Rochester Hills, MI– The City of Rochester Hills will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly constructed roundabout at Hamlin and Livernois on Friday, August 13, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. All residents and guests are invited to attend and participate in a uniquely designed celebration. Those attending the ribbon cutting should park at Covenant Christian Church located at 900 West Hamlin Road, just east of Livernois.
The Hamlin and Livernois roundabout will be the seventh addition for Rochester Hills. Although residents are not new to the design, the city administration is initiating a series of educational tips and videos on the proper use of roundabouts.
“Not only will the implementation of the latest roundabout improve the traffic flow, more importantly it will improve the safety of our drivers,” states Mayor Bryan K. Barnett.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, roundabouts significantly improve traffic flow and safety. Where roundabouts have been installed, motor vehicle crashes have declined by nearly 40 percent, and those involving injuries, have been reduced by about 80 percent.
“Understanding the correct way to approach and proceed through the roundabout is simple, and by following the basic principles outlined, drivers can feel more confident as they approach and proceed through the roundabout,” states Paul Davis, City Engineer.
The Basic Principles of Modern Roundabouts:
- Yield to traffic circulating through the roundabout before entering.
- Make the appropriate lane choice before entering the roundabout, do not attempt to change lanes as you proceed through the roundabout.
- The posted recommended speed within the roundabout is 20 miles per hour, please drive slowly and safely.
- Do not pass or drive adjacent to large trucks and trailers within the roundabout.
- Do not impede emergency vehicles – pull over to the right if you are not in the roundabout, or move through and exit the roundabout to allow emergency vehicles to get their intended destination without delay.
- Pedestrians and cyclists should use the pedestrian refuge and crosswalk, or the tunnel, to cross traffic. Only experienced cyclists should ride through the roundabout.
Residents can also view a brief demonstration video online at www.rochesterhills.org or by tuning to Rochester Hills television channels 55 and 10.
Established in 1984, the City of Rochester Hills was recently voted one of the top 100 best places to live (2009) and is committed to being the preeminent place to live, work and raise a family.