(Chelsea Update would like to thank the Washtenaw County Road Commission for the information in this story.)
A modern roundabout is a circular intersection where entering traffic yields to vehicles traveling counter- clockwise around a central island.
It is designed to slow the speed of the vehicles to increase capacity and improve safety. Multi-lane roundabouts are used to move traffic around the central island through lanes that correspond to an intended destination, so chose your lane before entering the roundabout.
How to use a Roundabout:
- Slow down as you approach
- Use the guides signs and lane designation markers to choose the appropriate lane for the intended destination
- Look for pedestrians and bicyclists as you approach the crosswalk. Yield to those intending to cross.
- Slow down as you approach the yield sign. Look to the left to see if other vehicles are traveling within the roundabout.
- Once there is an adequate gap in traffic, enter the roundabout. Do not stop or change lanes, enter the roundabout. Do not stop once in the roundabout.
I still think was a drunk who came up with these, Sure glad I don’t live there anymore, I figure my next trip to Chelsea will be STaffan;s to come and get me!!
I was northbound on 52 after attending the Chelsea Fair Friday night. A dark colored suv entered the roundy round at a high rate of speed from my left and exited back to the west on Werkner. Obviously not close to the suggested speed. No doubt the idea was to accelerate to enter before others properly slowing down on 52. Needless to say I’m not surprised and sort of expect it when approaching these things. It was dark and I’m glad no one was attempting to use the crosswalk.
I go through the roundabout early in the morning so I don’t encounter a lot of traffic but it’s very dark. Hopefully they will consider installing overhead street lights.
I’m new to Chelsea so haven’t been to the M-52/Werkner intersection. However, I think Mr. Harrington makes an excellent point. This roundabout system only works if people use it correctly–and the SUV he mentions is an example of how this new system can be dangerous. I’ve read the studies that indicate the roundabout intersections are safer–but ONLY if the people using them do so properly. My history of driving the speed limit on M-52 between Chelsea and Manchester has made me aware of how impatient drivers can be, and that’s the real problem, regardless of what type of intersection system is used.
This roundabout was a real treat, I loved it… I went around and around about ten times….it was so much fun. I am hoping they put in more of these in the area..
Now what Chelsea really needs is a bypass around Main Street (downtown) which was suppose to happen years ago…