Residents have one more chance to sound off on roundabout

Residents will have one last chance to voice their opinions on the Edmonds Drive and Fifth Street roundabout.

A public information meeting is set for Tuesday beginning at 6 p.m. in the Community Center's Sierra Room.

Models of the current and proposed roundabout will be available for comparison. City staff will be available to answer questions, and a recording secretary will be on hand to record comments for those not wanting to fill out comment forms. There will also be a roundabout video display.

City supervisors last week held off a decision to make the roundabout permanent at the request of Supervisor Pete Livermore and a resident who complained the traffic device is dangerous and hasn't had enough public review.

"This is mostly for public information, but maybe it will influence the board's attitude," said Jon Plank, chairman of the Regional Transportation Commission.

Plank said he has received several letters and e-mail since last week both for and against the roundabout.

The cost of the roundabout was about $85,000 higher than estimated and will cost $205,724. The roundabout was estimated at $120,000 when city transportation officials decided to make it permanent in September 1999. A stop light for the intersection is estimated at $180,000.

Supervisors nearly approved the extra cost last week but bowed to Livermore's request for more public review.

City transportation officials recommend the roundabout be built despite its cost and because it decreases the time it takes to get through the intersection and moves traffic with significantly less congestion than the previous four-way intersection. The roundabout's efficiency could save the city money by delaying such projects as expanding Edmonds Drive to four lanes. Roundabout opponents argue driver unfamiliarity with the traffic device makes it too hazardous.

The roundabout was installed in April 1999 as a Nevada Department of Transportation experiment. The city decided to make the roundabout permanent in September 1999 partly because it was estimated to be cheaper than a traffic signal.

If you go:

What: Public information meeting on the Edmonds Drive/Fifth Street roundabout

When: Tuesday, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: the Community Center's Sierra Room, 851 E. William St.

For information call 887-2345.