Cliff Buchan
News Editor

Bob McCullough doesnít mince his words when it comes to business decisions in Forest Lake.

ìNo roundabouts,î McCullough said vehemently on June 15 during an open house to review options for traffic problems along W. Broadway Ave. and a possible new bridge over I-35 here.

McCullough, a business and property owner in the corridor, was one of about 50 area residents to attend the informal open house sponsored by Washington County and the city of Forest Lake.

By early this fall, traffic engineers hope to have a final design plan prepared for approval by city and county leaders. Last weekís hearing at Century Junior High School was an opportunity for the public to learn more and express opinions.

McCullough made it clear he is not in favor of the roundabout concept that is being considered at a number of intersections in Forest Lake, including the east and west side of I-35 on W. Broadway.

More and more it appears the circular traffic flow design will receive serious consideration for addressing problems at busy intersections along W. Broadway. Roundabouts are also getting a look for 12th Street and Broadway, the intersection with the highest crash rate for all county roads.

The roundabout plan comes as engineers look for ways to manage tight budget and intersections that are equally tight on space needed to help move traffic smoothly.

The design option comes with the encouragement of MnDOT traffic planners who believe roundabouts may work well in some areas.

The design plan that is forming in Forest Lake will target Broadway (CR-2) from I-35 east to US-61 (Lake Street) in the downtown. Raised center medians are in the early design plan as a way to safely move traffic on Broadway, county engineers have said.

Another key aspect being considered is a second I-35 overpass, likely at SW 11th Ave. The second overpass would provide local traffic with an additional way to cross I-35 and ease traffic pressure on Broadway.

In conversation with Sandy Cullen, transportation manager for the county, McCullough made it clear he does not believe roundabouts will work in Forest Lake. Such a concept, he said, would end up hurting businesses more than they would help.

County officials have conceded that roundabouts will require an educational process for the public and convincing citizens the design plan can work efficiently.

The two-lane roundabout system now under review for Forest Lake is designed to provide for smooth traffic flow at intersections. Because traffic moves at a slower speed and there is no traffic turning at 90 degree angles, accident numbers are reduced and those that happen are not as serious.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
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