Who, or what government department, was responsible for designing the new roundabout at the beginning of Crewe Road by the airport? I ask because it is working so well, solving a serious problem at a notorious black spot for traffic accidents. I think the designers should get public recognition.
Auntie’s answer: The roundabout is the work of the National Roads Authority. With traffic issues often highlighted by readers, I am happy to report on something that does seem to have solved a dangerous problem. And that is one of the reasons the NRA is being presented with its second Ask Auntie Award, having been one of a number of recipients in January 2017.
In addition to the job well done on the roundabout, which you can read more about below, the NRA is one of those departments whose people always seem to try their best to answer the many readers’ questions that I send them.
Back to the roundabout. I have seen too many accidents, both serious and minor, at the spot you asked about. I feel confident in saying that as long as drivers make sure they properly follow the rules for negotiating a roundabout (and that is by no means a given), that particular spot should be relatively trouble free. For anyone who needs a refresher, I have covered roundabouts previously (see Unsure about roundabout right of way).
In addition, in case you are interested, an NRA official explained that the roundabout was designed by its engineering department, which, along with its planning people, “review and provide comments on the design to fine tune it to make sure it fits the location”.
Designers consider several factors, specifically the traffic flows on each leg as well as the daily traffic count. Therefore, it should not be surprising that the design process usually takes longer than the actual construction, but that also depends on location.
The official added, “In this case, the intersection had been looked at for quite a long time before a decision was actually made on using a roundabout.”
I, for one, am glad the NRA took the extra time to make sure they got it right.
Good place for a mini roundabout, but honestly think there are too many roundabouts popping up everywhere. Why not more traffic lights? Aliens will name here roundabout island.
Great job on that round about, it used to be a nightmare crossing and now it flows like silk!
Thank you Edison Jackson for a job well done.
It does improve things. The one irony of this roundabout is that it is the only one I’ve seen with a sign posted to “indicate intentions”, when the only option for the right entry lane is to feed to the right. Let’s get those signs rolled out to every roundabout on the island.
Roundabouts really work regardless of location but I think the “refresher” how to use them needs to be more strongly addressed as the vast majority has really no clue about specific rules of a roundabout. Not so much as to who has the right of way but much more which lane is the correct lane to either turn left or right upon approach. Most accidents occur because people are in the wrong lane for their chosen turn.
The roundabout is much better now. However, until we remove idiots from the road, we are still at risk of being in accidents. Example here, there is a sign, clear and unambiguous that tells people to indicate their intentions…yet…aaargh, so many still do not. Idiots.
Yes, they did a good job on that one. Actually works! Nice work!
i want to know who at nra decided to keep the 4 way stop at hospital road/smith road when widening smith rd?????
bottleneck 24-7…..
Yes I love it very much first accident I saw was last week comparing to the dozens that use to happen there this roundabout works like a charm..Thank you NRA on a job well done..