More roundabout intersections proposed in Lincoln

Lincoln officials have proposed adding several more roundabout intersections across the city.

Statistics prove they work.  The year before the roundabout at South 33rd and Sheridan was installed, there were 17 crashes.  The year after it was built, that number dropped to four.

Ron Schleiger lives in that area.  He says he isn't against roundabouts, but he does have a different kind of safety concern.  “They're a little confusing to learn how to use it, but once you're used to it, it's not a bad problem.  It's just that I don't think they pay attention to pedestrians enough.”

City officials say roundabouts are designed to prevent traffic crashes, but driving through them can be frustrating.  Some drivers think they're unnecessary and those who have to cross them say their downright dangerous.  Schleiger says, “When the weather is nicer, I'll push my three-year-old neighbor girl through in a little baby carriage and people don't stop.  When I have a little child, it's really frustrating.”

A new roundabout is going to be built at North 14th and Superior streets.  The nearly $11 million project includes Lincoln's first multi–lane roundabout.  It also includes two underpasses for bikes and pedestrians.  Other proposals include one at South Coddington and West Van Dorn and two near Memorial Stadium to go along with the Haymarket Arena.