Traffic Circles Flummox Detroit Drivers

Roundabouts cause fewer accidents but require more space, which means higher land costs.

1 minute read

January 6, 2004, 11:00 AM PST

"Kristine Bauer, who lives a couple of blocks away, describes Macomb Countys first major roundabout as 'silly.' 'What a waste of money,' she said. 'We really do have some (other) road problems around here. The money could be better spent.' But resident Gary Steiner said he likes the new roundabout at Utica and Dodge Park roads. Unlike a traditional intersection, a roundabout eases vehicles around a circle without the use of traffic lights. Roundabouts have been common for decades in Europe, Australia and elsewhere. The Utica-Dodge Park roundabout, which opened to traffic in December, was part of a $4.5 million Macomb County Road Commission project to upgrade Utica Road in front of the Sterling Heights Civic Center. Edwin Tatem, county highway engineer for the road commission, said Macomb County motorists should start getting used to roundabouts. More are on the way."

Thanks to Richard Layman

FULL STORY: Drivers Dizzy over roundabout: Reaction to Sterling Heights traffic circle at Utica and Dodge Park is mixed

Sunday, January 4, 2004 in The Detroit News

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