Sonoma County Opens First Traffic Roundabout

(Editor's Note: This information comes from a press release received by Patch.)

SANTA ROSA, Calif. – The intersection of Arnold Drive and Agua Caliente Road, outside of Sonoma, has been improved with a new roundabout. The roundabout has four approaches, Arnold Drive to the north and south, Agua Caliente Road from the east and Hanna Boys Center from the west, and includes sidewalks, bike paths, enhanced bus stops, and crosswalks.
 
While funded through State Measure M sales tax revenue, the Hanna Boys Center donated approximately $300,000 worth of land, in addition to paying approximately $200,000 in landscaping and design costs in the area of the roundabout itself, to help move the project forward. Hanna Boys Center also donated space for a memorial along the roundabout to commemorate military hero Happ Arnold, which will be dedicated in June 2014. Ongoing maintenance for the landscaping will be done by Hanna Boys Center at no cost to the County.
 
First District Supervisor Susan Gorin commented, “I thank the voters for approving Measure M in 2004.  The roundabout was included in a list of projects funded by this measure. The new roundabout will provide traffic congestion relief, as well as safety improvements for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. The Hanna Boys Center donated land surrounding the roundabout, design costs, and a space for the memorial to Happ Arnold, which reduced the construction costs of the project and the ongoing maintenance costs for the County, making it a great deal for local tax payers.”
 
The roundabout is designed to complement the entry of Hanna Boys Center. Entry speeds for cars should be approximately 25 mph and circulation speeds within the round-about of 15-18 mph. The curbs, gutters, and sidewalks are designed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
 
The Sonoma County Transportation and Public Works Department is committed to providing a safe and sustainable transportation system and is sensitive to both its citizens and the environment. Since the round-about improvements are new to many travelers, the following is a brief description on how to Use a Roundabout:
 
·         Reduce speeds as you approach the roundabout to 25 mph.
·         Look to your left and yield to other vehicles, pedestrians, or bikes in the roundabout.
·         Proceed to the right when there is a gap in the traffic and continue until you reach your desired intersecting street.
·         Drivers already in the roundabout have the right-of-way.
·         If an emergency vehicle approaches, immediately exit the roundabout, do not stop in the roundabout.
The US Department of Transportation has prepared a very informative video on round-abouts that is helpful in giving motorists, pedestrians, & bicyclists facts on using this type of intersection control: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhHzly_6lWM (Preview)

More information can be found at the website for Sonoma County Department of Transportation and Public Works at http://www.sonoma-county.org/tpw.