Moncton's mayor is turning to Twitter for feedback on a proposal to install a roundabout at one of the city's busiest intersections, an issue that has had city council going round and round for nearly six years.
George LeBlanc said a traffic circle at the Killam Drive and Collishaw Street intersection could ease congestion in the area, but the city is waiting for an engineering report to make a decision.
He floated the idea on Twitter this week and posted a video examining the pros and cons of traffic roundabouts.
“Most of the roundabouts that I've seen probably have three or four [entry points], but it's a difficult area because of the lack of alignment from Purdy, Collishaw, and a new road that we have to put through to the Four-Plex,” he said.
“I'm not 100 percent there, like other people I have some questions about it.”
Few traffic projects seem to rile up drivers more a new roundabout.
“Interestingly enough when I put it on Twitter all of the responses that came back were in favour of roundabouts which was surprising to me,” LeBlanc said.
However, the owner of the convenience store next to the proposed roundabout said having five roads meet at a circle is dangerous.
“All coming into the same traffic circle, I think you'll just have mass confusion and they may as well build the new police station in the middle because they'll be here everyday,” said Theresa Mullin.
The city already built a roundabout in the north end at Ryan Road.
“Well it's just a pain in the ass is what it is,” said driver Keith Chappell. He said stop signs are safer and cheaper.
City council has hired a consultant to look at the traffic chaos, but the $250,000 report won’t be ready until the end of the month – almost six years after the idea was first brought to council.