To the Editor:
On the subject of roundabouts, I have the following comments: When the idea of having a roundabout at the intersection of Johnson Street and Highway 15 was first mentioned, I didn't think it was a good idea. It does take extra space, but there is space available at the intersection.
About once a week, I travel to the Twin Cities and pass through two or three roundabouts that are west, north or east of New Prague. Three new ones have been built in New Prague; one west of town and two east of town. Traffic flows smoothly around them. I have watched semis go through without any problem. The nice thing is you don't have to stop, just slow down to 20 mph and yield to anyone already in the roundabout. There are signs before the roundabouts warning you to slow down and showing how to navigate around them.
To leave that intersection with stop signs on Johnson Street doesn't solve the safety problem. People coming into or leaving town are going 40 mph if they are obeying the speed limit; most are probably speeding. Putting four-way stop signs would make the intersection safer, if everyone would stop. Have you noticed how many people don't stop at stop signs? One car might, but those following just keep going without stopping.
Signal lights would work, but traffic won't flow as smoothly as with a roundabout. With the roundabout, no one has to stop and everyone must slow down.
P.S. - I think all Minnesotans and most Iowans will be able to figure it out.
Michael Lundgreen
Fairmont