Boardman recently became home to the county’s first roundabout.
This alternative to the traditional intersection opened on August 27, at Sheridan and Mathews Roads. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:00 am, a school bus made the inaugural spin through (or around) the roundabout, after which it was open to the public.
Roundabouts are designed to ease traffic congestion by allowing the continual flow of traffic. Unlike intersection with traffic lights, there is no incentive to try and “beat” a light. Generally, cars need never come to a full stop but will instead slow up and merge into the roundabout. Roundabouts are also reputed to save on gas and reduce pollution due to the elimination of stopping, idling, and starting off again.
Circular junctions have been around for centuries and increased in popularity during the early years of the 20th Century. The move to modern day roundabouts gained traction in the UK during the 1960s. Roundabouts have been slow to gain acceptance in the U.S., with the first the first one opening in Nevada in 1990.
Reactions to the Boardman roundabout were mixed, with WYTV interviewing some locals who ranged between approving and being confused at the stucture. The services of brochure printers are often required when the public needs to be informed about a new program or unfamiliar feature, such as this roundabout.
