don't seem to see them.
Zogelman suggested the speed limit be further reduced on approaches to the intersection. Sheriff Lee Becker noted that a 25 mph limit would be required to slow some travelers to 45 mph.
Everyone agreed the variable message boards provide the most visible warning. Church said the boards will remain in place until the end of the month.
Fire chief Travis Parmley said the four-way stop is the best thing at the present time.
Church agreed four-ways reduce accidents but they also cause delays in the flow of traffic.
KDOT tentatively has set Oct. 7 as the date for a public meeting to be held at a location not yet determined.
Miller said the meeting will be informal. Brochures and poster displays will be available, as well as a video of vehicles in action at a roundabout. KDOT officials will be present to hear concerns and answer questions.
The exact time and place will be announced at a later date.
