Vicki Griffin
When a traffic roundabout showed up on Internet driving directions in an unfamiliar corner of Cobb County, I quickly changed my request to avoid it.
Visions of Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. and my earliest driving days swam around my head. Dupont is a traffic circle that encompasses a park, neighborhood, historic district and no fewer than five feeder streets. While it does not define today’s typical traffic roundabout, it is among my earliest recollections of driving.
So, with fear and intimidation haunting me, avoidance was my solution. I was spooked at the prospect of getting misdirected or lost. But as a resident of Roswell, I suppose I should get more comfortable driving in roundabouts. Just a few months after the city completed installing a roundabout at Norcross Street and Grimes Bridge Road to improve the intersection, more are being pondered.
Roswell leaders have embraced the safety of traffic roundabouts and are considering raising them at intersections seen as problematic. The roundabouts are said to decrease the frequency and seriousness of crashes as traffic moves more slowly and in one direction.
Plans already are under way for a roundabout at Houze and Hembree roads on Roswell's north side, although I haven't seen any issues that would warrant its construction as traffic seems to move through the intersection and vehicles turn with ease.
Several other roundabouts are under consideration. One potential candidate is the intersection at Hardscrabble and King roads. A roundabout may be needed here due to the traffic congestion generated by the proximity of Roswell High School. Though I would argue that better timing of the turn signals to accommodate crunch times and polite civility among drivers would better serve this intersection.
Another roundabout candidate: Pine Grove Road. Now this is an artery I frequently use and that I am familiar with where several intersections are under consideration. Along this stretch I'd say only the intersection at North Coleman Road would possibly benefit.
As for Roswell's most recent roundabout at Grimes Bridge Road and Norcross Street, I don't know what the situation was like prior but vehicles seem to move slowly and smoothly. My only concern is with the pedestrian crosswalks. They are clearly marked but they appear not to be completely aligned.
This is not an issue for those with good vision, but for the visually impaired, those navigating with long canes or guide animals, could the slight angle of the crosswalk set them off course and into traffic? If so, that should be addressed.
As more roundabouts are considered in Roswell, I wonder if what's really needed in some cases is a turn signal timed to allow all of the turning traffic to comfortably clear the intersection throughout the morning and evening rushes.
The City of Roswell welcomes questions on planned roundabouts. Visit www.roswellgov.com. The city also is in the process of redesigning the Atlanta Street corridor and welcomes your suggestions, preferences and vision to improve the travel and safety of this historic gateway.
Vicki Griffin has lived in Roswell for 22 years. She can be reached at vlg1230@hotmail.com.
