by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
Sanibel City Council heard a presentation by Kimley Horn, represented by Bill Waddill, about the study of the intersection of Periwinkle Way and Causeway Boulevard. The study started in the spring and is now at the mid-point. The study intends to analyze the traffic issues and provide recommendations for improvements by analyzing existing conditions and determining deficiencies to then propose potential alternatives. They will engage the public to solicit feedback and comments and then recommend the preferred alternative.
Going forward, conceptual design alternatives will be presented in September, community workshops and feedback will happen in October. In November it will go to the Planning Commission for recommendations, and then head to City Council for final approval in December.
Waddill said they recognize the importance of balancing the sanctuary nature of the island and keeping the small-town community feel, recognizing working in harmony with nature but also not spending an hour trying to get off the island.
Ian Rairden of Kimley Horn said definitively that their findings do not support a traffic signal at the intersection. Other intersection types to be analyzed include a roundabout, a median U-turn, and a wide U-turn. All have their advantages and disadvantages. More to come.
Good location for a roundabout.
The only solution for the Periwinkle Intersection and Causeway Blvd. is a roundabout anything else will not keep traffic moving.
This fact including it is safer (4 way intersections cause more major life threatening injuries (32 impact points) in accidents) has been proven around the world. Attached is a link below to learn about the engineering science and history including why they work, why they are safer, why they are what should be done.
https://www.fastcompany.com/90973689/are-roundabouts-really-safer
The causeway, even pre Ian, is more of an issue than one intersection on Sanibel.
But what if Periwinkle is stopped and traffic backs up on the Causeway which is 2 lanes ? There are 2 lanes at the intersection for traffic going straight onto Lindegren and a lane for cars turning right onto Periwinkle but I don’t see how this roundabout solves any problems if traffic is bumper to bumper on Periwinkle.