Proposed Plan For Roundabout In Saratoga
A meeting to discuss the plan for the community's first traffic circle in Spa City was held at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at City Hall.
The City of Saratoga Springs held a meeting Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 6:30 pm at City Hall to discuss the possible building of a traffic roundabout on Church Street. Building a single lane traffic circle or standard traffic light and turning lanes at Myrtle Street were both proposed to reduce congestion at the intersection of Church Street and Myrtle. The congestion is particularly heavy heading west from downtown Saratoga Springs going towards Saratoga Hospital.
Both city and state officials favor the roundabout plan. It has been noted roundabouts offer shorter delays and less accidents than conventional controlled intersections.
Some residents are skeptical of the roundabout - safety concerns for pedestrians, ambulances and tractor-trailers were cited. This high-profile plan is said to be the first controversial traffic project for the city.
The reconstruction for a roundabout solution could cost up to $2 million, funded by 80% federal money, and up to 15% by the state. Building either a standard intersection or roundabout would require land via eminent domain; however the roundabout would need more space.
The plan for the roundabout in Saratoga will most likely be approved by City Council in May or June.
Building would start next spring. The plan would also encompass replacing a water main, improving drainage along Church Street, as well as the addition of sidewalks on Myrtle Street to the Division Street Elementary School.