Bettendorf is planning a second traffic roundabout – at the intersection of Middle and Crow Creek Roads – more than a decade after the city's initial roundabout at Middle and 53rd Avenue was installed amid howls from drivers puzzled by the region's first major intersection without stop signs or signal lights.
Complaints about the first roundabout have diminished over the years as motorists have learned how to navigate around the roundabout. However, even in recent years there have been calls to replace the roundabout with a traditional signalized intersection.
The new roundabout would be approximately a mile south of the 53rd Avenue roundabout, which was built in 2002.
"With the existing and proposed development anticipated around the intersection, an upgrade will have to be made in the near future to enhance traffic flow, reduce delay times, and reduce vehicle emissions substantially," city staff said in its report to the city council. "Rather than a signalized intersection, a roundabout at this intersection is a better fit that is consistent with the Bi-State Regional Commission congestion management process."
The new roundabout would cost an estimated $1.8 million with federal funds expected to pay 80 percent of improvement. Included in the price tag is $300,000 for right-of-way acquisition. At Tuesday's (10/15) council meeting, aldermen are expected to approve a commitment to funds the local portion of the project and accept future maintenance of the roundabout when completed.
Design and right-of-way acquisition is expected to take two years, with completion of the new roundabout in the fall of 2016.
Roundabouts have become more commonplace throughout the state of Iowa and Midwest. Roundabouts are common in European countries and have been proven to reduce serious accidents compared to signalized intersections. By not having traffic stop as in traditional signalized intersections, roundabouts provide for a constant flow of traffic, which helps to lower vehicle emissions and fuel consumption.
Part of the funding being sought for roundabout construction would come from the Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program of the Iowa Department of Transportation.
