Oct 28, 2013 2 min read

PennDOT is planning to start construction of not one, but two roundabouts as an efficient alternative to the stop signs currently at Route 519 and Brownlee Road in North Strabane Township.

I think roundabouts create real problems for motorists. Who must yield? Who has right of way? Which lane should I be in? Afternoon rush hour heading south on Route 519 may continue backups of 50 or more cars and trucks waiting to enter the roundabout zone. What happens when multiple trailer trucks start through two roundabouts, try to change to the inside lane, then avoid driving over the central island curb without colliding with someone in the outer exit lane? Truck drivers with double trailers or oversize loads may have to find alternate roads like Routes 136 or 19 around this area.

And what is the purpose of the southernmost roundabout? Driver practice? A bonus for PennDOT’s contractors? Why not just close the connector road to Brownlee?

Roundabouts may have their role in rural roads with light traffic, but not on busy Route 519.

The issue here is motorist safety. Throwing $3 million to $5 million of taxpayer money at the intersection is not logical. I say standard four-way traffic lights are a sensible solution for this intersection at a fraction of the cost.

John Henderson

Venetia