Wednesday, Mar. 10, 2010

Project could make spot safer

A roundabout at dangerous intersection could help

The state might build a roundabout at the intersection of Vandora Springs and Buffaloe roads, as long the town agrees to cover most of the cost.

If the deal goes through, construction of the project could start next year, Town Planner Brad Bass told town leaders recently.

The state Department of Transportation suggests the town pay $300,000 and the state pay $150,000, Bass said. The Town Council will decide whether it wants to give the project the go-ahead.

The roundabout would direct traffic in a loop at the three-way intersection, where traffic stops at Buffaloe Road. A curve on Vandora Springs limits visibility.

Councilman Gra Singleton said Vandora Springs Road has been dangerous, and the town waited a while for the state to install a stop light at the intersection of Old Stage Road.

"This is another step to try to make that a little bit safer," Singleton said.

Sidewalks would be included in the project, said Town Manager Hardin Watkins. Eventually, he said, the town wants to build sidewalks along Buffaloe Road.

"This obviously begins to build on that system," he said.

Transportation officials talked about building a roundabout at Vandora Springs and Buffaloe roads in 2008, but DOT money woes halted the project, Bass said.

Watkins said the town's proposed share of the project's cost isn't unreasonable. But he said the town likely won't have enough cash to pay for it, so it could use reserves or issue a bond.

The town could choose to install lighting with the project, which would add to the cost.