Roundabouts will be making their appearance in Grand Chute, with the first one scheduled to begin construction at Hwy JJ and Hwy A on July 7th. Contrary to popular belief, the town does not have any say in roundabouts. These are county projects. I attended the informational session at the town hall last week both as a supervisor, and a resident, as this project is a stones throw away from my residence. The county highway department indicated they have identified 10 intersections in the county that will be evaluated to receive roundabouts. Hwy A and JJ roundabout is on the fast track as it has met with the least resistance and the engineering has gone smoothly.
Not everyone who lives near the roundabout is enamored with its future construction. Residents questioned the need, as the intersection is not a typical four way intersection, but is a three way. County officials cited the need for reduced speed at this intersection, and said this intersection appeared on the county's radar for accident reduction. Elimination of stoplights will also reduce electrical costs, and save fuel from idling vehicles, according to county officials.
I asked about the intersection of Hwy A and 47. This seemed like a more logical placement for a roundabout, with a much larger amount of traffic generated at this intersection, no stoplights, and road curve decreasing visibility. County officials indicated they are looking at an over/underpass at this intersection. Hwy 47 is a state highway, so I'm speculating the county may have to follow direction from the state.
Costs of construction for this roundabout is estimated at about $475,000.
Construction is scheduled for completion this September.
