Carson City transportation officials will update commissioners Wednesday on a controversial plan for a roundabout at the intersection of Roop Street and Hot Springs Road, at the site of a future Wal-Mart.
The Carson City Regional Transportation Commission approved the circular intersection design more than a month ago, with apprehension from some commissioners and a promise from city staffers that comment from surrounding businesses would be sought.
Staff solicited comments from nearby businesses, but so far no one has replied, although an anti-roundabout petition at the Quik Stop Market on North Roop Street has accumulated several hundred signatures.
A traffic engineering consultant hired by Wal-Mart to study the intersection recommended a roundabout, versus a traditional signal. Both designs would handle traffic well enough to meet standards, according to the city, but a roundabout would do it with fewer delays and shorter back-ups.
Carson City pedestrian advocates also lobbied for the roundabout.
Despite recommendations from city staff and the engineering consultants, Wal-Mart could still decide to go with a traditional signal intersection, said Carson City Senior Engineer Harvey Brotzman.
The Regional Transportation Commission is scheduled to discuss the roundabout at its meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Sierra Room of the Community Center, 851 E. William St.
