Monday, August 31, 2009
CINCINNATI (AP) — Some officials in a southwest Ohio township figure a confusing six-way intersection is a good spot for what would be the Cincinnati area’s first modern roundabout.
Long common in Europe, roundabouts use a continuous traffic flow with vehicles going into a circle and exiting to the right at the desired road. This helps avoid frustrating waits at multiple stop signs.
Columbia Township Administrator Michael Lemon says the Plainville Road intersection is maddening. He says there are few accidents because all vehicles must stop, but there is much anger and horn-honking as motorists try to sort out who goes next.
Federal authorities say up to 250 U.S. roundabouts — also known as traffic rotaries — are built each year. Statistics show they help reduce accidents.