#23200976

I would like to provide feedback regarding the newly implemented roundabout at the five-way intersection, with the goal of addressing concerns shared by nearby residents and requesting improvements that promote the safety of both pedestrians and drivers. As a resident living near this intersection, I have noticed a significant increase in daily honking and traffic conflicts since the roundabout was installed. When stop signs were previously in place, these occurrences were much less frequent. Some of the situations I have repeatedly observed include: Drivers failing to yield to vehicles already entering or circulating within the roundabout. Drivers honking at vehicles ahead of them for slowing down or briefly stopping to check for oncoming traffic before entering. Frequent near-misses between vehicles due to improper yielding and excessive speed. drivers traveling so quickly through the roundabout that they cannot safely navigate the circular island, resulting in vehicles driving directly over it. While some drivers previously failed to stop at the stop signs, similar behaviors appear to be occurring with the roundabout. In particular, vehicles approaching from the airport along Maitland often travel straight through without sufficiently slowing down or yielding. One of my biggest concerns is pedestrian safety. I have observed vehicles entering and traveling through the roundabout at speeds that make it difficult for them to stop for pedestrians at the crosswalks. In many instances, pedestrians appear to be yielding to vehicles rather than vehicles yielding to pedestrians. Since the roundabout was installed, I have personally observed multiple accidents over the past few months. These incidents appear to be occurring more frequently than when the intersection was controlled by stop signs. Several accidents have involved vehicles entering the roundabout at excessive speeds, failing to yield, and colliding with vehicles already circulating or preparing to exit. Nearby residents have also experienced significant property damage, including totaled vehicles, as a result of traffic entering and exiting the roundabout. I recognize that roundabouts can be an effective way to improve traffic flow and reduce vehicle speeds when properly designed and implemented. However, the current layout does not appear to be achieving those intended outcomes at this particular intersection. Certain approaches and exits allow vehicles to maintain excessive speeds, creating constant conflicts and increasing the risk of accidents. I would also like to address other comments that I have heard that "people will eventually learn to use the roundabout eventually". As this roundabout is close to the airport and hotel near the business park, this introduces not only locals driving through this street, but also Ubers/other visitors going to and from the airport, creating this high traffic area for daily and new drivers. I would like to see additional safety measures considered to improve driver awareness, reduce speeds, and protect pedestrians. Some potential improvements include: Speed enforcement: Consider traffic enforcement measures, including speed monitoring and legally authorized automated enforcement where permitted, to discourage drivers from exceeding a safe speed. Additional yield or stop controls: Evaluate whether additional signage or other traffic-control measures are needed to encourage drivers to slow down and properly yield before entering the roundabout. Flashing speed indicators: Install radar-based signs displaying a vehicle's current speed, accompanied by a flashing warning when drivers are traveling too fast. Enhanced pedestrian crossings: Install flashing crosswalk lights or other high-visibility pedestrian warning systems to alert approaching drivers when someone is crossing. Improved nighttime visibility: Evaluate additional lighting, reflective signage, and road markings, particularly as daylight hours decrease during the fall and winter months. Ultimately, my concern is that the current intersection presents ongoing risks to both drivers and pedestrians, and I would strongly encourage the city to evaluate the roundabout's design and traffic patterns based on the accidents and near-misses residents have experienced. I hope the city will take the feedback from surrounding residents seriously and consider implementing additional safeguards before another preventable accident occurs. The intention is not simply to criticize the roundabout, but to ensure that it functions safely for everyone who uses this intersection.