New roundabout opens to traffic at busy intersection in Ypsilanti Township
A new roundabout at the intersection of Whittaker and Stony Creek roads has opened to traffic in Ypsilanti Township.
"As you can see this morning, people are figuring it out all by themselves on the first day that it's in use," Doug Fuller, a Washtenaw County road commissioner, said while inspecting the new traffic circle this morning.
A vehicle navigates the new traffic roundabout at the intersection of Whittaker and Stony Creek roads in Ypsilanti Township this morning.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
But it'll take some getting used to for some drivers.
Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo stopped in the middle of an interview this morning to field a phone call from her daughter.
"She just went through the roundabout for the first time, and she's scared to death," Stumbo said with a laugh. "She said, 'I did it!' It's something that's totally new to a lot of drivers, including myself, so it's a little confusing."
The $1.5 million roundabout project has been a cooperative effort among the area businesses and residents, Ypsilanti Township, the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority, contractor C&D Hughes Inc. and the Washtenaw County Road Commission.
Officials say it was only by working together that the project was completed in an expedited manner, minimizing the inconvenience to those who use the intersection.
The project began on April 19. Area businesses and federal funds covered most of the costs, with lesser amounts coming from Ypsilanti Township and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation, which paid for bicycle and pedestrian paths.
The roundabout replaces a traditional intersection of stop signs and blinking lights. Fuller said studies showed the project was badly needed.
"The intersection was horrible and, with the growth in the township, it was completely outdated and could not handle the traffic," he said. "Because we've got this huge shopping center here, there's a huge amount of traffic and people just could not get through here without risking life and limb."
The project consisted of about a half-mile of roundabout construction, including hot-mix asphalt pavement reconstruction, concrete curb and gutter, aggregate shoulders, drainage work, sign installation, pavement markings and restoration.
Several businesses are located at the intersection of Whittaker and Stony Creek, including multiple strip malls, a CVS store, Kroger grocery store, Subway restaurant, pizzeria, credit union, chiropractor, multiple daycare centers, Chase bank and more.
Traffic has grown immensely in the last decade in the area. About 30,000 cars a day go through the intersection now.
"As you can see, there are a whole lot of new stores here," Fuller said. "There's a huge amount of growth in the south part of the township here. You've got the civic center for Ypsilanti Township right over here on Huron River Drive, the public library is right around the corner there, and a huge amount of traffic."
With a design speed of 15 miles per hour through the roundabout, vehicles now will move slowly but efficiently, the intention being to improve both traffic flow and safety.
"One of the neat things about roundabouts is that, by the nature of the beast, you cannot have head-on collisions," Fuller said.
Stumbo said she drove through the roundabout when it opened late Thursday evening. She then went back again this morning to drive through from another direction.
"I think it's slightly confusing and people have to get used to it," she said. "There are some things in life that you can't control, and this is one that you can't."
The international rule of roundabouts is this: If you're in the roundabout, you have the right of way. If you're entering the roundabout, yield to traffic.
For a guide on how to safely navigate roundabouts, visit the Road Commission website.
Stumbo said nearby businesses suffered during the construction of the roundabout, which was supposed to be completed on Monday.
Joe Lawson, the township's planning and development coordinator, said related improvements are expected to begin Aug. 1. That includes two new roads expected to carry traffic to the rear of the Kroger shopping center off Whittaker Road — a road that extends west from Huron River Drive and a separate drive that shoots south to connect back to Stony Creek Road.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
Life in Ypsi
Tue, Jun 29, 2010 : 12:05 p.m.
I drove through the round about on Saturday and was terrified trying to get to Ypsi Credit Union. No one was "yielding" and were plowing through instead. Had I not stopped, I would have been in an accident. Why couldn't they just install a left turn light at Kroger? It's still dangerous to turn left.
Mr. Tibbs
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 3:37 p.m.
What will be news is if anyone in this area can figure them out. I see people ALL THE TIME pulling up to them and stopping? if you cannot figure out a simple round-a-bout, what are you doing driving? are you one of those people who caused that recall from years ago, when they first put the bright-light switch on the turn signal arm? too many of you keep getting your feet stuck in the steerring wheel.....
Susan Schwartzenberger
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 3:26 p.m.
There is a ton of information of what "they" (Washtenaw County Road Commission) have planned, have in process, funded, unfunded, etc., available at their website. If you are reading this, you have that information available to you in a click or two of your mouse. Don't wait for "them" (annarbor.com) to inform you of every road project that may affect your travels. Be proactive! Stay informed! Road improvement dollars come from lots of different sources. WCRC has to use monies for designated projects; they can't shift funds from one project to another. The process of procurring money can take YEARS, and if they don't use it, the county loses it. Check out the general County Roads website. To see specific projects currently in the works, try this one: www.wcroads.org/roadwork/Roadwork_index.htm
A2Dave
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 2 p.m.
Okay. Must be the angle or perspective--appears (to my eye) to be going clockwise (to the left).
Ryan J. Stanton
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 1:56 p.m.
@A2Dave No negative reversal. The car is going in the correct direction.
A2Dave
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 1:44 p.m.
I hope the negative was reversed on this photo, otherwise the pictured vehicle is going in the wrong direction. Roundabouts are a vast improvement over stop signs/lights, because they keep traffic flowing at almost any level of density. If people follow the right-of-way rules, they will grow to love them.
CountyKate
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 12:35 p.m.
"All change is traumatic, even change for the better." And boy, does this thread reflect that! A lot of grumbling, and everyone's got a better idea, but nobody wants to adjust to the reality.
AA Lady
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 11:59 a.m.
Sorry about the typo -- I meant "breathe" not breath.
AA Lady
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 11:48 a.m.
"One of the neat things about roundabouts is that, by the nature of the beast, you cannot have head-on collisions," Fuller said. _______ This is a complete fallacy. I have on numerous occasions seen drivers that are going in the wrong direction in the traffic circles. Or drivers that try to exit the traffic circle using the entrance lanes. The main problem with traffic circles in this area is that drivers in the US do not know how to use them and the majority of the ones that are developed here in the US are much too small. The traffic circles in Europe are much larger AND the drivers there have been taught how to drive through them and have been using them for many years, so they work GREAT. That's not true here in the US. I have driven through many traffic circles in Europe and in the US and I find it VERY stressful to drive through the ones here in the US. I always breath a sigh of relief when I exit the traffic circle safely.
Soccer Mom 100
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 11 a.m.
How are pedestrians supposed to cross the street? They are putting roundabouts in Rochester Hills too, where the Leader Dogs for the Blind is located. How are blind people supposed to cross these things? If traffic never fully stops, when are you to cross the street?
Soccer Mom 100
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 10:59 a.m.
How are pedestrians supposed to cross the street? They are putting roundabouts in Rochester Hills too, where the Leader Dogs for the Blind is located. How are blind people supposed to cross these things? If traffic never fully stops, when are you to cross the street?
a2junkie
Mon, Jun 28, 2010 : 5:42 a.m.
Why do people think they can tell anyone they need to give up there license if they cannot drive in the roundabout who do you think you are for judging. Alot of people fear getting trapped in it and more hate the fact that many do not know how to use one correctly a yield sign does not mean stop then go it means if theres oncoming traffic slow or stop and wait for an opening. Ive seen more people stop at yield signs with no oncoming traffic slowing everyone behind them. I personally do not think this was a good use of my tax money there was nothing wrong with the intersection before they started. Whit road south of the intersection is horrible and they couldnt fix it when it was closed?
fortin911
Sun, Jun 27, 2010 : 4:47 p.m.
May I suggest that anyone that cannot navigate a roundabout should not be driving! For those of you that cannot, please turn in your driver liesense to the Secretary of State Office!
dading dont delete me bro
Sun, Jun 27, 2010 : 3:45 p.m.
also southbound following whittaker is an awful sharp turn. i can see an awful lot of cars in cvs parking lot this winter, or any other winter until it's fixed.
dading dont delete me bro
Sun, Jun 27, 2010 : 3:43 p.m.
dean's drive should've been put in BEFORE the intersection was closed off. FAIL. the ford lake heritage subdivision would've like this. the posted detour was a waste. FAIL i wasn't going to take hrd to textile and back. FAIL. cut through the sub. although not popular by residents, still legal.
dading dont delete me bro
Sun, Jun 27, 2010 : 3:38 p.m.
so does this mean they start repaving the rest of whittaker monday? from the library south to textile?
Ignatz
Sun, Jun 27, 2010 : 8:25 a.m.
I easily negotiated this new roundabout yesterday in slightly heavy traffic. It went like a dream. It seems to me that folks around here are getting used to dealing with such things. My only wish is that the County take down the signs down all the roads saying that the intersection is still closed.
Paul the Malcontent
Sun, Jun 27, 2010 : 3:29 a.m.
First, I'm impressed with how soon this got completed and somewhat amazed at the complaints it took too long. From April 19 to June 24 is 66 days; I don't know of ANY other road construction project in Michigan that has been finished that quickly. And here's that video explaining roundabouts again: http://wcroads.org/news/roundabouts/RndAbouts-SWFs/All%20About%20Roundabouts.swf
Susan Schwartzenberger
Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 6:44 p.m.
In response to evenyoubrutus - No one asked the local shop owners. We have been here, tending shop, and no reporter happened by. Government officials make better press, of course.
LauraM
Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 3:01 p.m.
Jamie Riddle's suggestion is what I did years ago the first time I ever saw a round about in another city. I went out there late at night and there were no other cars around and I drove through the thing several times from all directions and all of a sudden it all made sense. I'm sure I looked like a nut if anyone was watching! About those roundabouts at Lee/23, those scare me when I'm in my car, I can't imagine driving a semi through them. KRC- the last I knew the roundabout in DC with 6 streets connected is still there. LM
Soothslayer
Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 2:06 p.m.
Boo frikkity hoo. Roundabouts are the best and safest answer for an intersection as EVERYONE has to pay attention and slow down. The rest of the world has been using them for eons and sure there may be a minor fender bender from time to time they weed out the old folk who probably aren't safe to be on the road anyway. You wont get hardly any 40mph rear end or front end collisions like you do at stopsigns or lights and they save tons of energy as there is limited idling. People SHOULD be paying attention to traffic, right of way and roundabouts are simple. If you're in the roundabout you have the right of way, if not then you yield to whomever is in the roundabout. Presto! I'm going to drive out there and go around and around in the middle of it all day just for fun to watch the excitement. Expect to get honked at if you fail to yield! Peace.
Jamie
Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 12:51 p.m.
I think roundabouts are a fine idea, the do keep the traffic flowing. People around here that have never negotiated a roundabout, should first check out the guides from the road commission and the ones from Michigan.gov (I am not re posting link they are in the news story and comments.), then the second thing they should do is, during NON PEAK hours, go up to the intersection to get familiar with it, drive around it and come at it from ALL directions, so if the happen to be there at peak hours, it won't be such a hassle. My only issue with roundabouts, is that they are not designed very well for semi truck usage. I drive a semi and frequent the ones (roundabouts) at Lee Rd., and US 23, when I am driving through there in a semi, because of my length I have to take up all lanes and also have to take them slower, I know other traffic will get frustrated and angry. These people have to understand the level of skill it takes to drive a vehicle that is 75+ feet in length and 80,000 pounds in weight and just be patient, we have places we have to go also. Everyone please download and read the brochures, familiarize yourself with the new intersection (it is here to stay), and be patient and give big trucks a little courtesy and respect, and we will all do fine through this new change.
leaguebus
Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 12:25 p.m.
The rule is, if you are in the roundabout you have right of way. But, the roundabout on Maple at M14 has a yield sign in it stopping southbound traffic in the roundabout when a car approaches from the west on the M14 service drive. This is the south most roundabout of the three that are there. What a dumb thing to do!!
glimmertwin
Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 9:49 a.m.
>>I'm a local citizen and knew nothing about the project until it started! It was discussed for many, many months, if not over a year ago. All documented in the minutes of the Township's website. 2 years ago sounds right. Put in a brand new intersection, paid for it with taxpayer dollars, and neglected pedestrians. 2 years later, repeat. Fine planning.
krc
Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 9:33 a.m.
Dupont Circle in Washington DC was a nightmare roundabout in the late 60's. It was three lanes wide (don't ask me why) and the speed limit was around 30 mph. If you weren't able to exit at your street the first time, you just had to keep circling until some nice driver let you over. I think it had 6 streets coming off it. I wonder if it has been rebuilt! I think these new, modern ones are just great!
oldblueypsi
Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 9:07 a.m.
Mr. Lawson mentions "improvements" slated to begin ca. 8/1. Are these the same items which, I believe, were part of the original requirements for Paint Creek Crossing? Left turns out of the shopping center were supposed to be banned. A new road, extending Stony Creek northward, was to have been built immediately west of and abutting the shopping center. That new road (Stony Creek II?) would terminate at an extension of Huron River Drive west of Whittaker Rd (immediately south of the Bethesda Church property). Those seeking to go north from the shopping center would exit the center at the rear of the center, proceed north on Stony Creek II to S Huron River Dr W, then east to the traffic signal at S Huron St/Whittaker Rd. The signal stanchion, devoid of its eastbound traffic signal, has been standing vigil at that intersection since the last round of "improvements". Once completed, this should eliminate the use of the new carousel for cars as a means to accomplish a Michigan U-turn (go right to go left). For those seeking to go south on Stony Creek, or enter the shopping center from Stony Creek, Stony Creek II will provide a way to do so and avoid using the Whittaker/Stony Creek NASCAR practice facility. With the deflection/rerouting of all this traffic, one can then ponder upon why the roundabout/traffic circle was ever even considered.
obviouscomment
Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 9:05 a.m.
Also, I understand the idea of doing a Michigan left at the roundabout but that seems to me like it will make traffic a bigger problem because there will be so many people trying to do something they really aren't familiar with. That takes away the point of the roundabout thing. My point is that they could've saved so much money...frivolous spending is what this is.
obviouscomment
Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 9 a.m.
I don't understand the idea of spending so much money on this thing. That's not where the real problem was. All they needed to do was put a light at the main/central entrance to the Kroger shopping center and keep the other light the way it was. That would've saved so much money and hassle. I drive that area almost every day and during all times of day including rush hour and never had a problem and never saw a serious accident at that intersection, actually I don't remember ever seeing ANY accidents at that intersection. What a waste of money. The problem wasn't solved because now it will be even harder to turn left out of the shopping center. Traffic used to stop and then you could pull out, now there will be no break in the traffic.
Susan Schwartzenberger
Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 6:44 a.m.
The construction of Dean Drive (behind Paint Creek Crossing) would have been a godsend for those of us that use the intersection of Whittaker and Stony Creek on a daily basis. "They," meaning the County, are not building Dean Drive. The owner of the plaza owns the land behind it also and will foot the bill for the new road. His intention is to provide access to news homes that will be built in the future. While it would have made him a hero with area residents, no one can force him to build a road! Especially when he's not building the housing right now. Consider using this traffic pattern within the shopping center - use the very generous driveway around behind Kroger to bypass the stop signs and pedestrian traffic in the parking lot in front of Kroger. Drive south to the stop sign, turn right, go all the way around Kroger and come out at the center driveway. Yes, the traffic patterns within the plaza are inefficient and frustrating but, again, "they" can't make the owner fix it. There is power in the written word. Make your suggestions to Grenadier Properties (www.grenadierproperties.com.) I have a great view of Whittaker Road from my front window at work (Stony Creek Bead, next to the Hallmark store.) Friday, the first full day of the roundabout use, traffic flowed freely and there was no hint of backups in either direction. Don't wait for "them" to provide a traffic signal for the left turn issue. The installation of the light is Grenadier's responsibility. Use the roundabout to make the Michigan left. While I'm making suggestions about this plaza, here's another one. Please don't be "that person" that illegally blocks the fire lanes in front of the stores. If you are dropping someone off, fine. Go find a parking spot while you wait. It is against the law to stop, stand, or park in a fire lane, and the police and fire marshall will issue tickets. I must admit I do laugh at people who park in front of the dollar store to buy helium balloons... because they are so heavy to carry to a parking spot 50 steps away...?
retiredteacher
Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 6:08 a.m.
several points 1) it was not needed nor necessary. 2) no residents that any of us have talked to wanted it. Why were those people not asked? 3) it has already cost the stores (most of which were failing & not needed anyhow) millions of dollars in income. It will cost them more, becasue all or most of us living south of there will now continue to shop in Milan or Belleville. Since we had to do so. 4) everyone who voted that expense (gee we are not in a recession or have roads needing repairs) needed to be OUT OF OFFICE NOW! Whatever it takes. 5) It is the best argument ever for zero development and growth in (former) rural areas.
frozenhotchocolate
Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 1:26 a.m.
Like I've always said, if a person can't navigate a roundabout based on the posted signs, then said person is technically not qualified to have a drivers liscense. Deal with it.
tlb1201
Sat, Jun 26, 2010 : 1:05 a.m.
Some people are missing the point about how the roundabout simplifies left-hand turns. You no longer need to make a left and fight your way out onto Whittaker. You just turn right and go around the roundabout to make a "Michigan Left". You may have to travel just a bit more, but it's so much easier and probably safer, the way some people make "desperation lefts". (Close their eyes, hit the gas, and pull into the center turn lane to use it to make a forced merge!)
Rock72
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 10:56 p.m.
They probably did not put the access roads in first because drivers would have used this as a 'detour' route once the intersection was closed to put in the roundabout. I am sure cars would have been lined up in the back of the shopping complex to get through.
ussubmariner
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 10:02 p.m.
Ms. BS outta try and put a roundabout that comes out over on the other side of the lake. Or have they forgotten the other side of the lake. How about a bridge across the lake. There used to be one.Many, many, many,,,,,,,many moons ago.
Jim H
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 9:12 p.m.
Good point brought up by others: Build the other access roads first, avoiding the huge loss of business during construction. Let me add one aspect; remove the Stoney Creek connector and sell the property for commercial use. This eliminates the intersection and requires only curbing instead of a $1.5 million roundabout. The cost, loss of business & employment, and timing of the project make me wonder why the rush to spend our money on an un-needed intersection and who received incentives? There don't seem to be funds available to fix the existing roads.
Elizabeth
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 7:56 p.m.
@ Spyker and Candy.....That was exactly my point! Thanks for pointing this out. That is why I can't fathom why they did the roundabout before putting in these two new access roads (off stoney creek into the back of the shopping center, and the one they are planning for huron river drive) first. Not only would this solve the problem of heading north on Whittaker, but it also would have allowed them to keep access to all the businesses flowing more freely while they did the roundabout work. Where were the public meetings for input on this project?
Spyker
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 7:15 p.m.
The irony is that the traffic light and intersection replaced by this new traffic circle was only 2 years old! Traffic attempting to turn north when exiting Paint Creek Shopping Center often had to wait until the light at Whittaker and Stony Creek turned red to stop most north bound traffic. Now that light is gone. How will anyone be able to safely turn north when exiting the shopping center? South bound traffic on Whittaker Rd, typically moving at 45 to 50+ MPH, would back up past the shopping center entrance in the evenings when the old traffic light turned red. Now all south bound traffic will need to slow to 15 MPH to negotiate the traffic circle. I envision this high volume of slow moving traffic will continuously block the entrance to the shopping center each evening during rush hour. Traffic circles have obvious sensible applications. Unfortunately, this intersection does not fit that description. I project there will be a new traffic light installed on Whittaker Rd within 12 months - this time at the entrance of the shopping center, completely negating the "free flowing" intentions of this mis-applied traffic circle installation.
Candy
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 7:13 p.m.
I never had any issues at that light... it was getting in and out of the shopping center that was always a nightmare. If I am understanding correctly, traffic will be constantly moving due to this roundabout and so it will be even more difficult to make a left out of there. I've been avoiding that area for weeks now due to the construction, maybe I can just continue to do so. :(
Tag
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 6:58 p.m.
Several businesses are located at the intersection of Whittaker and Stony Creek, including multiple strip malls, a CVS store, Kroger grocery store, Subway restaurant, pizzeria, credit union, chiropractor, multiple daycare centers, Chase bank and more. In this paragraph four businesses get mentioned by brand name, yet the others only get covered by generic terms. Why is that? Are CVS, Kroger, Subway and Chase advertisers? Why not mention the local businesses by name such as Aubree's. My old AP Style Guide has long ago been packed in a box.
Pamela
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 3:45 p.m.
WOW!!! I went through this today after it being closed for over a month. What a waste of money! Why couldn't they just repave the road and replace the traffic light???
YpsiLivin
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 3:18 p.m.
I'm delighted that the roundabout is done. I'll look at it next week when I go to the library, but I get more than a little irritated by people at the road commission who talk about improving roadway safety. If they're looking for a road that's in desperate need of improvement, they should take a look at Hewitt. Drivers seem not to notice that Hewitt is a RESIDENTIAL street between Packard and Ellsworth. The current speed limit was elevated to 45 mph several years ago and drivers treat Hewitt like it's a very long entrance ramp to I-94. In the past 24 months, I've seen ALL of my neighbors (yes, every last one on my block) lose their mailboxes to cars that have careened out of control. There have been multiple accidents, including two rollovers in which the Jaws of Life were required to extricate vehicle occupants. All of the houses on my block have suffered property damage as the result of cars coming off the road, and two of the four houses on my block have actually been struck by a car; one of the houses was literally knocked off of its foundation. Last winter I came home to discover vehicle tracks in the snow from a northbound vehicle that used my driveway to ENTER THE BIKE PATH that runs across my lot, drive north on the bike path across my property and my neighbor's property, and then re-enter the traffic stream on Hewitt using my neighbor's driveway. Presumably, the driver did this to avoid an accident, but I guess it's entirely possible that the driver was trying to mow down a pedestrian. Meanwhile, the Washtenaw County Road Commission continues to insist that the speed limit on Hewitt has nothing to do with why cars are crashing and flying off the roadway, but that's a different story. Bag the roundabout; how can we get a chicane?
Tom Teague
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 3:07 p.m.
@Ed V - Thanks for the "Ben Hur" link. Let's see if I have this right: If I fall out of my chariot in one of the roundabouts, I just crawl back on and don't stop, correct? And if I'm injured, four guys in green togas run out and scoop me up, right? Piece of cake. Seriously, the circles aren't that hard. There's a nifty video about navigating them that one of your readers posted earlier in the year and that I pedantically re-posted last time we all had this discussion. It's worth finding and viewing since it pointed out the difference between old-style traffic circles and new-style roundabouts.
Ypsidweller
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 3:06 p.m.
I think Edward V's comment should be removed as it is off topic. Just kidding Ed, I love that chariot race.
evenyoubrutus
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 2:33 p.m.
"$1.5 million roundabout project has been a cooperative effort among the area businesses and residents." So does this figure include the amount of revenues lost by local businesses, like CVS and Aubrees just to name a couple, who have had to deal with this poorly managed project for the last few months? I noticed there weren't any managers or owners of those businesses interviewed in the story. Is that because there weren't any who had anything positive to say about this?
Elizabeth
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 2:21 p.m.
I found it funny that the article talked about the cooperative effort between the township, county, businesses, and LOCAL CITIZENS...I'm a local citizen and knew nothing about the project until it started! While I'm thrilled that the project was finished in a timely manner, I still fail to see why they would work on the roundabout BEFORE putting in these two other access roads to the shopping center? It makes no sense whatsoever! The impact on business as well as on local residents, would have been minimized if there had been an easier way to access ANY of the businesses in the area. There would have been NO NEED for a four mile(or more) detour to get to Kroger if they had simply extended the roads into the shopping center first! UGH! The new roundabout will do nothing to ease the problems of those trying to make a left out of the shopping center..in fact it may complicate it.
Cash
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 2:13 p.m.
Susan, Thank you so much for posting about the Paint Creek Crossing traffic!! That answered my question. I was wondering if this roundabout would resolve the problem of trying to execute a left turn out of the mall. It sounds like it did! Also good to know about the traffic pattern change within the drives at the mall. Thanks again.
djm12652
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 2:04 p.m.
kinda like a NASCAR race withouts much straight away...go fast, turn left, go fast, turn left...go oh nevermind...
Carl Duncan
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 2:01 p.m.
In Germany, we called the roundabouts "traffic circles." Some of them were in excess of of five lanes. If you don't get your exit right the first time, keep circling around, don't stop, until you get your exit on the next go around. A person could spend the whole day circling around on one of those things if they wanted to.
5c0++ H4d13y
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 1:56 p.m.
@Aashish http://lmgtfy.com/?q=chicane
Aashish
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 1:47 p.m.
What's a chicane?
treetowncartel
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 1:34 p.m.
@ Top Cat, followed by the scene from "European Vacation"...."Look kids, Big Ben Parliment..."
Susan Schwartzenberger
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 1:17 p.m.
There are traffic pattern changes in the Paint Creek Crossing plaza as a result of the roundabout. Vehicles are not allowed to exit at the south driveway; southbound Whittaker traffic can turn right into the driveway. I came nose-to-nose with a van trying to exit as I was entering this morning, and I did see one of the Ypsilanti Township firetrucks exiting the driveway and heading south. (Not setting a good example, guys! You weren't on an emergency run!) Instead of waiting in the center driveway to turn left, use the roundabout as a "Michigan Left Turn" (go-right-to-go-left). I work in Paint Creek Crossing, and from what I can see, the traffic is moving just fine! Kudos to the road commission and all other contributing parties!
ironyinthesky2
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 1:16 p.m.
The drivers in the circle go round and round, round and round...
Lokalisierung
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 1:16 p.m.
I liked the relax feel around here during "off topic Friday." :)
Top Cat
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 1:08 p.m.
You can't possibly do a successful navigation of a roundabout unless you have seen the chariot race sequence from Ben Hur.
Lokalisierung
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 12:45 p.m.
"Some drivers treat them like a chicane and take them at 45 mph" Must admit I do.
Bill Wilson
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 12:41 p.m.
So Tony has demoted Ryan to the level of covering the openings of roundabouts, eh? No doubt from the fallout over the Lesko articles.
Barb
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 12:39 p.m.
Note - Sarcasm:I love the comments by Twp Supervisor Stumbo - what a refreshing take and vote of confidence. Remind me not to drive the roundabout while she's trying to figure it out. Really, it's not so hard!
5c0++ H4d13y
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 12:28 p.m.
Yes DON'T STOP IN THE CIRCLE! Even if an emergency vehicle comes along you clear the circle you don't stop in it. In fact pedestrians have to yield to cars exiting the roundabout. http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,1607,7-151-9615_53039---,00.html http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/MDOT_RoundaboutBrochure_312721_7.pdf My only issue is that for the most part they are too small. Some drivers treat them like a chicane and take them at 45 mph. Also the center of the circle should be scooped out to make a drunk catcher. Cops could roll by at 3am and arrest all the drunks caught in the middle.
glimmertwin
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 12:26 p.m.
Not one mention of the fact that the township was sued, or threatened to be sued, due to the lack of pedestrian crossings at that intersection which was the real catalyst for changing it in the first place. Read the meeting minutes from many, many months ago. The entire way the roads and shopping center there, which contrary to the A2 New reporting, has never been 100% occupied. I hope the short-sightedness of the Township and the County can finally be overcome by this roundabout. Time will tell.
Cash
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : noon
I find few people who "get" that international rule of roundabouts. Traffic on Geddes (at the Geddes/Superior roundabout)heading into the roundabout going east....just plow right through. If a car in the roundabout going to Suerior Rd pulls out, there's an accident. So people in the roundabout stop instead. That situation needs to be clearly marked. People don't seem to get it. The yield sign isn't cutting it.
lisasimpson
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 11:41 a.m.
This is news! I have been avoiding that entire side of town, even choosing to drive to a grocery store further away from my residence, just because of the traffic (and subsequent construction) at this intersection. I'm certain I am not alone. Plus what about all those folks who have never gone through a roundabout and learn how just by reading this article? That alone improves the flow of traffic because you don't have a bunch of folks getting to it and not knowing what to do. Not all news on AnnArbor.com is relevant to me, but I am keenly aware I am one reader out of thousands.
John Q
Fri, Jun 25, 2010 : 11:27 a.m.
I can't wait for the day that the opening of a new roundabout is a non-news story.