ABOUT THAT ROUNDABOUT…

As you are probably aware, a roundabout is under construction at the intersection of Morro Bay Blvd. and Quintana Rd. Initially, Cal Trans suggested a roundabout for this intersection and the Highway 1 and Highway 41 intersection. Roundabouts have been used successfully in Europe for years as tools for improving traffic flow, reducing accidents and lowering carbon emissions because vehicles don’t need to stop, idle and start as often.

During the public hearings on both suggested locations, speakers expressed concern for the Highway 41 area due to the mixed use by grammar school students walking to and from school, high school students, both on foot and in cars, seniors from the mobile home parks and business traffic on North Main St. These concerns resulted in the Council not supporting a roundabout for that location.

At those same hearings, however, there was general support expressed for a roundabout at the Morro Bay Blvd. and Quintana Rd. location. This support was based on the obvious problems with traffic flow at this location and the fact that, because of limited space, traffic signals would further impede the traffic flow during busy times, with the potential for backing cars up on Highway 1. The Council therefore supported a roundabout at this location, and major funding was provided by the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG).

Having driven through many roundabouts both in this country and in Europe, I believe that this intersection will be much more efficient and easier to negotiate with the roundabout once we become familiar with how it works. We will be providing videos and information on Channel 20 to educate us, and you are invited to use the following links to learn more.

www.virginiadot.org/info/faq-roundabouts.asp

www.ksdot.org/burtrafficeng/Roundabouts/Roundabout_Guide/RoundaboutGuide.asp