By ROB ROGERS
rob@newsroom.byu.edu
Provo drivers are getting a feel of what it's like to drive on European streets with the city's newest roundabout built in at the intersection of 700 East and Center Street, the city engineers' answer to traffic control.
'We started looking into roundabouts three or four years ago,' traffic engineer Dave Graves said. The roundabouts have been implemented by the city to help control traffic flow, he said.
Traffic engineers have chosen to use roundabouts instead of traffic lights to control traffic flow. Engineers have attended different conferences, looked at different solutions for coping with increased traffic flow and saw roundabouts as a viable solution.
'They're less expensive than traffic lights because they don't carry continual maintenance like traffic lights do,' Graves said.
However, Graves said the roundabout built at 700 and Center cost more than putting in a traffic light.
The city's seventh roundabout, which is being built at the intersection of 700 East and Center Street, was funded by federal money given to the city for the purpose of intersection construction, Graves said.
'At first I was frustrated with (the roundabout), but I think it is going to be good,' said Becky Gaisford, switch-board operator for the Utah State Hospital, who drives Center Street daily. 'You can come in from a side road and not have to wait forever,' she said.
Because of construction, Center Street, a two-lane road, has been reduced to a single lane at the roundabout. It will continue as two lanes through the roundabout once construction is complete, Graves said.
Residents, however, have questioned the city's decision to build the roundabouts.
'I think they're a hassle. It's easier to go in a straight line,' said Saia Uluave, a Seven Peaks employee.
Provo residents have also queried about whether the 2002 Olympics have played any influence on the decision.
'Maybe (the roundabout) was just a show thing for the Olympics,' said Utah State Hospital switchboard operator Vicki Emery.
Traffic engineers plan to start construction on two more roundabouts this spring: one at 920 South and Freedom Boulevard and another at 1720 South and 550 West, said Graves.