Roundabouts gaining steam in North County

This is Part 2 of a two-part series. As residents demand less traffic congestion, cities respond with road junctions albeit with controversy

Roundabouts. in North County, such as this one on State Street and Coast Highway in Carlsbad, have been a controversial subject as cities try to lessen traffic and increase safety. Steve Puterski photo

NORTH COUNTY — The past several years has seen a push to install more roundabouts and has sparked spirited debates in several cities.

Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside and Vista have all approved new installations with the first three cities using a collaborative plan to streamline the traffic on Coast Highway. Some residents, and elected officials, though, are wary of installing more roundabouts due to concerns over safety issues for cyclists and pedestrians plus the potential for making traffic congestion worse at those intersections.

There have also been battles with residents and city staffers regarding the data being used. Some residents believe the information is being skewed when presented to their respective city councils, while staffers say they use the relevant local data and national standards to design and install roundabouts.

Many cities have taken a page from the Carmel, Ind., playbook. The midwestern city of 100,00-plus residents has installed 151 roundabouts and has just one stoplight, Mayor Jim Brainard told North County Pipeline.

Regardless, roundabouts have picked up steam for several reasons such as easing congestion, less emissions and safety, but not without controversy in some cases.