Roundabouts are silly

The article did not seem to indicate that this traffic study (“the Study”) was done at the request of the Orofino City Council. It seems the study was done by a private party after it reached a conclusion that the intersection of Michigan Avenue and State Highway 7 near the City Park (the “Intersection”) was a central hub for pedestrians and bicycles, and was dangerous to those modes of movement.

The Study made a statement that the population of Clearwater County (“the County”) would be increasing by 1.1% a year through the year 2045 (22 years from now). The article was unclear how the Study reached this figure, or what the County population would then be. Neither did it support the contention that the increase in population would significantly increase the use of intersection for Park Access.

The article said the Study analyzed data, but it was not clear what the raw data was. It would be good to know how many traffic accidents occurred at the intersection, including vehicle collisions, pedestrian/vehicle interactions and bicycle/vehicle accidents. In addition, the article did not identify the number of individual injuries and deaths occurring over the Study period.

While I do not drive through the intersection every day, I have in my 7+year residency in Orofino, not seen that much pedestrian or bicycle traffic in the intersection. Any pedestrian or cyclist on either side can cross Michigan Avenue at the four-way stop at Johnson Avenue and avoid the intersection altogether.

The article quoted the Study as showing the worst leg of the Intersection for traffic now has a C rating. I would assume that would be one of the left-hand turns which are done from a stop. However, a C rating is looked at as acceptable and the other legs apparently have a higher rating. Hence the question, “Why make changes?”

It appears the Study reached the conclusion desired by its sponsor and then moved on to the “what to do” phase. They decided the most expensive solution, the mini roundabout (“the Roundabout”), was the best. This solution is estimated to cost $2.136 million.

Here I must acknowledge my own bias. I believe that a roundabout is one of the silliest traffic ideas invented by man.

I strongly recommend that the City Council study this issue in depth. There is no evidence cited by the Study that the Roundabout will benefit vehicular traffic flow. It also does not analyze the number of deaths, injuries or collisions with such a system. A very intense evaluation of the Study should be undertaken prior to going forward with the Study’s recommendation.

Thank you for your consideration.

Very truly yours,

David B. Dohms

Orofino