Driving in circles - yes, on purpose

As traffic roundabouts sprout like mad all across Minnesota, transportation planners have learned that peculiar new intersections and seniors don't always mix.

So with a massive complex of roundabouts about to open seconds away from a major senior housing complex in Bloomington, the state is inviting them -- and everyone else -- to an open house this week to learn more and even practice first.

Here is what's happening, there and around the state:

At Hwys. I-494 and 169

As part of a new intersection that removes annoying traffic lights from a major highway, six roundabouts are to open within the next year.

Four of them -- two on the north side of the interchange, two on the south -- are to be in use by this winter as part of a new frontage road "ring" system. Two more arrive next year.

A new experience

The idea is to make intersections safer by forcing people to slow down and ease their way around circles rather than risk being broadsided at a conventional intersection. And that should be senior-friendly.

But transportation planners heartily agree with Scott County Commissioner Barbara Marschall when she says that based on anecdotal evidence, the reaction to them varies by age. "I know of older people, even in my own family, who will alter their entire journey to avoid one," she said.

The open house ...

... will feature officials at stations casually discussing the safety elements and design of roundabouts, and how to use them. (Simple advice: Always look left, and ignore all the rest of what's going on.) There will be a simulated roundabout that folks can drive. And there can be ASL or foreign language interpreters. Call 651-366-4720 if you need one.

How many are there?

"As of February, there were already more than 100 roundabouts on the ground," he reported, "so I suspect we'll be pushing 125 before long if you count the locations that were in construction and in design at the time."