3 Rural Intersections Could Get Signals or Roundabouts

Three intersections in rural areas of Elk Grove are chronically congested during peak traffic hours and need improvement, according to city staff.

This week the Elk Grove City Council will discuss possibly adding signals or roundabouts to the intersections of Bader and Bond roads, Sheldon and Bradshaw roads, and Sheldon and Waterman roads.

During a traffic count in February 2011, each intersection was busy enough to allow the city to build traffic signals or a roundabout. But the city can't widen the intersections too much–the areas are part of a Rural Road Improvement Policy "to avoid over-building city infrastructure and being detrimental to the rural area lifestyle," a staff report states.

Here's how the staff report describes staff recommendations for each intersection:

Bader and Bond roads:

• Build a traffic signal "mounted on wires between wooden poles" to match the rural atmosphere. A roundabout would cause "unnecessary impacts to private property."
• The traffic signal should flash red during non-peak hours.
• Pursue grants to fund the project.

Sheldon and Bradshaw roads:

• Build either a traffic signal or a roundabout. Public opinion at a meeting last year was split between both options.
• A budget of $5.7 million is available for this project, 89 percent of which comes from a Highway Bridge Program grant. Roadway Impact Fees cover the rest of the cost.

Sheldon and Waterman roads:

• Attendees at a public meeting last year showed "strong support for a roundabout" at this intersection.
• Pursue grant funds for this project.

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Elk Grove City Council meeting
6 p.m. Wednesday
City Hall, 8400 Laguna Palms Way

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Do you live near one of these intersections, or do you drive through them often? What do they need? Let us know in the comments below.