We’ve been hearing rumors for a while – but it looks like the roundabout is on its way to becoming a reality at the intersection of Smelter and Division. Some folks have received fancy certified letters from the Montana Department of Transportation that explains the what and where, but doesn’t mention the when.
Also included in the letter: they are going to “align” the intersections of 4th Street NE at Smelter.
I’ve used roundabouts often – very popular on Air Force bases – and they are pretty cool and seem to work pretty well…but for some reason, I’m not 100% convinced that it will work well at this location. What’s the pro/con of a roundabout versus a standard traffic signal controlled intersection?
But the alignment thing at 4th St NE will be very nice.
Here’s a handy diagram the MDT included in the mailing:
Google Maps shot of section to be aligned:
And the letter from the MDT:
Helena has put in a lot of roundabouts…I know the put a couple out on Canyon Ferry road the year we lived there.
I experienced, and learned much about roundabouts being stationed in England. Some over there are quite large and somewhat complicated, like in National Lampoon’s European Vacation…. “Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament ….”