A major rural intersection in Waterloo region is getting a makeover.
Regional council unanimously approved the construction of a what will be their 40th roundabout at Fischer-Hallman and New Dundee Roads during a Wednesday meeting.
The intersection is currently a four-way stop, features a gas station, and sits on the border of Kitchener and North Dumfries Township.
One resident who drives through the area, and was in a minor accident recently, is worried not all drivers know how to use roundabouts properly.
"There was one roundabout right after this one on Fischer-Hallman going towards the other direction and that roundabout has some confusion right by Food Basics," he said. "I see people hesitate getting there and stopping and I think sometimes it's good, but not all the time. Roundabouts are not a great idea."
The region says the roundabout will accommodate all vehicles, including large trucks and agricultural equipment, will improve traffic flow, and require less maintenance and eletricity.
It will also be built with a level two pedestrian crossing on all entries and exits.
"I would say most of the comments were supportive and favourable," said Phil Bauer, director of design and construction for the region. "We heard some comments that we hear in a lot of our engagement around roundabouts pertaining to things like cost, construction disruption, training and education for drivers on how to use roundabouts."
The region says it has education available on how to use roundabouts in their "living here" section of their website.
Construction is planned for 2024.
You can read more information on the Region of Waterloo’s rationale on moving toward roundabouts as a traffic feature, as well as locations, rules of the road, and frequently asked questions.
