Roundabouts Would Make HWY 287 Safer
Author: Ron Salladay
Roundabouts Would Make HWY 287 Safer
I recently finished reading the second of two articles in MT43News about the dangers on Highway 287. In both articles, there was no mention of roundabouts, which are implemented for safety and speed reduction.
Before moving here from Minnesota 25 years ago, I was exposed to the proposal and implementation of a roundabout. The civil engineer involved faced several negative comments at public hearings, but implementation resulted in an elimination of serious accidents requiring an ambulance. The city now has several.
In my travels, I have also seen roundabouts used on highways. On a 15-mile stretch of four lanes in Arizona, there are seven roundabouts at current and future development crossings, slowing the speed of traffic and allowing safe entry from side roads.
I understand there may be those opposed to a roundabout or other traffic control feature, one at the Silos and one at Winston, but I find it hard to argue with the fact that serious injuries or deaths could have been prevented had there been a roundabout or other traffic control feature present.
In closing, I am in support of the pursuit of grant funding to help reduce the dangers on Highway 287 between Townsend and East Helena.
Sincerely,
Ron Salladay
Townsend
