Roundabouts to receive signs, fine tuning
August 8, 2008 by Lynda Jensen, Editor
Filed under General
The conversation continues about roundabouts on Highway 7. The first of two roundabouts (or traffic circles) is completed at Co. Rd. 10, with a second to be completed by the first week of September by Highways 25 and 7 near Mayer. (Click here to see diagram at right larger.)
One person who was present during Wednesday’s Highway 7 project update meeting said MnDOT made the situation worse by designing the roundabouts with center mounds, because the mounds create a visual barrier and drivers are unable to see other traffic. He said roundabouts in Europe are not designed that way.
“We have our own concerns about the design,” Johnson said. He explained that he is concerned about possible snow drifting in the roundabouts during the winter, and said the mounds could be removed in the future if necessary
Following up on another concern with the roundabouts, Brunkhorst said she expected additional signs for the roundabout to be delivered by last Friday. These will include “yield ahead” signs, and advisory signs recommending a maximum speed of 20 mph in the roundabouts.
A Few years ago The Dot built a round about on Hwy 13 near Prior Lake in the middle of nowhere. I was through it two times after a snow fall. The first time there were tracks in the ditch going around it. Probably due to a accident. The second time on the following day the tracks in the snow went right thru the center of the roundabout also due to a accident.
At least the roundabout pictured near New Prague doesn’t have the center mound obstructing the view from other directions.