by Charles E. McWilliam, P.E. & Catherine M. McWilliam, Hamilton
We vehemently oppose the idea of a roundabout at the intersection of Bell Crossing and US Highway 93. As a matter of fact, we want to know who came up with it, and why? Was federal funding provided that you feel needs to be used for anything, regardless of whether the project is valid, or the funding will be lost?
After traveling the world over a 14-year period, we came to find out that the countries that previously relied on traffic circles to move traffic (England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, etc.), no longer do. These countries now build intersections very similar to those in the United States. Our people must think that if the idea came from somewhere else it must be good. This is not a good assumption.
In our experience, having spent years in countries with roundabouts around the world, they do not improve traffic flow. We assume you’ve driven through round-abouts. Traffic slows down as drivers assess what to do and where to go. They are confusing and an accident waiting to happen. This is especially an issue for Ravalli County as many of the drivers in Ravalli County are senior citizens, most of whom would find a roundabout very confusing. In addition, winter driving conditions would only compound the safety issues. Roundabouts are only effective in areas with little & slow-moving traffic (i.e. residential areas).
Has a cost-benefit analysis been completed which compares the proposed roundabout plan with the simple installation of a computer-controlled traffic light which would allow traffic to flow efficiently? Transformers on the Northeast corner would most likely have to be moved to provide a circle that would be large enough with adequate lane size to accommodate semi-trucks & the many trucks with trailers that travel US Highway 93. Has this been analyzed?
It would be irresponsible to build the roundabout simply because a government agency provided funds to do so, without consideration for the safety of the drivers and the increase in property damage. Furthermore, it would be a waste of taxpayer money.
Cris Faes says
Please attend the commissioner’s meeting on September 25th at 11AM. They oppose the roundabout and only want a traffic light. Sign the petition opposing the roundabout. Go to the Bell Crossing roundabout page, the list of locations gathering signatures is there. Everywhere from Stevensville to Darby
Gomez says
The main reason that roundabouts are being replaced with traffic lights in some European cities has less to do with traffic flow than it does with them being less than ideal for pedestrians and bike traffic, neither of which would be a concern at the proposed location on 93. Roundabouts reduce high speed t-bone type collisions by 80%. Now, the cost? That is a different discussion. But it is disingenuous to imply that roundabouts are being replaced with traffic lights because they are inefficient or unsafe.
helen sabin says
Dear Charles and Catherine…
Thank you for speaking out on this issue. Many Bitterrooters feel the same way about the Roundabout. They all know that a 4 way stop light is the ONY way to go. I just wrote a letter to Governor Gianforte to STOP the roundabout from happening. Not only have other countries learned their lessons, this project is a huge waste of taxpayer money. 8.5 M for a roundabout and 1.5 Mil for a 4 way red light and signs that slowly make drivers decrease speed approaching the light just like in Lolo and Florence. IT angers me that the MDT forgets that WE FUND THE GOVERNMENT and give them money to operate – thus is it OUR tax dollars at work here. The “explanations of the MDT as to why they want this idiotic project show corruption and disregard of opinion in the Bitterroot. I am going to post your letter for all to copy and send to the Governor – he needs to know that we can vote for someone who WILL listen to us rather than ignore us. Please send your letter to Gianforte and get others to do so also. Let’s use our voting power to wake up Helena.
Theresa Manzella is the chair person of the transportation Dept in the state legislature and she has been silent on this issue. The county Commissioner report that they have tried working with the MDT and they do NOT listen. Thus urge the governor to cut their budget and fire many in that department – they just waste money and ignore our voices. Here in Corvallis we need money for roads – NOT a roundabout. I drive in Hamilton often and you too need money for roads. let MDT spend that money here in our cities where it is needed. Thanks for your effort on this matter.
Bitterrooter says
The facts about roundabout safety are not contested. Study after study have shown dramatic reductions in fatalities (~90%) and serious injuries (~76%) in roundabouts vs stoplights.
It is legitimately a question whether roundabouts are actually cheaper in the long term when compared to stoplights; many sources claim this is true.
Many of the arguments I have seen against a Bell Crossing roundabout are just outlandish or demonstrably false–such as “it is dangerous to haul horses through one”, or “big trucks can’t go through them”, or “everyone will opt to drive from Corvallis to Stevi on Eastside simply to avoid the roundabout.”
Social media has been at its worst in whipping up the whole roundabout hysteria (ok maybe not its “worst”, but that is a low bar to crawl under).
In the end, those who oppose the roundabout are simply willing to trade the lives and bodies of those driving 93 rather than embrace a proven traffic system that they are unfamiliar with.
Bill Stroud says
Helen, if a roundabout is installed at Bell, remember to……look left-not right.
Oh, the irony.
Sonja K says
Theresa Manzella has not been silent. She has spearheaded a petition drive. Working with others to get a meeting with the Ravalli County Commissioners. And has reached out to others in state government to try to stop this. She has encouraged everyone to write their representatives and also attend the public meetings (even though, from what I heard, they are not to take public input but to explain why we should just accept their plan).