What is your take on roundabouts?

Wisconsin drivers will be driving in circles more often over the next 10 years, as there likely will be six times the number of traffic roundabouts on state highways. Department of Transportation officials consider the roundabout a safer, time-saving and more fuel-efficient alternative to the traditional four-cornered intersection. So far, the suburban communities of Hales Corners, Franklin and New Berlin have roundabouts, and Muskego and Brookfield are likely getting roundabouts.

We want to hear from you. Those of you who live near roundabouts: Do you like them, now that you are used to them? Do you have any tips for safely using them? Those of you who don't live near them: Do you want them? What problems do you foresee with them?

For background purposes, you can read these stories:
Let's all gather 'round for roundabouts | What's coming 'round the bend

Read Comments

Roundabouts are a great idea as they do not require the use of signal lights and tend to reduce backups normally caused. However the same idiots that stop on freeway on-ramps and don't know how to merge are the same idiots that complain about them and pretty much everything else having to do with change.

- Adam, Milwaukee

I like them a whole lot better than those two way center turn lanes. The one on 116th & Grange works wonderfully. The one on Moorland by the Ridge, not so much.

- Julie, New Berlin, WI

I do not like them. They are confusing and they are going to cause accidents.
Keep them in Europe.

- Vince, Brookfield

Dear Kevin in Eagle you are quick to rip on the simple minded Americans. But they are answering the question that was posed in this article..."Those of you who live near roundabouts: Do you like them, now that you are used to them? Do you have any tips for safely using them? Those of you who don't live near them: Do you want them? What problems do you foresee with them?"

Sounds like people are answering them honestly.

People will get used to them and yes there will be an occasional fender bender until more drivers get educated on there use. The bigger issue is the design of the round-abouts. They can be a great idea but if designed improperly they wont help us simple minded folks.

- Vic, Brookfield

When designed properly they work great. The round-a-bout by the ridge in New Berlin is a joke.

- jb, muskego

I absolutely hate them.I find them confusing and dangerous!

- Sharon, Milwaukee, wi

If you think the current round-a-bout on Moorland snarls traffic....wait unti the construction is complete and the second round-a-bout is open between Beloit Rd and the Interstate.

By the Carrie, you are mistaken, in New Berlin the road is "Moorland Rd" not "Mooreland". The guy from Eagle was correct......

And there have been dozens of accidents in and around the current round-a-bout since it has been open for traffic...

- Brian, Muskego, WI

I drive through the Mooreland Rd. "Roundie"(my new cool made up nick- name)everyday and have never seen or had a problem. In fact, I think they're kind of fun.

- Hazie, Muskego,WI

Roundabouts have worked in Europe for a long time because they know how to design them. Ask the New Berlin planners what happens when you get a semi in the outside lane and a car in the inside lane of the merry-go-round at Moreland and I-43. If he isn't lying he will tell you a crushed car. Let's all go WEEEEE and save time.

- Jim, New Berlin

My take on roundabouts? They suck.

- W.A.M., Treasure Chest, WI.

"To place a roundabout directly in front of a very busy place of business where departing traffic dumps into the roundabout was not smart at all."

Well, if you do any travelling at all, you know that the WI DOT is worthless and we would be better off if Frankieboy would get lost. Our roads are poorly planned and marked. I've not driven in any State or country that is as bad as WI is. The problem with any roundabout is that our drivers are rude and aggressive and don't care at all about the other drivers. We are our own worst enemies!

- El gato, Brookfield, WI

Kevin in Eagle doesn't know how to spell either- it's Mooreland Rd. in New Berlin, not Moorland. Let's see some accident statistics, then we can better judge the benefits of having RAB's.

- Carrie,

The one at the south end of the 6th Street Viaduct and the one on Canal Street, just west of the Casino are both ok. However the one in New Berlin by the Ridge Theater is in a terrible place! Whoever thought that one up was not thinking too clearly at all. To place a roundabout directly in front of a very busy place of business where departing traffic dumps into the roundabout was not smart at all.

- Jennifer Durovka, West Allis WI

I have been in roundabouts & have not been able to figure out which way to turn & usually make the wrong turn. I DO NOT LIKE ROUNDABOUTS! I do not want to see them in Brookfield.

- M B Koch, Brookfield, WI

I strongly favor roundabouts. They move traffic much more efficiently than lights. Vail CO used to have massive traffic jams during busy times. Since going to roundabouts, traffic moves smoothly at all times. The incidence of serious accidents is also greatly reduced, and people don't waste gas sitting in line at red lights. Drivers get used to them very quickly.

- John, Mequon, wi

The roundabout that are in the local areas are to small in diameter and this is very dangerous because Semis cannot move through these traffic control safely because of their length. This also is a problem for a vehicle pulling a long trailer with a boat or a house trailer on them. This is a fad created by the DOT and should be stopped. I lived in Boston for a year and I found those to be acceptable because Boston's roundabouts have large diameters.

- LJL, Franklin, WI

Think about it before you but them in! They are great in the right location but they are a joke when they are put it just because you want to give it a try. The one on Mooreland road in New Berlin is a nightmare! Way too much traffic for that one and the one by the new Target store in Franklin is a waste of money, you have created a problem instead of a cure. Bad planning for traffic controll!

- EM, Muskego

I was, and maybe still am, against roundabouts in Brookfield, but I just returned from Israel and there are roundabouts everywhere and seemed very efficient. I think a big difference is that the drivers there seem much more patient and tolerant, and they know how to handle the roundabouts. I think our aggressive drivers will not use them properly and won't yield the right-of-way as they are supposed to. I think the best way to handle U.S. drivers is with signals, and I think even right turns on red should be eliminated since so many people just "run the light" if they are making the turn. We are horrible drivers if courtesy is taken into account.

- Grant Thomas, Brookfield, WI

I lived in Golden Colorado for 6 years and had to drive everyday thru a section of town which had 4 roundabouts. I found them nerve-racking. Some drivers enter them way too fast and don't yield. Others are way too cautious and sit there waiting to see what oncoming traffic is going to do. Then you had the problem that each roundabout had 2 lanes entering it in opposite directions and some drivers would try to change lanes while in the roundabout. I see they just constructed one in the Dells. You can see the tire marks where people drove their cars over the center of it. Either people there don't get it or are angry and choose to drive over it.

- JED, South Milwaukee,wi

Here's what you do at a roundabout. As you approach the yield sign, look left. If it's clear, you proceed. If it's not clear, you slow or stop and wait for traffic to clear. Once you're in, you have the right of way. Simple concept, right?

Apparently, this concept is too difficult for some Americans to understand. The comments I've seen arguing roundabouts don't have a place in the U.S. demonstrates how thoughtless and simple minded some Americans are. Some would rather continue living in a bubble being told by a red light that you have to stop and a green light you can go, even if it means jamming on your brakes for a sudden yellow/red light with a dozen or more other cars so that ONE vehicle can cross after triggering your red. It doesn't make sense. On the other hand, maybe it does make perfect sense. Since we all probably learned that green light = go and red light = stop by age 5, we know what to do and act accordingly (most of the time) when we encounter these different colors. Virtually no thought. This allows you to concentrate more on eating, talking on your cellphone, reading, changing the radio station, and in general thinking about anything but driving safely.

In the mind of some, this apparently is the American way.

Oh yeah. That north-south road in New Berlin is called and spelled MOORLAND ROAD. MORELAND BLVD is in Waukesha.

- Kevin, Eagle, WI

Roundabouts are safe and have been proven to dramatically reduce serious accidents. Studies have shown modern roundabouts are an unmatched design solution for safe, efficient and attractive intersections. Those are statistical facts.

Read and learn:

http://www.roundaboutsusa.com/intro.html

- Susie, Caledonia, WI

My first experience with the RAB was in Ireland while on a self-guided driving tour of the entire country. My first reaction was this is cool, but the U.S. drivers are way too impatient and rude to get this concept.

If you obey the yield sign you will be fine. Traffic flows beautifully when everyone pays attention.

- Love 'em, Wauwatosa

I really dislike roundabouts. I have to watch the traffic a lot closer, and roundabouts seem unsafe. I have to drive through many of these trendy constructs throughout Wisconsin, and I find them unsettling to maneuver. Since many people don't use their signals, traffic has to stop until they figure out what these non-law abiding drivers are doing. This stops traffic. Cudahy already has too many untimed, gas wasting -- 0 mpg. when red -- streetlights on Layton Ave. to start creating other traffic imposing, but fashionable, hazards.

- L.A., Cudahy, WI

Our parents taught us to look both ways before crossing the road. We need to disregard these rules as they do not apply to RABs. Just look left when approaching a RAB everyone! (It's not that hard.) I'd much rather be in traffic that is moving versus sitting at a light. If I drove a semi truck I probably would not like them as they can be tricky for those drivers. Overall I like them.

- dave, muskego

The RAB on Moorland at the Ridge is ridiculous! Talk about taking your life into your hands, particularly at night & particularly if you aren't familiar with the area. I've used RABs, and they work great--no waiting, traffic keeps moving. But someone at WisDOT was asleep when they designed the Moorland RAB. (Or maybe they're still goin' round in circles.)

- TwoCentsWorth, New Berlin

roundabouts are great you just have to learn how to use them most people think negative. the problem is that most people don't like to exept new challenges

- Gisela Kresmer, South Milwaukee WI

They are annoying because most people don't know how to use them. They cause problems for the people that do.

- Robin, New Berlin, WI

I think that Wisconsin needs to do more to educate the public about the rules for using roundabouts.

- Tom, Brookfield, WI

I do not like roundabouts, I feel they are less safe than four corner stops. First off, when entering one, it is merging into traffic, which will cause more problems than all four corners being at a stop. Secondly, people who are unfamiliar with them, cause problems but not understanding how they work. I do not like them. Four coner stops work, why mess with a decent thing?

- Mary Kappus, Cudahy, WI

Anybody that would rather stop and wait at a red light instead of keeping in motion must be some kind of moron.

- Mike, Wauwatosa

I do not like them.

Maybe I just must get used to them.

All I will say is be careful.

- Dick, Men Fls WI

I think they are awesome. It helps traffic run much smoother. Less accidents from running stop signs.

- Lynn, Wauwatosa

One of the intersections suggested for a roundabout is North and Barker. This intersection is in a residential area and is frequented by pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Most of the roundabouts around the Milwaukee area today are in commercial areas where pedestrian traffic is limited. Traffic planners need to make sure that pedestrians are being considered when designing these traffic features. A good example of a relatively pedestrian friendly roundabout is on Hilton Head island where traffic lanes have clearly designated pedestrian crossings. A poor example is the Canal Street roundabout where pedestrians cross at their own risk.

- Thomas, Brookfield

THE ONLY THING I SEE ROUNDABOUTS DOING IS CREATING MORE TRAFFIC JAMS AND HEADACHES. THEY ARE VERY DANGEROUS. WE ARE FROM THE UNITED STATES. WE DON'T DO WELL WITH ROUNDABOUTS. JUST NORMAL CRISSCROSSING INTERSECTIONS WILL DO.

- SARAH KAMINSKI, WEST ALLIS, WI

I too, would like to know how many accidents have occurred on the Mooreland RAB- is the DOT afraid to post a response?

- Pat, Muskego

This isn't Europe
We like lights
Roundabouts will always be a problem here because they are encountered infrequently by most drivers
But the topic does give our well-heeled European travelers another chance to echo their worldly exploits

- Bob, Brookfield

They are an archaic method of controlling traffic and should not be used. It is quite an experience to be in one of these roundabouts as cars are shifting lanes to exit an intersection. Try the one south of the 6th street bridge for a hair raising experience.

They should be eliminated.

Russ Cramer

- Russell T. Cramer, Germantown, WI

Look kids Big Ben, Parliment.

If you don't get it, rent the movie "European Vacation".

- Jim, Cudahy

Why didn't they install any roundabouts in the Marquette Interchange?

- Biff Wellington, Cudahy

We should have more of them! I am so tired of people who don't even know how to handle a simple 4-way stop! Roundabouts keep things moving. If you keep moving, you save gas. While we're at things, let's get rid of those ridiculous traffic lights to get on the freeway. Thousands of gallons of gas are wasted and millions of tons of particulates and greenhouse gases are put into our atmosphere every day! Learn how to merge, Cheeseheads!

- Ron, Oak Creek

I posted a somewhat flip response earlier, but decided to ammend it after driving through the intersection at 60th/Center/Lisbon the other day.

That's a very dangerous intersection because people get confused about when and where to turn and about which signal applies to their lane of traffic. I used to work nearby and can attest to the fact that there are frequent accidents.

There are a few other local intersections where three major roads intersect. Roundabouts would be an ideal solution to managing traffic.

- Nancy, Wauwatosa, WI

I think that the Moorland roundabout is a problem and a dangerous one at that. The first time I drove through it, I was unfamiliar with the route and almost killed myself and another carload of people. I slowed down but everyone else was going very fast. It is very poorly marked and the middle lane is a hazard especially if you need to be in the right lane. The designer should be made to drive it four times a day for a couple of weeks and then he can design another one. Also maybe fix the one on Moorland.
I have driven roundabouts in Boston and Europe and they do it better.

- Nettie, New Berlin

Regarding Moorland avenue one,It will never do what it supposed to do until the DOT removes the vertical pipes used to that are used to block the left lane in the Roundabout. Right now nobody knows where to position their car and it is just a traffic mess. Open both lanes so we can get used to it.

- Ralph Heun, New Berlin,WI

I like them except for one thing. People drive too fast or try to get around you and if you have never been to that location and it is your first time, it can be a harrowing experience. Now days people are rude when driving. If we could stop that, they would be great.

- BARB, Menomonee Falls

The Ridge Roundabout in New Berlin is a circus!!! I didn't enjoy being hit from behind as I was yielding to traffic in the roundabout a few months ago. PEOPLE DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW TO DRIVE THROUGH THESE THINGS! Drivers can't seem to figure out the right of way and when they should and should not yield.

I am always super cautious when I drive through it. Does anyone feel 100% confident and safe driving through the roundabout? Don't you think more accidents are likely to occur in the roundabout versus a lighted interchange? I would love to see how many accidents have been recorded in the Ridge Roundabout.

- Too Many Accidents, Muskego, WI

Happy to see them! Now let's just hope the people who feel that they own the road learn how to use them. I've driven them in Europe, initially scared stiff, but came to love the way the traffic flowed so easily.

Another advantage mentioned several times is that it forces drivers to slow down, lessening the likelihood of high-speed collisions. No more idling at red lights or rushing to try to beat a red light.

If everyone learns to use them, gives them a chance, and is respectful of other drivers (fat chance) they will be great!

- JR, Sussex

i think there fine i think there fine

i think there fine.....

- george, tosa

Learning how to negotiate through a roundabout is one of the easiest things to learn about driving. They keep traffic moving, albeit at lower speeds, but the key is you keep moving! Doesn't it make more sense to go through a roundabout at 15 mph than sit at a red light for any length of time with speeding cross-traffic, yellow and red light runners, or worse, no cross-traffic at all? They may be 'new' around here, but they've been successful on the east coast and in europe for a very long time. It's proven that accidents are fewer, and if they do occur, they're far less fatal and costly. I do agree, though, that some of them could have been designed better or a bit bigger. There was a missed opportunity for a new, roomy roundabout at the newly constructed National Ave. & Oklahoma intersection. Other than the addition of traffic lights now, the geometry isn't much different than what was there before. Too bad.

- Tom Carpentier, New Berlin

After spending a coupe of years in Europe, I will have say there is no better way to manage traffic. The round-a-bouts allow traffic to move from all directions without waiting at lights, or in most occurrences stopping at all. Once Americans learn how to use them you will see them more often. In Germany, there are highway round-a-bouts that you enter at about 45-50 miles an hour. They are great!

- Mike, Brown Deer

I think they are poorly designed, people do not use them properly. Maybe a lack of directions for lane usage. I use the one on Canal street on a regular basis and have almost been involved in numerous accidents, seen close calls and witness 1 accident in the past year. I think these roundabouts pose a huge risk to our safety.
There is also one on 6th street near National, it seems to run ok now, but in the beginning a lot of people were driving off the road due to poor signs/construction.

- Becky Crayton, Milwaukee, WI

My father was 61 when he came to Britain for the first time. He picked up his car at Heathrow, one of the busiest airports in the world, got on to the motorway, in to Wales, and to our house without a single problem. He drove all over England and Wales for two weeks and never had an issue with roundabouts. I now live in Bristol, one of the busiest cities in the country, and it would slow to a crawl without them.

- Nick, Bristol, UK

A couple of years ago, they built one in my hometown (not in Wisconsin) where one highway forms a "Y" as it splits off to another highway.

With lots of truck traffic, and heavy traffic in general, the intersection had a history of nasty accidents, and lines of vehicles waiting to get through.

Most people were skeptical of the roundabout, but to the surprise of many, it has been amazingly successful in not only reducing accidents to almost none, but traffic flow is unbelievably smoother and more efficient.

I was once a skeptic, but not any longer.

- Dave, Germantown

I believe that 'roundabouts' are a new 'fad' and am very concerned that southeastern Waukesha County is the testing ground.

While there are suitable uses/forms of roundabouts (in my opinion, the best locally is located at the south end of what used to be called the "6th street viaduct") we are all still being told to "give the "Moreland roundabout" a fair chance and that we should wait until it is completely constructed to evaluate it. I am trying to keep an open mind, but so far, it is a joke......and a dangerous one at that (per accident incidents reported).

Now, the Wisconsin DOT (proud designers of the Moreland "interchange") are holding an "informational meeting" NEXT WEEK (in New Berlin) to present the proposed roundabouts they intend to build within the next 18 months at the Racine Ave/I-43 interchange.

I suggest that the WI DOT follow the advice/defense they have been giving the Moreland road users---

WAIT UNTIL the Moreland interchange is completed, EVALUATE the result, THEN START to design the next interchange.

And when I say "evaluate", that means drive the Moreland interchange at multiple times of day and week, not just a 'once thru' and approval. People claim that roundabouts 'reduce' delays, but I have personally observed traffic backed up 2 blocks at mid-week around lunch time, and backed up onto the freeway during rush hour.

Give us a break--don't start another interchange in our area before we get the bugs worked out of the current design.

- Suzi Link, Muskego, WI

They are great.... It's just people don't know how to use them..... They're very efficient to opperate.

- Bill K, New Berlin, WI

I traveled extensively in European cities that have roundabouts and even driving on the left side of the road I found them easy to use and saw that they helped the traffic to keep moving. I live 1/2 way between the Moorland Road roundabout and the Grange Avenue roundabout. The one on Grange is a welcome addition. The traffic at 116th and Grange was always an issue during rush hour and particularly on school days. It works well and is easy to understand. The opposite is true of the Moorland Avenue roundabout at the Ridge Theater complex. It is poorly laid out, dangerous to approach and it is impossible to get out of the Ridge parking lot to travel south. The traffic going north on Moorland doesn't slow down and it is nearly impossible to get across the outside lane closest to the Ridge to reach the inside lane to go South. What a blunder this design is! I think it should be redone.

- Sue Gibbs, New Berlin, WI

I agree with Sandy 100%

So all of you that are opposed to these things need to speak up to the city "leaders?" and tell them what you think.

- Mike, Muskego

I have never driven in a round about, we could use some in tosa.

- John PP Dunphy, Wauwatosa wisconsin

Roundabouts in some areas are a good solution especially in areas where the speed needs to be reduced. However, I agree with many of the negative comments surrounding the Ridge roundabout. There are too many options of places to go in that roundabout which makes it confusing and unsafe for drivers. Essentially, there is no real purpose of having the inner lane to make that roundabout effective. People driving in the inner lane when they need to be in the outer lane is what causes the problems. I purposely avoid that area completely. Stoplights would be a better solution by the Ridge. I also disagree with the proposed roundabout near Racine Ave and Kelsey. While the roundabout would effectively bring the speed down in that area, I think the school busses for MNSD, especially coming from LDMS would have a difficult time navigating through the roundabout making it an unsafe situation for the children on the bus.

- Sandy K, Muskego, WI

www.onesourceconsult.com Glad to see we are using a local firm that has been in business since... this month..

I do drive through this intersection frequently and at various time of the day.
Something should be adjusted to accomodate the traffic load.

More lanes or round about.. pick one.

More lanes, longer lanes (and longer re-merge lanes) might be the simpler and less expensive solution. Less problems for the snakes too. Leave it "non-signalized" (but put in the wires), see how or if this improves the flow. You can always add lights or later stick in a circle.

(You can donate my consultant fees to the fire dept 8-} )

Suggestion for onesource.. post the comments in PDF somewhere on their website as this is supposed to be public..

No matter what I know we will not see any changes till 09 so have a great balance of the 08 driving season.

J

- J. Fields, Brookfield Wi

I drive through one twice a day.About twice a year I have to avoid a head on crash with confused drivers.

- Jay, Hudson.Wi

They tried putting in a roundabout near my son's school at University Drive and Summit. It is a busy intersection during school drop off and pick up times mainly. There is University of Wisconsin Waukesha, North High School, Montessori School of Waukesha and Summitview all within a very close proximity to the intersection. There has been many accidents there.

One admission from someone in the transportation department during the public meeting is that putting a roundabout near a high school is not the best of ideas, because teens treat them like a race track. Another concern that my husband and I had is pedestrians. How are pedestrians expected to cross the street at a roundabout? I like walking my son to school across that intersection on a somewhat regular basis and some cars are a bit scary when they don't want to wait for a pedestrian. (They want to turn and run us over sometimes, so now we wait until no one is waiting to turn.)

They have decided to put in a red light and are very close to finished. I am so looking forward to walking there again. I have somewhat avoided the intersection, except when needed. Honestly, I am not sure how a pedestrian crosses a roundabout. Do they just not have pedestrians in Europe? Or are roundabouts generally not in urban areas? Or is there ways to make traffic stop during busy times to allow pedestrians to cross?

- Skirnir, Waukesha, WI

I like them.

As an Engineer (electrical, I don't work with roads specifically), I appreciate anything that is more efficient or safer. From what I can tell, when roundabouts are implemented, they are usually both.
They reduce the overall crash rate, and more specifically the 'worse' crashes such as a T-bone.

They are used all over Europe, and becomming more common here. I'm not sure how easily everyone will get used to larger implementations yet such as the Mooreland Road implementation in New Berlin, but for smaller rotaries such as on Canal street, I have found them to be highly effective.

They aren't right for all intersections, but when they are implemented, I think they can greatly improve safety, throughput, and are aesthetically pleasing.

- Nick F, Brown Deer, WI

Roundabout concept...great! Slow all traffic down, no stop light expense.

Roundabout design of I-43 and Moreland...terrible. Hey DOT, this is a county highway with semi's. Rather than putting up a sign that says watch for wide turns, how about designing the roadway wider and larger.

- Sam, New Berlin

Round-a-bouts are a great way to move traffic and thus save gas, providing everyone knows what the "yield" sign means. Therein lies the problem. Until we all become aware of who has the right of way and then yield to the driver in the right, there will be close calls if not accidents. It's really rather simple. The driver already in the circle has the right of way.

- Dale, Franklin

Has anyone noticed that its only people who drive little cars, and can afford to travel Europe ,likes these round abouts? This ain't Europe.We have large semi trucks here, all large trucks make wide turns, I don't care how many lanes they paint in these silly things, please stop tring to ride next to a truck, when we go round, yes on either side.
oh ya here in the states, we like people who wait there turn.

- Gregg Karweik, St. Fracis, Wi

I'm near the North Barker intersection, and I'm a smart intelligent successful driver. Wish I could say that for all of us out there. Lots of dummies, however, even they can learn a roundabout after a try or two. Brookfield would like to keep it's rural character, and it burns me when the politicians say let's develop the beautiful greenspace of Ruby Farms "because that is what the people of the community want." Want what? Progress? Bigger tax base? Yeah sure. Which brings me back to Barker/North. Another stale, typical 4 way stop light. Boring. The roundabout can work and aesthetically can be better than lights. Loosen up my boring Brookfield neighbors, quit being so stubborn and afraid. Roundabouts work. Scott Berg clearly is hearing from a vocal minority in my opinion. Well, time to quit whining about a roundabout. They don't turn the world upside down for heaven's sake!

- Mark, Brookfield

They are great for the REPAIR SHOPs. I avoid the Ridge now. They might be great in Europe but I live in the USA. Traffic lights are much better.

- Dave, Brookfield, WI

We have a new roundabout on Hwy 38 and Hwy K. Best thing to ever happen at that intersection. I don't have to wait for oncoming traffic.

- John Pauley, Caledonia, WI

I live and work in New Berlin. With all the comments I see about people avoiding roundabouts, I hope New Berlin puts them everywhere. Drivers who can't think and deal with the simple concept of a roundabout will avoid driving in New Berlin. That equals less traffic, less people, and less of those accident prone drivers on my short commute, trips to the store, biking, etc. Bring them on!

- Rachel, New Berlin

I first encountered roundabouts while visiting (thankfully not driving) in Sweden and was extremely impressed with my American cousin's ability to navigate them. I think that some short tv ads would be great to help Americans learn how to use them. I get somewhat anxious when using the one by the Ridge Cinemas in New Berlin. The first time I used it I was glad to make it out without an accident. Bottom line - great idea IF we get educated on them. Flyers, tv ads, something...ideally before you drive in one.

- Cheryle, Milwaukee, WI

I support a roundabout for the Barker/North intersection – for many reasons, primarily the increased safety, operations, and overall community impact. Having lived in five other states and traveled nationally and internationally, we have come across and used many different roundabouts. Never did we find them confusing or ineffective; in fact, just the opposite. In addition, their aesthetics – often with beautifully landscaped centers – definitely lent appeal to the overall communities.

I believe it's important that residents and local officials do their homework before drawing conclusions on drivers' ability to navigate a roundabout and safety concerns. This publication from the Wisconsin DOT is a start -- http://www.dot.state.wi.us/library/publications/docs/pim-4-roundabouts.pdf
-- and clarifies many of the reasons why a roundabout can be a preferred solution over traffic lights. Safety should be of utmost priority.

We live very close to this intersection and use it numerous times a day at all hours. A roundabout could effectively facilitate traffic flow through this intersection during rush hours and the rest of the day and evening when the traffic is insignificant. A roundabout may be a better option than traffic lights not just for the vehicles but for the pedestrians and bicyclists that frequently pass through this intersection, because of the safety advantages -– lower crash frequency and severity, a reduced number of conflict points between vehicles, reduced number of driver decisions, reduced number of driver errors, and the appeal of a traffic calming alternative.

- Cathy, Brookfield, WI

It is hilarious that someone brought up a comical scene in a National Lampoon movie, and used it as a real world example!

I still vote for Roundabout. I do agree that even a well lighted intersection would be a large improvement, providing that it has individual right, left, and straight away only lanes to avoid the dangerous merges present in other North Avenue intersections would be preferred.

Any more mini-merge lanes as at North and Pilgrim and I am gonna buy me a really fast car (or better a big fat gas guzzling danger to everyone else on the road beast) and beat out everyone, use that right lane liberally, merging at high speed and at will! :P

A roundabout would eliminate that bit of danger too.

I agree with one person that questioned which 'neighbors' are being referred to that don't want a roundabout. I bet there are 'neighbors' that want the roundabout also. There are no houses in that intersection. Or are we talking about the one huge house built in the middle of a wetland? No one else is really close, no one faces the intersection. Those that live in houses in the nearby subdivisions have no reason to have a stronger vote than other city/county residents that use the intersection.

- mike, Brookfield

Just watch Clark Griswold try to negotiate the "roundabout" in London in National Lampoon's European Vacation. I envision quite a number of Clark Griswolds unable to make a left. "There's Big Bend kids, Parliament..."

"I'll be the roundabout.
The words will make you out and out.
You change the day your way.
Call it morning driving thru the sound and
In and out the valley."

- James Allenton, Brookfield, WI

Personally, I welcome the roundabouts coming to Wisconsin, but sympathize with the folks having a hard time seeing the point of the change. People are breezing/pausing/plowing through stop signs anyway, so we might as well give them a safe means to do it. It's a pretty simple concept once you get it down: Yield to people in the circle coming at you from the left. The more roundabouts we see, the more people will get used to them, and the more their proven benefits will bear out. There may be more accidents in the meantime, but they'll be smaller, with less damage, and much less loss of life, and they'll fade as we get experience with time.

- Erik, Fraklin, WI

I spent a year in the army stationed in Massachusetts, where "roundabouts" (called rotaries there) are commonplace.

I can only use one word to describe them: DANGEROUS. Especially at night. Especially if you meet a confused, or worse, a drunk driver. Or a teenager who feels he is on a race track.

Personally, the presence of roundabout is more than enough reason for me to take a different route.

- Eddie, Oak Creek

Round abouts here are good if people know how to drive. We here ins Wisconsin have no clue. Everyone thinks they have the right-away ,, these needed to ne policed and tickets gvien when people do not yeild. The Moorelanf roundabout is a total Diasater ,, what were they thinking, # times i have driver n it now and 3 time close to accidents.
this needs to be reviewed quirckly befoer some gets hurt. I personally stay away from fron that area now.

- Dick Richards, Greenfield , WI

Roundabouts are a very efficient means of managing/redirecting traffic. It has so been proven in europe. We have driven in many throughout Ireland and the UK and are quite impressed with how well they work! There are a bit tricky to at first but easy to grow accustomed to. Tip: when in doubt don't assume you have the right away - give the right away when in doubt.

- Julie G, South Milwaukee, WI

I first encountered roundabouts while driving in Holland. I like them personally and I think they work in most cases. In Oak Creek there seems to be a problem with drivers understanding what the word "STOP" means. Roundabouts solve that problem.

- B Jones, Oak Creek, WI

I find that roundabouts are fine if they are a replacement for a 4 way stop sign or a not so busy intersection. For a high-traffic intersection, like Moorland and Ridge, when in rush hour you can sit on the freeway offramp waiting forever just to enter, I don't believe it's appropriate. What's more efficient at a busy intersection is what's currently used at most - streetlights and sensors for the side road. No traffic, the main road keeps the green light. If the roundabout can't handle entry at peak times, it's not the right solution, if it can it's fine, that simple.

- Scott J, Muskego, WI

I love roundabouts. They keep traffic moving and save fuel. If people would put down their cell phones and pay attention to driving, there would not be any questions.

- DeeperYet, Wauwatosa

Moreland Roundabout is a disaster.
Drivers making a left hand turn going
to the resturants or movie theater DO
NOT signal their intention. You do not know if they are turning or continuing south. I have seen near accidents for
drivers heading north on Moreland.

- gene ruka, new berlin wi

I have driven roundabouts locally and in Vancouver, British Columbia. They are awkward, confusing, highly dangerous and prevent drivers from reaching a destination rather than helping them to it. They are the opposite of the excellent job in the Marquette Interchange for helping a driver find his way while keeping a proper focus on his distance between vehicles and what the cars to either side of him are doing.

Imagine a 4-way stop sign intersection where none of the drivers notice the stop signs. Now add to that a driver coming you way in your lane. Or who at least looks like that's what he's doing.

That's a roundabout.

I went to the Ridge Cinemas in New Berlin. A roundabout is in the Moorland Road intersection. The idea apparently is to drive three-quarters of the way around and turn right into the parking lot. But at that point I had three unmarked lanes facing me, two of which were traffic lanes containing cars coming straight toward me. I had no idea if it was safe to continue to my left to avoid them because I had no time to look to my left to see if there was a car there in my blind spot. I certainly had no way to know that the third lane was my desired entrance. The approaching cars could have been exiting the theater for all I knew.

The other drivers were just as unclear as I was where it was safe to go, but we all also knew it was unsafe to stop and look for what we were supposed to do next. The only savings grace was that our speeds were low. And yet they were still high enough to damage any pedestrians who happened to have been there.

I ended up exiting the roundabout and missing my desired entrance, driving a quarter mile south to where I could make a u-turn and approaching the theater from another direction.

God spare us from more roundabouts because the traffic bureaucrats will never listen to us mere drivers and taxpayers. Obviously we know nothing compared to their theories.

- Lloyd Daub, Greenfield, WI

Mr. Fields -

I have a collection of emails and conversations from people living in Carrington, Canterbury and across from the hospital on both sides of this topic. Those people use that intersection every day. The clear majority oppose it.

How often are elected officials accused of ignoring the residents, they just do what they feel like, etc.? This is a contentious issue and it is impossible to totally satisfy people with opposite opinions simultaneously. In the end, this is the county's decision, including widening the road at that intersection, as you suggest.

I have forwarded all the comments I received to the county engineering consultant, who has also collected comments from other sources. Some residents have contacted their county supervisor directly, so Craig may not have all the comments at this time. Those are public records and are available for inspection on request. Please contact Craig Donze, (262) 784-9005, cdonze@one sourceconsult.com

Thank you for your interest.

Scott A. Berg. Alderman, 5th District

- Scott Berg, Brookfield

116th and grange is ok.

moorland and i43 is horrendous.

- greenfield resident, greenfield, wi.

Come on Muskego! Are they trying to bring traffic into downtown or discourage it? Just widen Woods Rd because of the traffic that's going to go around downtown. I know I will go out of my way to go around this type of intesection.

- Duffy, Muskego, WI

AT FIRST I DIDN'T LIKE THEM BUT NOW I FIND THAT THEY KEEP THE TRAFFIC MOVING WITHOUT HAVING A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN THUS SAVING ON GAS EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE TO SLOW DOWN AND YIELD AT TIMES.

- NANCY, MUSKEGO, WI

In regards to the Barker/North Ave intersection. I agree better traffic lanes or a round about would enhance traffic flow at peak times. I have sat, ideling while most folks don't realize that on Barker you can pass through the intersection on both lanes AT THE SAME TIME!.. oh no gotta stay in the left because the right has a turn arrow painted on it..

Ald Berg in his blog stated the "neighbors" don't like round abouts. Scott what neighbors? The bugs and snakes in the fields surrounding Barker and North.. you know. the flood plain area.. Yes there are houses overlooking the intersection on the NW. But not that many.. do the residents at Care-Age have a problem? or maybe the folks living in the huge house-island 300ft back to the NE?

Making that statement is like someone saying your "computer program is bad.." How about some specifics?

I agree that the current situation could be improved.. more lanes, lights (oh yeah the "neighbors" will like these blinking on and off ALL NITE LONG), round about.. pick one... any of the above would help the current "dodge-em car let's play chicken" situation.

Of course nothing will fix the problem of drivers who fail to grasp the concept of "you go then I go" when passing through uncontrolled intersections. OR staying in your lane in a round about...

Make longer dual lanes on all approaches to the intersection. Once completed put out big lighted signs for the first month or so.. educating the drivers that YES you can use both lanes to pass through the intersection and please share.

- J Fields, Brookfield WI

All roundabouts aren't created equal. I love roundabouts in general, but I disagree with RG. The roundabout in front of the Ridge Theater is poorly designed for its location and traffic circumstances. I've never had trouble with roundabouts elsewhere, but THAT one. . .

- Chris, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Try going from East-bound I-43 to North on Moorland Road during the rush hour! There is so much volume on Moorland that you can't enter the circle since you have to yield to the cars that are in the circle. Ony problem is that every vehicle on Moorland IS IN THE CIRCLE......

I guess this is the way the state of Wisconsin is trying to make us more European. Of course the unemployment rate in many European coutries is 20%. So I guess we have a long way to go!

- Joe, New Berlin

I think the roundabouts are great. It beats stopping at every intersection. It keeps the flow going. Once drivers get used to them they will like them too.

- greg gibbs, new berlin, wi.

Roundabouts (or rotaries, as they're called in Boston, where I honed my driving skills) work best when you're driving a banged up, rusted up old beater as everyone else will get out of your way when they see you coming. I used to think they were fun. Kind of like bumper cars for grown-ups. Can't wait 'til we have more of them here.

- Nancy, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Oh, I think they'll be jolly!

Currently less than 25 percent of Brookfield drivers give a hoot about stop signs - most preferring the interpretation of "Me first: briefly hesitate, then put the petal to the metal". This is specially true of dippy broads driving gas sucking suvs.

I just can't wait to see how this attitude works in a roundabout! Do remember to dial 911 on your cell before entering!

- Gerry, Brookfield

I think that the roundabouts are a terrible waste of tax payer money. Our school budgets are being cut everywhere. For my children to go to a public school it costs almost as much as a private school. For the past year it has cost me more in fuel and time to drive to work in an already bad economy while the round a bout is built. I have lived in New Berlin for many years and never had a problem with the previous on/off ramp.

- Jenny, New Berlin, WI

I love roundabouts,when people know how to use them. Teach how to drive in roundabouts in drivers Ed & again when you renew your license.

lover of roundabouts

- Katie, New Berlin, wi

We lived in Philly before moving here. The NJ side of the area had several roundabouts that have since been removed because they increased the number of traffic accidents. Also, I have to ask what will happend with bike and pediestrian traffic?!

- Margie Heyworth, Brookfield, WI

Roundabouts are so easy and wonderful safe. It really is scarey seeing many drivers in our neighborhoods that have trouble navigating them. Maybe we need to have refresher drivers courses and tests on a ten year basis?

People just don't have the patience or ability to remember the actual rules of the road, even the most simple rules. I see people driving over solid white lines all the time, such a simple driving technique and law that can't be followed until after they have a near miss (or worse lately) of a biker they didn't see in the bike lane because they were tailgating a larger vehicle while riding over the right line into the bike lane... Please, please stay out of the bike lane and give bicyclists greater than 3 feet, it is the law.
FYI, Bikes riden by adults are not lawfully allowed on the sidewalks unless it is a marked bike path.

Muskego resident,

Your point was made in reverse. You mention all the bad things people do at stop lights and stop signs, then say roundabouts are bad? It sounds like you make another of many good points in Favor of the roundabout, it stops people from doing many of those things you discuss, and forces them to slow down since there would be a curve coming up with curbs to make sure an inattentive driver does not fly through without taking notice and having some care. Definitely those bad habits mentioned should be stopped, but unless you plan on personally stopping all those bad driving habits that other drivers are involved in, then you make a great point For the roundabout and why they Are Proven a safer intersection design if constructed correctly.
If someone was recently killed by an inattentive driver at Barker and North (or your Muskego intersection prior to roundabout), then the sentiment in favor of a roundabout would increase pretty quickly. Let's hope we do not learn the lesson in that manner, please?

- Mike, Brookfield

People will learn to use roundabouts in time. The savings in time, fuel and the cost of traffic light maintenance alone make it worth the change.

- Mike Geitner, Wauwatosa

why we need stop lights or signs:
1.to dial the phone
2.to apply (more) makeup
3.to open or eat food
4.to change the song or station
5.....get the idea??

have you ever tried to do any of this while driving???......I bet you have.

Now try it in a Roundabout....

These roundabouts are not necessary just because someone got killed at an intersection. They are not the answer. If people where paying attention to their driving instead of all the above while driving we all would be safer on all of the roads.

Muskego should save the money and give us a break on property taxes next year!!!

- resident, Muskego

Wait till it snows, if you think DPW does a bad job of plowing now, see how long it takes them to get that right!

- John, Milwaukee, WI

Concerning my post yesterday, I checked last night on my way home and the speed limit on Hwy 60 is actually 50 mph, not 45 mph making the idea of employing Roundabouts on Hwy 60 even more ludicrous.

(Note: You can either post this or change the "45" to a "50" in my original post.)

- Gary, Polk, WI

The New England has had roundabouts for years. Admittedly they are confusing at first but they are really very efficient and, I assume, a gas saver. They probably wouldn't work in an intersection described by Gary from Polk, but they are many four-way and two-way stops which could be eliminated by roundabouts. I have difficulty understanding why anyone would be opposed.

- virginia, east end West Allis

As with most things in life, there probably are situations where a Roundabout is a good solution to make a dangerous intersection safer. To promote it thoughtlessly as a universal solution is not correct. The DOT plans to put several Roundabouts on HWY 60 between Hwy 45 (Jackson)and Hwy 41 (Slinger)... I just don't see that working on a HIGHWAY with a lot of semi truck traffic and a 45 mph speed limit.

- Gary, Polk, WI

How can you not figure out how to use a roundabout? It's not rocket science people.

I think roundabouts make perfect sense at intersections that don't get too congested at peak times. It's better than sitting at a red light at some low key intersection when there's no traffic to wait for.

If you don't know how to use a roundabout, please turn in your driver's license and take the bus. You should not be on the road.

- Jeff, Wauwatosa

I love them, but I can understand people having a hard time with something new. They are safer because they reduce the risk of someone running a red light or stop sign, and you don't waste a lot of gas waiting for a light to change when there is no traffic coming from the other direction.
As time goes by I think people will get use to them and understand how much better they are then traditional intersections.

- Rick G, Muskego,WI

I think roundabouts create more of a nuisance. I have driven in the ones in Hales Corners and New Berlin and have found them to be very frustrating because most other drivers don't know how to use them and I've spent more time waiting to get in. While they may make drivers more aware, most drivers still fail to show courtesy and everyone wants their turn NOW. Traffic lights seem to make it much clearer who's turn it is.

- Patti, West Allis

Someone has another big idea that's going to fail miserably and just cost us millions to redo them after about 10 years. Obviously, this is being done with public dollars because if it were being done with private dollars no one would take such an expensive gamble.

- kellamd, cudahy, wi

Just get it done -you will love it and it will work fine-there are enough of them built now so that the engineers will have the sizing right . The one in Oconomowoc is perfect and it is pleasing and none disruptive to the traffic flow and it will save energy.

- J Haas, Oconomowoc

Isn't that why Europeans left Europe to come to America?

- an american, Wisconsin

Crap

- Jimbo, Brookfield, WI

I lived in Eau Claire, WI while it was beginning to use more roundabouts, especially near the traffic-heavy university. I feel that at times, roundabouts are amazing, convenient, and safe additions to help the flow of traffic in certain high-volume areas. At other times, they are incredibly gratuitous.

There was one intersection (near the intersection of University Drive and Clairmont, for those of you familiar with the area) which had been a conventional four-cornered intersection with a 3-way stop, which had been completely reconstructed into a roundabout due to "confusion over who stopped, and who didn't." This was the main reason publicized about the reason for the change. Obviously not a good-enough reason for a complete reconstruction of the intersection, when adding a fourth stop sign would have solved the problem.

I feel that yes, roundabouts have their place, but that too often they are unneeded, and simply employed to lend a community an air of refinement.

Roundabouts are not difficult to understand, so it is not as though a change like this will result in misunderstandings, or confusion, but it should be seriously discussed whether other (less costly) measures could replace the entire reconstruction of numerous intersections.

- Amanda Albert, Milwaukee, WI

The Franklin Roundabout is TERRIBLE!!! It's not marked well, and in general, roundabouts are generally 2 lanes around, not 1, which will for sure create more accidents (even if minor) and traffic back ups than if they would have had 2 lanes each way...BUT IF THE CITY WOULD MARK IT BETTER, everyone keeps stopping in the middle of it backing traffic. Maybe there should have been a little more instruction to the community-maybe go to the senior living areas and explain (as it seems as the elderly are having a tough time grasping the situation)--that's from my personal observation--90% of the hold ups are the elderly not knowing what to do!

- A, Franklin

I think not only are they safer than traditional four-way intersections, they're very easy to navigate. Drivers need to get used to change that helps to reduce accidents, especially these days when the roads are becoming increasingly congested. This is a change for the better.

- Heidi, Wauwatosa

Big Ben-Parlament- Just couldnt hesitate to quote European Vacation.

Initially more minor accidents (low speed) no more high speed impacts from someone blowing the light.

More efficient way to move traffic. Moorland Rd. cannot be used as a current example yet until completion of construction is done.

Its not a bad idea just people arent used to it yet.

- Jim, Muskego

I've driven through many "roundabouts" in the Canada and the U.S., most recently in Juneau , Alaska and love them! Traffic isn't snarled, you don't have to wait at a stop light to make a turn. I believe that drivers are more cautious in a roundabout than at a traffic light and encourage neighborhoods to consider roundabouts for certain traffic conditions. I use the one in Hales Corners often and find it very convenient and easy to use.

- Sharon Meier, Greenfield, WI

I find them to be extremely annoying.

- KK, West Allis, WI

Change is difficult if something that appears to be new. However, roundabouts have energy savings both with cars and stop and go lights. Each stop and go light at an intersection uses a fair amount of energy. While you wait in your car for the light to change the car is buring fuel or if you own a hybrid it's using energy from the battery. Either way it's wasted energy. The question is do you want to waste energy or use. i would rather use the energy in my vehicle instead of wasting it waiting for a stop and go light to change. Roundabouts make a postive impact and I believe in the long run will save energy and move traffic.

- Joe Coffey, Elm Grove

Roundabouts are useful means of regulating traffic in many ways. However, when they are not used as widely as they are in Europe they have the tendency to confuse and cause sometimes dangerous situations. I can count on one hand how many I have encoutered in the state of Wisconsin and I count on two hands how many times I have witnessed confusion going into and around roundabouts.

- Jason Searing, Muskego, WI

Roundabouts can be an asset, when used and designed properly. The biggest issues with them are not the design but the majority of users, with their lack of positional planning, knowledge of use, and their gross lack of driving courtesy. I, personally, enjoy using roundabouts and don't mind them, for the most part.

- Richard, West Allis, WI

Seems to me the major congestion is during 5pm - 5:30pm heading West on North ave and North on Barker. Would widening those lanes as well and having as having 3 lanes(left, straight or right) solve the issue without the confusion?

- Dan, Brookfield

I have driven on roundabouts in many states, cities, and countries. Roundabouts are the most efficient and most safe form of intersection for a location such as Barker and North Avenue intersection. I have little doubt that other local residents would quickly figure out the concept and become proficient at it, and be very happy with the way traffic flows so easily and effortlessly with much lower traffic backups and less congestion, pollution, and noise.

- mike, Brookfield

DOT Boondoggle...

- Bob, Brookfield, WI

They are better than stop signs for the following reasons:

People don't stop at stop signs anymore causing fatal accidents.

People have to slow down.

No more coming to a stop and waiting for a light that takes forever to change.

It is more fuel efficient.

We need a roundabout on Woods and Durham because no one ever stops completely there. I can't tell you how many times I have had some jerk blow the stop sign and just about kill me and my kids!

They are simple, it's people that don't want to learn the procedure that cause the problem. As RG stated, there are signs on Moorland that show/tell you what to do. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure it out! Stop doing everything else but driving and maybe it wouldn't be so complicated for you.

- Shannon, Muskego

Roundabouts are a true pain - people do not know what to do when they enter a roundabout. Case in point 116th Street and Grange - check the police reports on how many accidents have occurred since this was installed.

- Debe, Hales Cornes, WI

My parents live in Neenah, which has installed 3 roundabouts in the past several years, so I have used them several times. I also lived in the Washington DC area for a few years and spent a great deal of time happily spinning into and out of the huge traffic circles there. Yes, they take a little getting used to. Yes, at first they are strange and a little confusing. But after 2 or 3 uses I wondered why there were not more of them. I use the North Ave/Barker Rd. intersection often and all I can say is, if the citizens of Milwaukee, Neenah, Washington DC, and Boston can get used to roundabouts, there is no good reason other than "oh we've never had them so we don"t want them" to not install more roundabouts. Thanks.

- Terese Robinson, Waukesha

I believe the roundabouts are too small to serve the purpose for which they are intended. I find myself & others using them to be uneasy about the whole situation. I hope Franklin decides to cease constructing more Euro-trash rounabouts.

- Scott, Franklin

Roundabouts are worse than STOP signs because our drivers are not trained to enter and continue slowly without stopping and waiting until no other cars are moving!

- Chuck, Brookfield, WI

There is nothing wrong with the roundabout in front of Ridge Cinema (in New Berlin). It is bad driving skills that are to blame.

As several people have stated they could not have made it any plainer other than stopping each car individually and explaining to them one by one how to use it.

Read people - heck, you don't even have to read - follow the pretty pictures painted all over the road...

- RG, Muskego