“No one could ever figure out a way to get (the
intersections) to operate efficiently,” he said.
Ideas presented
To start the process, the MPO hired Ayres Associates in 2008
to come up with a conceptual layout for the thoroughfare
and problematic intersections. After weighing nine
alternatives, a five-leg, multi-lane roundabout came out the
winner.
“All the other alternatives basically just moved the problems
around,” Beauheim said.
The roundabout was one of only two alternatives that
dealt with the congestion – and it had the lowest cost and
smallest footprint.
Mason said all other solutions for fixing the corridor were
too costly, with much more property acquisition required.
“It was very clear that the best and smartest solution was
the roundabout,” he said.
East Pershing Boulevard had been functioning as three
signalized intersections that were to be integrated into a
single roundabout.
Opinions divided
Getting the public to embrace the concept of a roundabout
was not without its challenges.
“When it was proposed, the idea had mixed reactions,”
Dana said. “It was a love/hate relationship; people either
loved it or hated it, but there was very little middle ground.”
The roundabout was a new concept in Cheyenne when the
idea was proposed in 2008, even though the City had nine
other roundabout intersections by the time it was built.
“Most of the reservations had to do with people being
resistant to change,” Dana said, adding that educating the
public about roundabouts was an essential component of
the project.
Education offered
First, the MPO, Ayres, and City officials conducted a corridor
walk, going door-to-door to talk individually to those living
in the affected area.
“The end result was that that public was pretty much
in support of it,” Mason said. “They understood that a
conventional solution was more impactful.”
8│ TRENDS
What’s a Roundabout
All About?
It might sound like a carnival ride, but
a roundabout is a one-way circular
intersection engineered to reduce
congestion and maximize safety.
Motorists yield when they enter the
roundabout, which serves to keep
traffic moving continuously in a
counter-clockwise flow.
What are the benefits?
Roundabouts are safer . Severe
head-on and left-turn crashes do not
occur. In fact, studies by the National
Cooperative Highway Research
Program show that roundabouts
significantly improve safety at
previously signalized intersections
with an average of 60% fewer crashes
with injuries.
Roundabouts are quicker . They
reduce delay time by allowing drivers
to yield rather than stop at a red light,
and they also handle higher traffic
volumes.
Roundabouts are more economical.
Drivers save time and fuel, and
eliminating signals saves about $5,000
a year in maintenance and energy.
Roundabouts are greener. They reduce
fuel consumption and vehicle pollution
by eliminating idling at red lights.
Source: The City of Cheyenne brochure “All About
Roundabouts”