More roundabouts on the Central Coast

The City of Marina has just opened its seventh roundabout in the city, at the corner of Del Monte Blvd and Beach Road.

Before that, it was a four way stop with multiple lanes. Pedestrians had a tough time safely crossing and drivers had issues of their own.

“We’ve had some of our vehicles get into accidents at this intersection and so seeing the improvements is good for us,” said Paul Bruno, co-owner of Monterey Peninsula Engineering, who helped construct the roundabout.

KION spoke to Brian McMinn, the public works director of the city, who said at least two more roundabouts are in the design phase right now. Both would be located on Beach Road.

McMinn said while the initial constructions costs are higher, the long term show cost savings.

“Benefits to the society are lower accident rates, less severe accidents,” McMinn said. “There’s a reduction in vehicle emissions and a reduction in vehicle delays, it operates more smoothly. Even though vehicles are going thru at a fairly slow speed, more vehicles will pass through the intersection safely.”

CSUMB just recently opened a roundabout at the intersection of Inter-Garrison Road and Eighth Street.

The city of Salinas is also considering roundabouts along Boronda Road. Nothing has been decided but a public meeting will get neighbors’ input next week.

Despite becoming more popular, some drivers say they aren’t sold.

“People try to be safe drivers, but when they come up to situations like that, I think sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry and just put in a light system instead,” Whitney said.

“I like stoplights,” another driver said. “They’re a lot better than just the roundabouts. Roundabouts just make it look a little pretty, that’s all.”