Accident on Hwy 130

[Kahunascott]

quote:

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Originally posted by Rob Tucker

I would not describe myself as a true roundabout advocate. I am very much open to them and want to know more. I have also been offended by HDOT officials who dismiss out of hand any ideas that compete with their own.

Regarding roundabouts I am attracted to a few things.
1) The safety data is both logical and reassuring. Left hand turns are seriously hazardous compared to right hand turns.
2) They save gas. Millions of automobile hours idling at stop lights and accelerating and decelerating are wasteful and costly.
3) They work when the power is out. At the most difficult moments - earthquake, hurricane, drunk driver hits power pole, other power outages - roundabouts function without electricity. They are full time low maintenance.
4) aesthetically they are more attractive and provide opportunities for landscaping and a natural look. Better than galvanized steel poles and overhead wires.

I am convinced that HDOT's reluctance to embrace roundabouts is because HDOT is more interested in serving it's contractors needs and wants than the public's. HDOT is an engine that consumes tax dollars. They and their contractors know fully and precisely how much profit can be gained from a signalized intersection. Roundabouts mean they can't be sure of profits because they haven't done them before.

In August of 2006 I got a public promise from HDOT officials that they would produce and deliver a cost/benefit analysis of roundabouts and signalized intersections. After waiting some months for the info I called them. They had no intention of producing a cost/benefit analysis. They said there was no point in it because even if roundabouts had excellent C/B results they (HDOT) had no intention of building any anyway. HDOT serves the contractors. That needs to change.

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Rob,
As a general contractor I would much rather build roundabouts then an intersection with a signal because it will be a much more profitable project.
Both the land purchase and construction cost for a new roundabout vs. an improved intersection with a signal are much greater. If the DOT wanted to embrace its contractors it would let us build them.
Remember all material costs for signals are a pass through to a mainland supplier and don’t help the GC at all. Furthermore, it involves an electrical subcontract, testing, acceptance, shipping of material, damaged materials and delays.

Roundabouts mean they can't be sure of profits because they haven't done them before.

You’re kidding, right? What’s the difference if we construct in a straight line or around in a circle? All the components of roadway construction are the same, actually more costly. In order to keep traffic flowing while constructing it will call for an extensive traffic flow plan, yep you’ll pay for that to. Keep the signals and give us the civil construction. Our profit is in the construction not in material purchases and the complications of dealing with subcontractors.


"Many dreams come true and some have silver linings, I look for my dreams and a pocket full of gold" Led Zeppelin