They ripped them out 50-60 years ago and now they are putting them back. The new one on Longmire seems ridiculous as the intersection is really too small for it and it seems like an odd place to me. Bryan is putting them everywhere too.
They are probably more efficient in moving traffic in theory, but too many people don't know what to do. Adding college students to the mix makes it worse.
They ripped them out 50-60 years ago and now they are putting them back. The new one on Longmire seems ridiculous as the intersection is really too small for it and it seems like an odd place to me. Bryan is putting them everywhere too.
They are probably more efficient in moving traffic in theory, but too many people don't know what to do. Adding college students to the mix makes it worse.
These two things seem related.
I love roundabouts. They are awesome if you know what to do. It's also weird that people have a hard time with them because they are pretty easy to learn.
I do agree that the one on longmire is kinda pointless because of its size. Is there actually enough traffic through there to warrant more than a 2-way stop?
They ripped them out 50-60 years ago and now they are putting them back. The new one on Longmire seems ridiculous as the intersection is really too small for it and it seems like an odd place to me. Bryan is putting them everywhere too.
They are probably more efficient in moving traffic in theory, but too many people don't know what to do. Adding college students to the mix makes it worse.
These two things seem related.
I love roundabouts. They are awesome if you know what to do. It's also weird that people have a hard time with them because they are pretty easy to learn.
I do agree that the one on longmire is kinda pointless because of its size. Is there actually enough traffic through there to warrant more than a 2-way stop?
My understanding is that ILT paid for the changes, including the roundabout and traffic light at Barron/Longmire, due to the expected increase in traffic when the new high school opens?
They ripped them out 50-60 years ago and now they are putting them back. The new one on Longmire seems ridiculous as the intersection is really too small for it and it seems like an odd place to me. Bryan is putting them everywhere too.
They are probably more efficient in moving traffic in theory, but too many people don't know what to do. Adding college students to the mix makes it worse.
These two things seem related.
I love roundabouts. They are awesome if you know what to do. It's also weird that people have a hard time with them because they are pretty easy to learn.
I do agree that the one on longmire is kinda pointless because of its size. Is there actually enough traffic through there to warrant more than a 2-way stop?
My understanding is that ILT paid for the changes, including the roundabout and traffic light at Barron/Longmire, due to the expected increase in traffic when the new high school opens?
That makes sense, but I still question having a roundabout that small. The purpose of a roundabout is to keep traffic moving, but if only 2 cars can fit in it at a time then it's kind of pointless.
They ripped them out 50-60 years ago and now they are putting them back. The new one on Longmire seems ridiculous as the intersection is really too small for it and it seems like an odd place to me. Bryan is putting them everywhere too.
They are probably more efficient in moving traffic in theory, but too many people don't know what to do. Adding college students to the mix makes it worse.
These two things seem related.
I love roundabouts. They are awesome if you know what to do. It's also weird that people have a hard time with them because they are pretty easy to learn.
I do agree that the one on longmire is kinda pointless because of its size. Is there actually enough traffic through there to warrant more than a 2-way stop?
My understanding is that ILT paid for the changes, including the roundabout and traffic light at Barron/Longmire, due to the expected increase in traffic when the new high school opens?
That makes sense, but I still question having a roundabout that small. The purpose of a roundabout is to keep traffic moving, but if only 2 cars can fit in it at a time then it's kind of pointless.
pointless roundabouts and medians are the two things they are now teaching traffic engineers ; )
A *lot* of cars will exit the school south on longmire and turn left on eagle to get to 6, both north and south. The round about should allow that surge to pass efficiently
They ripped them out 50-60 years ago and now they are putting them back. The new one on Longmire seems ridiculous as the intersection is really too small for it and it seems like an odd place to me. Bryan is putting them everywhere too.
They are probably more efficient in moving traffic in theory, but too many people don't know what to do. Adding college students to the mix makes it worse.
These two things seem related.
I love roundabouts. They are awesome if you know what to do. It's also weird that people have a hard time with them because they are pretty easy to learn.
I do agree that the one on longmire is kinda pointless because of its size. Is there actually enough traffic through there to warrant more than a 2-way stop?
Before the high school it was a 2-way stop for Eagle crossing Longmire and it could be pretty bad during afternoon rush hour. After the high school I'm thinking a left or straight from the bypass side of Eagle could be pretty dangerous for several hours.
Roundabouts are great. People will eventually learn them and it will better as time goes on.
Progress needs to happen not going backwards.
Saves money on light signals and insurance with fewer major accidents and fatalities.
don't stand in the way of something better based on your "own research" which usually is "I once saw someone stop at roundabout entrance when they didn't need to"
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"91_Aggie is right again." -YankeeAg00
"91a: You are so classy." -abl
"and i find myself agreeing with 91 yet again..." -Gramercy Riffs
Roundabouts vs Traffic Lights Safety & Efficiency Shows how roundabouts can move more traffic, reduce crashes, and why some towns replace lights with roundabouts. YouTube
Roundabout Safety Benefits (Why They Work Well) Explains how fewer conflict points and slower speeds make roundabouts safer for vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians. YouTube
Are Roundabouts REALLY Better than a Traffic Signal? Compares crashes and performance between roundabouts and signals. YouTube
Roundabouts Are Safer So Why Does the U.S. Have So Few? (CNBC) More real-world discussion of why roundabouts improve safety and traffic flow. YouTube
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Why Roundabouts Often Outperform Traffic Signals / Stop Signs 1. Safety Big Reductions in Serious Crashes
Roundabouts reduce severe crashes because vehicles travel at slower speeds and all traffic moves in one direction. IIHS Crash Testing
FHWA data shows roundabouts can lead to ~76% fewer injury crashes and ~90% fewer fatal crashes compared with traditional intersections. Federal Highway Administration
Other research reports similar crash reductions when signals or stop signs are replaced with roundabouts. Northampton MA
Because classic intersections have many conflict points (places where vehicles could hit each other) and roundabouts have far fewer, there's simply less chance for dangerous collisions. Nevada Department of Transportation
2. Traffic Flow & Efficiency
Roundabouts keep traffic moving drivers usually yield, not stop reducing delay and idling. Federal Highway Administration
Studies show intersections converted to roundabouts can see major reductions in stops, queues, and delays compared with signals. ScienceDirect
In balanced traffic conditions (lots of traffic from all directions), roundabouts often outperform signals. In some very heavy unbalanced conditions (e.g., a big highway vs. a tiny side street), signals might still be appropriate. IIHS Crash Testing
3. Pedestrians & Cyclists
Roundabouts slow vehicle speeds, which makes crossing safer and gives pedestrians more time to react. IIHS Crash Testing
Crossings are usually set away from the main flow, so pedestrians only deal with traffic coming from one direction at a time. IIHS Crash Testing
4. Cost & Maintenance
Roundabouts typically have lower long-term costs because there's no traffic signal hardware to maintain or power. Federal Highway Administration
Bottom Line Roundabouts tend to be: Safer especially at reducing serious and fatal crashes More efficient less waiting and idling Better for fuel use and emissions Lower cost to operate over time But: Not every intersection is ideal for a roundabout traffic volumes, land space, and local context matter. Traffic lights or all-way stops may still be the best choice in certain situations. IIHS Crash Testing
Roundabouts are good, as long as their diameters are >90 feet for single lanes and >150 feet for multiple lanes. Take the average length of a car/pickup ~15 to 20feet and multiply by 4 and allow for a safety separation. Anything less than 60 feet is not safe.
Roundabouts are great. People will eventually learn them and it will better as time goes on.
Progress needs to happen not going backwards.
Saves money on light signals and insurance with fewer major accidents and fatalities.
don't stand in the way of something better based on your "own research" which usually is "I once saw someone stop at roundabout entrance when they didn't need to"
Which is kinda funny considering the people who stand on the corner of University and Texas with a sign about having your own lane. Clearly, people also stop at intersections with red lights when they don't need to.
Roundabouts are great. People will eventually learn them and it will better as time goes on.
Progress needs to happen not going backwards.
Saves money on light signals and insurance with fewer major accidents and fatalities.
don't stand in the way of something better based on your "own research" which usually is "I once saw someone stop at roundabout entrance when they didn't need to"
Which is kinda funny considering the people who stand on the corner of University and Texas with a sign about having your own lane. Clearly, people also stop at intersections with red lights when they don't need to.
Didn't University and Texas once have a roundabout 60-70 years ago? I find it ironic that we ripped them out and now are embracing them again.
I don't argue that roundabouts have their place, but the decisions about placement are odd at times, as in the Longmire example
Roundabouts are great. People will eventually learn them and it will better as time goes on.
Progress needs to happen not going backwards.
Saves money on light signals and insurance with fewer major accidents and fatalities.
don't stand in the way of something better based on your "own research" which usually is "I once saw someone stop at roundabout entrance when they didn't need to"
Which is kinda funny considering the people who stand on the corner of University and Texas with a sign about having your own lane. Clearly, people also stop at intersections with red lights when they don't need to.
Didn't University and Texas once have a roundabout 60-70 years ago? I find it ironic that we ripped them out and now are embracing them again.
I don't argue that roundabouts have their place, but the decisions about placement are odd at times, as in the Longmire example
Big Traffic Light took it out.
-------------------------------------------------------
"91_Aggie is right again." -YankeeAg00
"91a: You are so classy." -abl
"and i find myself agreeing with 91 yet again..." -Gramercy Riffs
I'm guessing someone does not know much about them if this is terminology used for them.
Go ahead and google Traffic Circles and fix your ignorance.
-------------------------------------------------------
"91_Aggie is right again." -YankeeAg00
"91a: You are so classy." -abl
"and i find myself agreeing with 91 yet again..." -Gramercy Riffs
Roundabouts are great. People will eventually learn them and it will better as time goes on.
Progress needs to happen not going backwards.
Saves money on light signals and insurance with fewer major accidents and fatalities.
don't stand in the way of something better based on your "own research" which usually is "I once saw someone stop at roundabout entrance when they didn't need to"
Which is kinda funny considering the people who stand on the corner of University and Texas with a sign about having your own lane. Clearly, people also stop at intersections with red lights when they don't need to.
Didn't University and Texas once have a roundabout 60-70 years ago? I find it ironic that we ripped them out and now are embracing them again.
I don't argue that roundabouts have their place, but the decisions about placement are odd at times, as in the Longmire example
The roundabout was at S. College and University (then called Sulphur Springs).
A *lot* of cars will exit the school south on longmire and turn left on eagle to get to 6, both north and south. The round about should allow that surge to pass efficiently
Used this for the first time yesterday. I happened to look in my rear view mirror a little bit after I went through it and, sure enough, someone went left.
Roundabouts are great. People will eventually learn them and it will better as time goes on.
Progress needs to happen not going backwards.
Saves money on light signals and insurance with fewer major accidents and fatalities.
don't stand in the way of something better based on your "own research" which usually is "I once saw someone stop at roundabout entrance when they didn't need to"
Which is kinda funny considering the people who stand on the corner of University and Texas with a sign about having your own lane. Clearly, people also stop at intersections with red lights when they don't need to.
Then there are the highly skilled drivers who left exit Northbound 6 at Deacon and make a U-turn to head south on Texas/Highway 6 access road when the light is red; they then insist they can make this U-turn on red as long as they start it a couple of feet before the intersection because, you know, technically they aren't turning AT the red light/intersection.
It's not that people don't know how to use Roundabouts. It's that the roundabouts they are installing are sized too small. Maybe functional if you drive a small compact car but this is Texas and a large percentage of our vehicles are full size. Make them larger or get rid of them.
It's not that people don't know how to use Roundabouts. It's that the roundabouts they are installing are sized too small. Maybe functional if you drive a small compact car but this is Texas and a large percentage of our vehicles are full size. Make them larger or get rid of them.
Thank you. It is as if our traffic engineers need to re-invent the wheel every time they build a roundabout. The absolute worst roundabout in the BCS area was at Esther and Bennett. That one had a diameter of less than 10 feet.
Today they turned on the light at Longmire and Barron to flashing red. They left the right lane closed and traffic backed up to the bypass at 5 pm. No surprise that project has taken way too long and now it is causing problems that were not there before.
