Sisters needs roundabout conversation

"So what do you all think about the roundabout proposal?"

It wasn't exactly an innocent question, I admit. With eight dinner-guests, some who were meeting others for the first time, I thought it would be a great ice-breaker. As a good hostess, I had done my own research on the Highway 20/Barclay roundabout, and of course, had come to some tentative conclusions myself. I was anxious to test them.

Our guests were quick to respond: "It's a done deal - what's there to think about?" asked the Cynical One. "Why can't we have the stoplight back?" asked the Plaintive One. "What's the point if it doesn't fix the Locust end of town, too?" asked the Practical One. "I love roundabouts," said the Well-Traveled One.

"Actually," said I, in full hostess mode, "I think there is still a lot to think about. It's not a done deal, and ODOT wants our input. Let me show you what I've found out."

We gathered around my laptop to take a look at ODOT's concept drawing. Then we looked at the accident statistics for the last 10 years, which I had requested from ODOT. And then we talked. And talked.

Here's what struck me about that summer evening on the deck: Our guests - generally well-informed, active community members - simply didn't know there was more information to be had. These folks are active in quilting circles; they are churchgoers and newspaper readers, both retired and employed; they are hikers, artists and builders; and they are dedicated volunteers with Circle of Friends, Habitat for Humanity, our local schools and other organizations.

Despite ODOT's outreach efforts and The Nugget's coverage of the roundabout proposal, our guests were unaware that the design is not settled, unaware of the small number of accidents at this intersection, and unaware of the large truck bypass lanes that would accommodate oversized loads. That made me wonder if the larger community has really had a chance to consider all the facets of the project.

As reported by The Nugget on August 25, an intergovernmental agreement is likely to be signed soon, outlining the City/State partnership for the project. But that doesn't mean it's a "done deal." So here are some conversation starters:

•Why is a roundabout the best year-round solution for managing traffic at this intersection?

•Will the roundabout prompt a similar solution for the east end of town?

•Is the truck bypass a negotiable condition of the roundabout? What will it look like when gated and locked?

•Does the accident rate (no fatalities and three serious injury accidents in 10 years) justify the project?

•How will lighting and landscaping be handled?

Whether we identify with the plaintive or the practical, the cynical or the sympathetic, we can all learn a little bit more about this proposal. The best decision will be the one embraced by our neighbors in full recognition of its potential as well as its pitfalls, its compromises and its sacrifices.

My conclusion? Let's get the conversation started - and then get on with dessert.

More information on the [email protected] Roundabout project is readily available at bit.ly/US20roundabout.