Two new roundabouts planned for South Columbia

Columbia City Council is considering building two roundabouts on Nifong Boulevard, with one at Sinclair Road and the other at Old Mill Creek Road. The project is set for a first reading on Monday’s council agenda.

It will cost $2.5 million dollars to replace four-way stops with single lane roundabouts at the two intersections. The project includes installing sidewalks and street lights.

The city hopes to cut down on delays and make traveling safer for pedestrians.

However, some people fear the roundabouts will not improve safety or slow down traffic for children crossing the street to Mill Creek Elementary.

City council approved the two roundabouts last October with a 6-1 vote.

Public Works engineer Allison Anderson said the goal is to finish the roundabouts by 2020 when Columbia’s new middle school is set to open on Sinclair Road.