Collegedale approves roundabout

After three years of debate and delay, the Collegedale City Commission on Monday unanimously approved construction of a roundabout to manage traffic on University Drive through the campus of Southern Adventist University.

“We think it will enhance the safety of students and community as we continue to grow into the future,” said Gordon Bietz, president of Southern Adventist University.

The single-lane traffic circle originally was proposed by the university in July 2005 as part of its plans for the Hulsey Wellness Center, the new campus fitness center that will be completed at the end of October. Marty Hamilton, associate vice president for financial administration for the university, said a roundabout could make the road safer for pedestrians by forcing vehicles to observe the 30 mph speed limit. It also could avert potential T-bone collisions with cars exiting the wellness center’s parking lot, he said.

“The more roundabouts have gone in here in Chattanooga and other places in the United States, they’re finding out it’s a great way to move traffic and keep traffic going versus a stoplight that says you’ve got to stop, wait for the light,” he said. “Where there’s an intersection and multiple roads coming in, it’s a great way to keep vehicles moving.”

Commissioner Harry Hodgdon said many residents he spoke with opposed the roundabout out of concern that it could create congestion, but he reluctantly supported the measure.

The roundabout is designed to manage 27,000 vehicles a day, Mr. Bietz said, but is only expected to handle 5,000-6,000 a day in its proposed location.

Construction is expected to take two months and cost about $150,000, Mr. Hamilton said, and will be paid for by the university, which plans to begin work once the final design is approved by the City Commission on Sept. 15.

City Planning Commission Chairman Jerry Daniels, who recommended approval of the roundabout, said a presentation by John Van Winkle, city traffic engineer from Chattanooga, convinced him that drivers would quickly adapt.

“The safety aspects alone necessitate the fact that this needs to be done,” he said. “I don’t have any questions in my mind.”