>> TRANSPORTATION
The Baldwin County Board of Commissioners announced that the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is considering creating a roundabout for the intersection of SR 22 and SR 24.
According to the press release posted in the board’s October newsletter, the proposed project would consist of a three-way T-intersection at SR 22 and SR 24 being converted into a single-lane roundabout. State Route 24 is part of the State Bicycle Network Route 35. Therefore, an 8-foot wide multi-use path will also be constructed to allow cyclists to avoid the roundabout. Additionally, solar-powered lights, per the request of the Board of Commissioners, will light the roundabout.
The roundabout project is being proposed due to the crash frequency and severity at the intersection. According to the press release, GDOT did a traffic engineering study first to determine that the intersection does not qualify for a traffic signal and so a roundabout is logically the best effort to improve traffic flow and create a safer environment. In addition it was noted that all roundabouts specifically help through yield control, ensuring low speeds and controlling driving into a counterclockwise flow around a center island.
“Roundabouts have been demonstrated to provide a number of safety, operational and other benefits when compared to other types of intersections, with reductions in fatal and injury crashes of 60 to 87 percent,” GDOT writes in the press release. “GDOT wants to ensure that all members of the community are adequately notified and able to access project information to provide input on projects.”
On Facebook, residents of Baldwin County are commenting with mixed reviews of the project. Some commenters express they believe the roundabout may cause more accidents, while others express support for the idea.
As of now, the GDOT is looking for feedback on the proposal. As noted in the press release, if you have questions or comments, please contact the project manager, Jonathan Dechko at 404-865-3476 or JDechko@dot.ga.gov.