Dear Editor,
This letter is written in response to the recent article published in the Idaho Statesman regarding plans for a roundabout at Amity and Locust Grove roads.
We once again find it unfortunate that your staff did not reach out to the District directly regarding this issue prior to publication. Our subject matter experts are always happy to discuss our processes, decisions, and general operations when given the opportunity. It is very important to understand that while each Commission Member plays a vital role in these decisions, a single Commissioner's opinion does not generally reflect the opinion of the body or District as a whole. This is why decisions are made by a majority vote.
Within your article, there were several inaccuracies and misconceptions. We'd like to clear those up for your staff, readers, and the good people of Ada County. You will find corrections and clarifications outlined below.
STATESMAN: "Since Victory Road one mile to the north and Lake Hazel Road one mile to the south are already being planned as five-lane arterials, Hansen views Amity as an opportunity to focus on different priorities. Amity is cut off in Southwest Boise by the New York Canal, so it can't be used to go farther east anyway."
CORRECTION: Victory Road between McDermott and Eagle roads in South Meridian is planned to be no more than three lanes in ACHD's adopted Master Street Map.
STATESMAN: "After the expansion, they could approach in either lane. Since the contract for the first phase of the roundabout is $397,014, the total roundabout project would cost around $500,000 if done in two phases."
CORRECTION: The $397,014 only refers to design cost. The total project cost including right-of-way and construction is estimated at $2.3M.
STATESMAN: "Bypass lanes in roundabouts don't cross any other traffic. Therefore, drivers don't need to slow down and yield the way they would when approaching single-lane roundabouts."
CORRECTION: This is incorrect. Per design, all drivers using a roundabout must slow down to move through the roundabout - even those making right turns.
STATESMAN: "Hansen raised safety concerns about these right-turn bypass lanes, because drivers may speed up before fully exiting the roundabout, creating a potential dangerous conflict point with people who are not in cars."
CLARIFICATION: While this may have been a concern raised by Commissioner Hansen, in reality, all vehicles must slow down when entering the roundabout and by design, the crosswalk is in the driver's direct line of sight when exiting, enhancing safety for bicycle and pedestrian travel. Referring to these types of lanes as "right-turn bypass lanes" is also incorrect as they should be referred to as temporary dedicated right turn lanes.
STATESMAN: "Though Hansen was outvoted 4-1, Commissioner Alexis Pickering agreed with him on a key point. "I just really wish we could have had more time to discuss the bigger vision of this region," Pickering said. "It will continue to be an issue until we have that discussion."
CLARIFICATION: To clear up a misconception that ACHD does not look at the bigger vision of the region, it's important to note that the District performed a very detailed study for the future of South Meridian in 2009. This study was adopted by the ACHD Commission and incorporated into the ACHD Master Street Map. The South Meridian Transportation Plan can be found here: South Meridian Transportation Plan Final Report
Roundabouts, though somewhat novel to our area, are used all over the world for a variety of reasons. Planners and engineers have done immense research as to the effectiveness and safety of roundabouts, and the data shows roundabouts are generally safer for pedestrians compared to traditional intersections.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, "Roundabouts are not only a safer type of intersection; they are also efficient in terms of keeping people moving. Even while calming traffic, they can reduce delay and queuing when compared to other intersection alternatives. Furthermore, the lower vehicular speeds and reduced conflict environment can create a more suitable environment for walking and bicycling."
Furthermore, ACHD has made incredible strides over the past decade to enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety throughout Ada County. ACHD's strong and consistent commitment to all user's safety is validated by our multimillion-dollar investment in pedestrian, bicycle, and ADA infrastructure, addition of staff positions focused on these topics, as well as enhanced outreach efforts to these communities.
This is our third correction letter to your team in less than 12 months. We always appreciate coverage of important issues happening at ACHD, but we again request that your team does their due diligence to ensure the reporting is accurate and depicts the entire story. We encourage you to reconsider your approach, allowing readers to read the facts and formulate their own opinions based on that information.
If you'd like to discuss our concerns further, we are available by phone, email, or for an in-person meeting. Please reach out to us at your convenience.
Respectfully,
Ada County Highway District