DelDOT Presentation on Roundabouts

Q/A and Comments

Q: The safety comparison between the traffic intersection and the roundabouts is strange to the public because the new roundabouts are not replacing intersections. Instead, the roundabouts are placed where the traffic flows without pause - except, the residents in the new subdivisions in the area would have a hard time getting in and out of the communities.

A (Shante): Where the new roundabouts are placed are where the traffic study shows the intersections are warranted due to the increase in traffic.

Q: Since the roundabout on Beaverdam Road seems to go into the new subdivision, it almost looks like a straight road. When the visibility is not high, the cars may proceed straight and run into oncoming cars.

A: There will be lights to make the roundabout more visible.

Q: The single-lane roundabouts preclude future expansion to accommodate volume increase. Where there is an explosive growth of population, the roundabouts may create bottlenecks sooner than later. A new roundabout at the intersection of Jolyns Way and Rt 24 (according to the Henlopen TID plan) makes no sense because Rt 24 is already backed up.

A: In 20 years, the roundabouts may have to be double-laned or replaced with traffic signals. I (Shante) am not aware of the roundabout on Rt 24.

Observation for Pedestrian/Bike Crossing:

On one of DelDOT's presentations read, "Cars will always tend to leave the road on the outside of the curve." This means, if a car is to lose control in the circle, the car will tend to veer off to the pedestrian/bike crossing.