In the late 1990s Wisconsin had a higher crash rate at intersections than the national average, motivating the state department of transportation to build European-style traffic circles, or roundabouts, on state and county roads, some 280 of them with another 90 planned. A state lawmaker has suggested the decision to install them should revert to local municipalities because they know their needs and traffic pattens best, the postcrescent.com informs MHProNews. The circles have reduced severe accidents by 38 percent, prompting state engineers to suggest the state should decide. Modular housing representative Amy Bliss opposes the roundabouts because drivers have to take alternate routes to avoid negotiating the circles with their big trucks, which increases the costs of delivery. ##

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