Traffic circles are poised to replace stop signs at two Foley intersections along Michigan Avenue following approval by the City Council.

At their meeting on Monday, Feb. 5, the council approved a proposal from Thompson Engineering for professional services, specifically for designing traffic circles at the intersections of East Michigan Avenue and Juniper Street, and West Michigan Avenue and Cedar Street.

A comprehensive study conducted by Thompson Engineering determined that traffic circles would offer the most effective solution to alleviate congestion at these intersections. Mayor Ralph Hellmich emphasized the cost-effectiveness of roundabouts compared to installing traffic lights, particularly at the designated sites.

“It was really a no-brainer on the roundabout,” Hellmich said. “At Juniper and Michigan, the traffic signal actually escalated the costs so drastically that it really wasn't a question about doing it this way.”

Notably, the projected cost of a signal at Cedar Street was estimated to be approximately $4 million. Hellmich further noted the necessity of designing the Cedar Street site around existing utility lines traversing the intersection.

Additionally, the implementation of traffic circles presents an opportunity for the city to enhance sidewalk infrastructure in the vicinity of the intersections.

“We think this will also lend to improving the sidewalks,” Hellmich said. “This will also include a general upgrade of the sidewalks in all four directions. It's a comprehensive upgrade at this intersection which is a really big choke point on that street.”

Although Foley has existing roundabouts in areas such as Pride Drive, Hellmich acknowledged that some local drivers might need time to acclimate to the new traffic configuration.

“We have traffic circles in Foley however they're not heavily used,” Hellmich said. “They're not on main roads. Yes, it will be a learning experience for everybody but I think it will work. The neat thing about traffic circles is you're pretty much continuously moving whereas stoplights and four-ways you’re not.”

The prospect of constructing a traffic circle at the Hickory Street intersection, slated for maintenance by Baldwin County in the future, was also deliberated by city officials. However, the heavy traffic volume at that location deemed a signal light would be necessary instead.

“That was one of the reasons why we didn't go with the roundabout at Hickory that we’re given to the county,” Hellmich said. “That was so close to the roundabout capacity that it was just a no-brainer. So that one’s a signal.”