Division Design Initiative Benefits of Proposed Roundabouts: Roundabout Facts:

The Division Design Initiative is being guided by the City of Traverse City
with assistance from the URS Corporation, LIAA (a local non-profit agency) ● Can easily handle current and projected traffic There are over 2,000 roundabouts
demands (including peak traffic hours) throughout the United States - in
and nationally renowned transportation and traffic-calming specialist Ian warm and cold climates and large and
● Designed to allow traffic to move in a slow,
Lockwood. The City is facilitating a public planning process that encourages but consistent speed
small cities. There are several
citizen participation and open dialogue. roundabouts in Michigan, including
● Safer for pedestrians and bicyclists one in Gaylord.
Steering committee members consisting of residents from the Central, What are the next steps? ● Reduces dangerous left-hand turns
Roundabouts should not be confused
Kid’s Creek and Slabtown neighborhoods, business owners, property The consultant team will refine ● Reduces impervious surfaces with the city’s existing traffic circles
owners with the Grand Traverse Common, including Munson Medical the alternatives and present these ● Reduces noise and vibrations (e.g. Wellington & Webster).
Center and representatives from TART, BATA, MDOT, the Grand findings at a future Traverse City Roundabouts require vehicles to
Traverse County Road Commission and the City of Traverse City ● Can be incorporated with other traffic calming
Commission Study Session. negotiate a sharper curve, making
measures to reduce cut-through traffic in
kicked off the workshop on March 15th. Extensive comments neighborhoods
travel speeds in roundabouts slower
obtained through the listening session with the consultant team fell In the meantime, comments are than traffic circles.
into four primary themes: safety; access; context; and quality. The welcomed and can be submitted to ● Reduces traffic accidents and pedestrian collisions
alternative developed incorporates these themes. Laura_Aylsworth@urscorp.com ● Easy to understand and maneuver Community Concerns:
or by phone at 231.922.4300. ● Can accommodate large tractor-trailers, school buses, ● Using public parkland for proposed 8 ½ Street
Over 100 people attended the public meeting on March 17th where emergency vehicles and even manufactured-home
Ian Lockwood presented the following alternative and examples of ● Renovations encourage cut-through traffic at 11th Street
delivery trucks
other similar projects throughout the country. Feedback from the ● Purchasing Gas Station on Front Street for roundabout
Steering committee discussion meeting ● Can easily be plowed
comment forms completed by the attendees was unanimously positive. ● General unfamiliarity (for drivers & pedestrians) with roundabouts

8 ½ Street
Griffin Path A proposed street that would provide access from Division Street to Elmwood Avenue. The roundabout 7th Street Grandview Parkway
A proposed non-motorized would not provide vehicular traffic into and out of the Central Neighborhood. However, pedestrians and A roundabout was considered for 7th Street. However, the A roundabout has been proposed. However, any
pathway that will connect bicyclists would have access. If a street were to be constructed, initial discussions with stakeholders existing homes along the intersection would not provide design recommendation would need to be
Central Neighborhood and the revealed a desire to make the street small, with park-like features that preserve the natural features of enough space for the roundabout. The recommendation incorporated with other design recommendations
Grand Traverse Commons. the area. The roundabout at 8 ½ Street would be similar the roundabout at 11th Street. is to eliminate the traffic signal. for the entire stretch of Grandview Parkway.
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Possible 14th St. /Silver Lake Possible W. 11th St. Possible Front St.
Rd. roundabout. roundabout. 14th Street to Front Street: Landscaping roundabout.
Front Street to Grandview Parkway: Landscaping is
combines grass between sidewalks and street. concrete extended to street with grating around trees.