NORTHAMPTON — The city is poised to build a third roundabout at one of its high-traffic junctions and is looking for public comment.
The roundabout, which the city has been considering for decades, would be constructed at the intersection of North King Street (Routes 5 and 10) and Hatfield Street, described by Director of Planning and Sustainability Wayne Feiden as “dangerous.”
A public meeting to discuss the design will take place March 6 at the City Hall hearing room, 210 Main St., at 6:30 p.m.
The purpose of the roundabout would be to ease traffic and improve the safety of the intersection, according to Feiden. Sidewalks would be constructed on the west side of Hatfield Street south to Wal-Mart, and North King north to River Valley Co-op, and a portion of the east side of North King, to encourage the safety of pedestrians.
“We’re trying to make Northampton safe for all transportation,” Feiden said. Due to the current lack of sidewalks, he said, “That intersection is exceedingly dangerous for pedestrians.”
The roundabout would help slow traffic, alleviate the intersection’s tough angles and make for safer travel, Feiden said.
Permanent or temporary property easements may be necessary for the project. The state will be responsible for settling right-of-way in private or public property.
“Roundabouts generally are more expensive to build, but less expensive to maintain,” than traffic lights, Feiden said.
In recent years, the city has constructed two other roundabouts, at the Look Park junction in Florence, and on Conz and Pleasant streets.
The public will be given an opportunity to look over the project plan and direct questions to an engineer during the 30 minutes prior to the meeting.
Weather cancellation updates will be available on: www.massdot.state.ma.us/Highway/