Love or hate Roundabouts, one could be coming to Nampa

Photo courtesy: xuanhuongho via Depositphotos

The intersection at Franklin and Karcher road in Nampa could see a drastic change if plans go through for the installation of a roundabout.

There are 3 subjects that are sure to stir heated discussions between otherwise level headed individuals; pros and cons of the designated hitter, politics and roundabouts. When it comes to the seemingly foreign idea of a non-stop flow of traffic through a 4 way-intersection, Americans are staunch in their belief that the traditional 4-way, controlled intersection is best. But recent studies have shown that we could be (and probably are) wrong!

Take for instance this study from the University of Dayton.

And, it hasn’t stopped there. After an exhaustive search I was unable to find a single example proving that the tried and true 4-way intersection out-performed the roundabout in traffic flow, driver safety or pedestrian safety. As I reflect back on my time in driver’s education and later, behind the wheel; I struggle to recall a single instance where we were instructed on the proper use let alone existence of roundabouts. So it would then stand to reason that an entire generation of drivers rightfully have an aversion to roundabouts.

In an interview with our news partner KTVB, City of Nampa Senior Transportation Planner Clair Bowman had this to say:

"We are committed to working with the Nampa community and the many industrial and commercial businesses that have a stake in this corridor. Property owners, businesses and the public will have an opportunity to participate in a public hearing in Spring 2021."

Study up and prepare whatever objections you may have for the roundabout before that meeting. But between now and then, can we all just be happy we don’t have to deal with Diverging Diamond Intersections?

Yet, anyway…