Round and Round They Go

Looks like a regular road with a large sidewalk.

I know we talk a lot about the importance of long range planning and how our team is looking forward anticipating more and more people moving, building, commuting, playing, and shopping in Florence County. One of our major exercises focuses on transportation planning. Throughout the nation (and the world) transportation planners are working to balance the need to move traffic with the desire to maintain local quality of life. Some may say these two things are the same, but others like things to stay the way they are.

There are challenges out there. I am sure most of you have seen the video of an 'intersection in India' where rickshaws, freight vehicles, motor bikes, cars and bicyclists successfully cross a busy intersect (sans signal). Some of our colleagues to the west are looking at a measured response to balance downtown redevelopment and maintaining the ablilty to move large agricultural machinery by way of downtown roads.

Locally, one of the intersections considered the epitome of 'needing work' is Five Points. Palmetto, Cashua, Hoffmeyer and Cherokee come together here making most likely the longest light timing cycle in the county (the shortest period of time I waited was less than 30 seconds but that was around 1:00am!). A recent update to the urban long range transportation plan (LRTP) considering upgrading Five Points to the Five Points Roundabout. Now, of course anything 'round' has no points; but my point is that this intersection has six, so everyone is entitled to a unique perspective. So, how about a little preview of how a roundabout looks and what it can do.

...but these strange markings tell a different tale.

These photos and the following video were taken from the Coastal Carolina University campus while on my way to a conference. It's really amazing how well the roundabout works. I entered the campus from 544 and there was a very long line to exit at that signal. This intersection, however, was flowing very well (even with bus traffic). Watch one of the buses take a left by going right (Lightning McQueen?) around the circle.

Notice there is a dominant roadway, but once a vehicle is in the circle, they have the right of way. Also notice how far back the pedestrian crossing is from the intersection - the markings make it obvious to drivers that pedestrians come first in this setup.

Now that's not so bad, so let's get your feedback. Do you think a roundabout will work for Florence? Have you experienced this roundabout? Thank you!