Bad idea: another North Bend roundabout
October 3, 2008 · Updated 2:27 AM
So, the roundabout at the Outlet Mall is not working? Not a big surprise, but what might surprise many citizens is the fact that the city of North Bend plans to put a roundabout at the intersection of Cedar Falls and North Bend Way (across from Les Schwab).
As a longtime business owner on North Bend Way, I am wondering if the city should rethink its decision to build a roundabout at this intersection. The turn lanes in front of the QFC can be confusing enough, and putting a roundabout in the mix does not bode well for smoothing out the traffic problems. I have enough trouble getting customers to come the extra half-mile outside of town without fighting this type of traffic knot.
The city is in the process of getting revised bids for this project, since the last ones came in much higher than anticipated. So, why not take a second look at a good, old-fashioned stop light that everyone is familiar with?
I'll bet the roundabout gets torn out in less than 10 years and I don't recall that the city is so wealthy as to be able to scrap such a project. Think, people.
Jeanne Klein
Owner, Bad Girls Antiques
North Bend
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