The City of Menomonie together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) have been exploring the use of roundabouts for at least a decade. At the April 2024 meeting of the Menomonie City Council a resolution was passed endorsing the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of State Highway 25, County Road BB West and Wilson Street. Also under consideration is the intersection of Highway 25, County Road BB East and Northline Road.
The fate of the proposed roundabout north of Menomonie rests with whether funding will be provided from the Wisconsin DOT. Those funds originate from the federal government, and it is unclear whether those dollars have been released to the State. A decision is expected within six months.
These two intersections just north of Menomonie account for a total of 35 crashes since 2001 according to the Wisconsin DOT’s Community Maps statistics. The types of injuries range from property damage only to severe injuries including one fatality in February of 2024.
The University of Wisconsin Traffic Operations and Safety Lab states that “converting two-way stop control intersections to single lane roundabouts decreases fatal and injury crashes by 51.9% in rural areas.” Potential reasons for these reductions include reduced speeds while navigating roundabouts, no red traffic signals to beat, and one way traffic within roundabouts.
However, while crash severity may be reduced, accidents will still occur. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that crashes most commonly occur when a vehicle merges into the circular roadway or upon exiting a multilane roundabout.
According to David Schofield, Menomonie’s Director of Public Works, reduction of injuries and property damage is the among the factors taken into consideration when evaluating an intersection for construction or renovation. He said that engineering, safety, traffic, intersection control studies, public support and funding are key factors.
For example, in 2013 a roundabout was strongly considered at the intersection of Highway 12 and Red Cedar Street on the east side of Menomonie. However, the traffic signal was the most cost effective since the necessary electrical infrastructure had already been installed during the reconstruction of Highway 12. The frontage roads which parallel Highway 12 made the space requirement for a roundabout impractical.
Another proposed roundabout at Pine Ave and Highway 25 in north Menomonie was deemed unfeasible because easements could not be attained from at least one property owner.
Public support of any proposed roadway is critical. Roundabouts are no exception. Menomonie resident Joan Pougiales describes roundabouts as being good for locals, but if you are unfamiliar with the area they are confusing and difficult to navigate.
The IIHS found in a recent survey that prior to roundabout construction about 31% of drivers support roundabouts. But, after gaining experience, drivers favored roundabouts by 63% of those surveyed.
The IIHS states roundabouts have a variety of design features that can help to alleviate driver confusion and anxiety. Examples include decreased speed limits, yield signs, “roundabout ahead” signage, pavement marking and good lighting.
Linda Olson resides in Menomonie.
