Waterloo Times

The city of Cedar Falls is debating installing another roundabout in the city. At a recent special meeting for the public works committee, city officials discussed the possibility of putting a roundabout in the intersection of 6th and Main street, where a traffic light is currently in use. 

Public Works Director Chase Schrage gave a presentation and history of the project. The project was proposed several years ago after a traffic study suggested alternatives for the intersection, which ended up being a roundabout. The original plan was voted against because of the impact on parking at the library, and the next version of the plan was also turned down by the council, though it was asked to be considered once more. 

"Again, I’m torn," Council Member Dustin Ganfield said. "Initially on council, I think the signalized intersection was my preferred way to go, and I see the benefit of a roundabout as Mr. Moniza has recommended twice now. A four-legged roundabout would be the recommended design, maybe to Mr. Manning’s point this is too little too late. So looking at the numbers, I’m in favor of this roundabout because it does save some unquantifiables for our citizenry in a time where we have a $9 million overestimate cost for this main street, so that was another impetus for me to want to look at this again. Given all of the unknown variables that come with this, I’m really still torn. Having heard from the citizenry though, the ones that are the most impacted, I guess I’m inclined to say we proceed with the excess costs that we didn’t plan for. Again, still torn. This is a very difficult position to be in and we want to represent the citizens well and the ones I’ve heard from so far say proceed as planned." 

The traffic consultant did a study considering the benefits of a three-leg roundabout, leaving out one branch of 6th Street, versus a four-leg roundabout in the intersection. Both showed improved traffic safety and would result in savings for the city of almost $3 million over the next 20 years. The three-leg would remove three parking spaces from the library, while the four-leg would take away five, however the four-leg roundabout was the final suggestion from the consultant. 

There would be major costs for the design and construction of the roundabout, however supporters of the project pointed out savings from less maintenance needed, time savings for drivers who experience reduced traffic, and the environmental impact from less stop-and-start of cars and their exhaust emissions. 

The business owners at the four corners of the intersection opposed the change. Lexie Heath, a business development officer at Farmers State Bank, said that changing the intersection from the traffic light would cause their accessibility, parking and business traffic flow to dip below its peak convenience. Susan Whitson of First Bank and Kelly Stern from the Cedar Falls Public Library also opposed the roundabout plan, as they feel it would negatively impact their businesses and experiences for their customers. 

The council sided with the residents and business officials, voting against the project despite the cost savings of changing the existing Main Street plans, with only council member David Kruse in favor of the roundabout.