Nifong Boulevard improvement projects presented to residents; some not pleased

City staff members presented concept maps for two roundabouts to be constructed on Nifong Boulevard in 2019, but residents who attended the presentation weren’t pleased.

The meeting Tuesday night presented the design concepts for the intersection improvements, which include construction of a roundabout at each intersection. The construction of each project is currently scheduled to begin in 2019, and will cost $3.14 million.

Allison Anderson, a city engineering supervisor, told ABC 17 News the two intersections were chosen because of the increased traffic in those areas, with the continued growth of the south side of Columbia along with the elementary school. Roundabouts were picked because the city says they will be able to handle all the traffic, help reduce travel times, and are safer than four-way stops.

Residents, however, disagree. Several residents ABC 17 News spoke with at the meeting say they thought adding a roundabout near a school “just wasn’t safe or smart.” They say traffic backup is already bad enough now, and fear that a roundabout will slow traffic down, to the point it adds more congestion. Anderson said it won’t slow traffic down but will keep it going constantly.

John Karle, a resident in south Columbia, said while he doesn’t hate roundabouts, he doesn’t think they are needed in that area, solely because of safety.

“I think they need to think through and do better, my concern is for the kids safety and my kids safety,” Karle said. “They really need to invest time and money in safety improvements, like safer crosswalks, signs, and lights in the area.”

Karle also expressed concern for school buses that will have to go around the roundabouts, that could slow down traffic.

“I’ve driven a bus before, and it takes a while,” Karle said.

Anderson said school buses would be able to go around the roundabout, according to their computer testing model.

The project will need City Council approval in order to move forward. Next step is to go to the City Council for a public hearing date.