By Brenda Erdahl
Construction will begin next year of a roundabout to replace the traffic signal near the Buffalo High School, at CSAH 35 and Dague Ave. NE in 2022. Wright County Commissioners approved the project at their July 27 meeting.
Determining the necessity of a roundabout is based on the amount of traffic in the area, and this intersection qualifies, according to County Highway Engineer Virgil Hawkins.
The project will be a joint effort between the County and the City of Buffalo with the County’s share being 2/3 of the center circle and the City’s share 1/3. The County will fund its portion with a combination of Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds and State Aid Regular funds. The County has already received the federally funded HSIP grant in the amount of $400,000.
According to Hawkins, the roundabout is part of the County’s five-year plan (2021-2025).
Studies have shown that roundabouts are safter than traffic lights in certain locations. According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, roundabouts show an 86 percent decrease in fatal crashes, an 83 percent decrease in life-altering injury crashes and a 42 percent overall decrease in the injury crash rate at intersections. Roundabouts also handle high levels of traffic well with fewer delays than most stop signs or signals. The entry curves slow traffic, so entering and exiting are easier and more efficient.