Danielsville to get second roundabout

Zehngraff said the only way a traffic light could compete with the efficiency of a roundabout would be to install both left and right-hand turn lanes, which would double the cost of the project.

Another decision that factored into the choice of a roundabout was price. A preliminary price for the roundabout is estimated at $243,000 in construction costs, while turn lanes could have cost as much as $370,000.

Higdon, who himself favored the roundabout, said the matter for him is primarily a speed issue, saying the roundabout would make it necessary for drivers to slow down. Zehngraff agreed, saying traffic speed generally increases when turn lanes are installed at a traffic light, since drivers are able to anticipate what drivers in front of them are going to do.

Higdon said that the major concern of citizens he has spoken with is whether large trucks will be able to negotiate the roundabout without difficulty.

A DOT study showed that only 6.8 percent of the traffic through the intersection is transfer truck traffic on any given day. Officials said a “truck apron” would be installed in the roundabout so that trailers can track behind tractors as they travel around the circle.

Zehngraff told the council that studies have shown that traffic circles reduce accidents at intersections by 70 – 80 percent, and that the accidents that do occur are generally less severe.

“There is no T-boning, which causes a tremendous reduction in fatalities and serious injuries,” he said.

Only five citizens showed up for the meeting, and Higdon appealed to them several times to voice their opinions on the matter. Those who expressed an opinion were in favor of the roundabout.

“It looks to me like a turning lane is just a disaster waiting to happen,” Danielsville resident and former council member Nina Hitchcock said.

Resident Michael Perdue said he liked it that there were no traffic lights to maintain, that traffic will be forced to slow down to negotiate the roundabout and that crosswalks will be moved back from the circle, making it safer for pedestrians.

The roundabout will have a 40 — 50 foot green space at its center and will have a circumference of about 200 feet.
“This is probably the biggest decision Danielsville has made in 50 years,” Higdon said. “And I’ve done all in my power to get the word out so that people can voice their opinions.”

All three plans have been on display at city hall over the past several weeks. The council’s vote, which was originally expected to come in January, had to be moved up due to DOT timeframe issues.

Higdon said construction will likely begin once school is out next May.

DOT officials will now begin work on right-of-way acquisitions and utility issues. The plan will have limited effect on the businesses on each corner of the intersection, officials pointed out, and property values are expected to increase.

The town’s original roundabout at the old courthouse recently underwent major changes involving driver right-of-ways and crosswalks. The council accepted a bid last month on concrete islands that are still to be constructed.