SPN Staff

Coming soon to Stevens Point News will be weekly polls on current local events. To put it quite simply — we want to hear from you!

We hope this furthers open discussion regarding city and county issues, and aim to open dialogue between residents. This week, we ask you if you are looking forward to, or dreading the coming roundabout on Division Street and Northpoint Drive, currently slated for a late summer finish.

Quick Facts

-The roundabout has resulted in the closure of part of Division Street and Northpoint Drive until Aug. 30.

-The project will cost approximately $2,233,340.85.

-Roundabouts do tend to be statistically safer. In studies done in Australia, Germany, France and Switzerland, all found that accidents and injuries decreased by anywhere from 30-80 percent. In America, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, roundabouts result in 37 percent less collisions, 75 percent less injuries, 90 percent reduced fatalities, and 40 percent reduced pedestrian collisions.

-Residents have expressed concern, regardless of safety data, of the high pedestrian use of the area, as well as no dedicated place for bicyclists to cross.

-Residents have expressed concerns over drivers having to use the roundabout right after coming off the highway off of Exit 161.

So what do you think? Will this be a benefit for traffic in the Stevens Point area by Northpoint and Division, or will be ultimately be a hindrance for drivers?