As DI considers one roundabout, a celebrated city thrives with nearly 100

Berkeley County Councilman Josh Whitley told The Daniel Island News that the consideration of a roundabout for the intersection of Daniel Island Drive and Seven Farms Drive is “very preliminary, as engineering has not even begun,” and construction at the junction would not begin until February 2017 at the earliest. However, there is likely to be a public hearing on the matter next month. “It’s not confirmed, and not required,” Whitley stated, “it’s just a good thing to do, and I would like to do it.”

In the meantime, we thought it would be interesting to take a look at what is becoming known as Roundabout City, USA. When Jim Brainard took office as Mayor of Carmel, Indiana in 1996, the area was hitting rapid growth and on its way to becoming the fifth largest city in the state. Located just north of Indianapolis, the Midwest town’s vibrant art scene and dedication to building and maintaining dense, walkable, mixed-use development has since earned it top “best place to live” honors by CNN Money magazine. Carmel boasts a sprawling trail system, an impressive community center, a huge half-year farmers market, and a world class center for performing arts.

It has also earned livability awards, due in no small part to its integration of roundabouts in its road system. In an effort to increase safety, decrease pollution, enhance beauty, and alleviate congestion, Mayor Brainard made the traffic circles a priority of his office – and today it is perhaps the hallmark of his administration. The city has nearly 100 roundabouts, most replacing signaled intersections and reducing the number of lanes at the junctions.

For two decades, Carmel’s city leader has promoted the proliferation of roundabouts to save both the city and its motorists’ money, as well as preserve the city’s aesthetics. But, perhaps most importantly, his office has advocated for traffic circles as a tool for increasing safety. Here’s how (from www.carmel.in.gov):

• All vehicles travel in the same direction, never crossing paths, which dramatically reduces number of serious crashes.

• Slower vehicle speeds give drivers more decision-making time.

• Roundabouts eliminate head-on and high-speed right angle collisions.

• Accidents with injury decreased in Carmel by 78% when roundabouts replaced traditional intersections.

• There are less conflict points in roundabouts than in traditional intersections (see image).