Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

Traffic circles a nightmare and should not be built in Manatee County

The Florida Department of Transportation is studying the feasibility of adding a roundabout at State Road 64 East and Rye Road to slow down traffic and make the intersection safer. This view looks west from Rye Road toward a S.R. 64 curve. HERALD FILE PHOTO
The Florida Department of Transportation is studying the feasibility of adding a roundabout at State Road 64 East and Rye Road to slow down traffic and make the intersection safer. This view looks west from Rye Road toward a S.R. 64 curve. HERALD FILE PHOTO

I was contemplating writing to you after reading a recent article about roundabouts being constructed on local roadways. However, Marianne Schweitzer of Parrish, in her Jan. 23 letter, beat me to it.

I, too, am a former resident of New Jersey and grew up learning to drive on roads with traffic circles. It was a nightmare, especially during rush hour and special events that increased the number of vehicles trying to navigate the circle at the same time.

I was so glad to leave traffic circles behind when I moved to Florida 26 years ago and thought I never had to deal with them again. I totally agree with Marianne that we need to relegate the traffic circle to ancient history (please!)

We need safer roads, not people going in circles.

Janet Ward

Bradenton

This story was originally published February 16, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Traffic circles a nightmare and should not be built in Manatee County ."

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