On a good path

I read with interest and anticipation your article on our just-opened 124th and 304th Lea Hill roundabout (Aug. 30, Auburn Reporter).

I drove English and French roundabouts for three months years ago, and really, really enjoyed using them. Why?

Once you’ve been through them a few times, they’re easy to use.

Unlike a stoplight (that our new roundabout replaces), you hardly ever have to stop. Our roundabout slows traffic down a bit, discouraging hot-rodding and reducing the severity of accidents. And they’re a lot cheaper to maintain.

Left turns are as easy and fast to make as right turns or going straight.

Last year, we had huge lines of cars and school buses at 124th/304th as they tried to turn left to get to Mountainview in the face of oncoming traffic.

No more.

Altogether, I think Lea Hill residents, once we get used to it, are going to really like our new roundabout.

– Pat Montgomery