Headaches, but no accidents
The first of two planned roundabouts at the intersection of Route 519 with Brownlee and Thomas-Eighty Four roads in North Strabane Township is open to traffic. And, although Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials have heard grumbling about the new traffic pattern, no real problems have arisen from the unusual configuration.
“I think right now, it’s a learning curve,” said Scott Faieta, assistant construction engineer overseeing the project for PennDOT. “It’s a brand-new thing that people have to get used to.”
Before opening the roundabout July 23, PennDOT considered both a signal at the heavily traveled stretch of road and a single, larger roundabout. A study of a nearby stretch of Route 519 revealed 12,100 cars pass through the area daily, which Faieta said is a large amount of traffic “for a side road.”
According to PennDOT, two roundabouts are a safer choice, possibly providing a 90-percent reduction in fatal crashes compared to a signal. In addition, PennDOT said roundabouts carry about 30 percent more vehicles than signaled intersections and eliminate delays to side streets and left-turning traffic.
“This will at least keep traffic flowing,” Faieta said.
North Strabane police Chief Brian Hughes said he was concerned when he first learned of the two roundabouts, but that there have been no official complaints and no accidents at the site.
“Some people are having problems because … it’s new,” Hughes said. “But I’m hoping it’s going to be fine once the whole project is done.”
Faieta said PennDOT continues to add temporary signs alerting motorists to the change.
A section of Thomas-Eighty Four Road will be closed around the intersection of Route 519 and Brownlee Road from Aug. 10 to Aug. 24 for continued work on the second roundabout and realignment of Brownlee Road, including excavation, drainage and paving, as part of the $5 million project. Traffic will be detoured during that time, using Route 519, Wilson and Linden roads.
The second roundabout is slated for completion in late October.
Faieta said he has observed motorists using the traffic circle. He cautioned that those approaching should slow down and prepare to yield to vehicles already in the roundabout, because they have the right-of-way.
“If someone is in the loop, all three approaching (points) have to yield,” he said.