The Town reviews the need to install a traffic signal or roundabout at an intersection during the review of new development projects and for Town-initiated projects.
For new development areas, we ask developers to document traffic through a Traffic Impact Analysis to determine the best method of traffic control. Where the amount of vehicles is forecasted to be higher, roundabouts are the preferred option, due to the advantages they have over traffic signals related to safety and efficiency.
Roundabouts can reduce accidents and improve traffic flow at intersections. As a result, they are preferred to traffic signals or to four-way stop controls unless it can be demonstrated that a specific location is not a good candidate. View the at benefits of a roundabout.
Read more about the Town's process for installing traffic signals. The Town follows the national guidelines of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices to meet the minimum requirements to install a traffic signal. This process includes an engineering evaluation called a Traffic Signal Warrant Study. These studies are conducted annually based on the Town's intersection watch list and changes in traffic volumes across the community. Intersections are also evaluated at least every two years as a part of the Town's Crash Facts Report, which determines locations across Town that would most benefit from safety improvements.
During the Town's engineering evaluation, the feasibility of installing a roundabout is considered. This evaluation includes an operational and safety analysis consisting of a review of crash history, pedestrian and bicycle safety, vehicle safety, available land use and overall benefit-to-cost analysis. Based on this portion of the analysis, the recommendation for installing a traffic signal versus a roundabout is made.
The Town strives for transparency when making traffic decisions. Typically, the Town will hold an open house or will seek community feedback through our website. This assists us in making a final decision.
Published May 17, 2022