Letter to the Editor: 48th and State would be excellent location for roundabout for many reasons

I am writing in regard to the roundabout issue at 48th and State.

At the last time the City Council voted down this project, it was noted that there has been no support expressed to any of the alderman. I’m not sure I agree with this comment, but I know I actively supported this roundabout. 

We live in the area south of 48th and State. I frequently encounter significant backups at this intersection, which would not occur if the roundabout was installed. A roundabout in this location makes sense. Roundabouts are being built all over the country. One only has to drive in any region that uses them to find they are effective and a safe means of moving traffic. 

48th and State would be an excellent location for a roundabout for many reasons. The area is somewhat isolated, so it would be a great location to acquaint the citizens of Quincy with the effective use of roundabouts. Roundabouts are great at moving traffic. I’ve seen them in action in many places in Florida near our winter home. They are used at intersections with both high and low traffic volumes. They are very safe and effective. 

I’ve witnessed them used instead of four-way stops in relatively low-volume locations, and these too are very effective. They are much safer than four-way stops, they eliminate the need to come to a complete stop, and right-angle collisions are significantly reduced if not eliminated. One only has to witness that once any locale puts in the first one, it is not long before they are popping up everywhere. 

Ask yourself why. It is because they work great, and people like them. It’s just a matter of making the jump and doing the first one. Let’s build Quincy’s first roundabout by constructing one at 48th and State. 

This project has been in the planning stages for almost a decade and is ready to be built. It would seem like a missed opportunity to pass up this chance to enhance the traffic flow in this area of Quincy. When John Wood Community College (JWCC) lets out, there always are traffic backups. The completion of this roundabout would effectively address this situation.

Three of the approaches to 48th and State are in bad condition and/or too narrow and need to be improved. These approaches will be the largest portion of the project, not the actual roundabout. The right-of-way needed has already been secured. If the project is not to be built, why was it purchased?

Build the roundabout. Both the development and traffic in this area of Quincy are increasing, thus the need to be proactive in improving this intersection. The situation will only get worse. A very hazardous condition exists on 48th Street between JWCC’s north entrance and State Street. I often notice many people walking or riding scooters or bicycles in this location, moving to and from JWCC and State Street. 48th Street is simply too narrow to safely provide for this type of use. 

I would recommend that the improvement, with accommodations for this mixed use, to be extended south to the north entrance to JWCC. 

Please do not underestimate the importance of the significant financial contribution to this project by Adams County. Project matches are hard to come by, and this one equates to about 50 percent of the overall project. 

I realize a lot of street projects need to be done in Quincy. I would venture to guess that none are providing a 50 percent funding match, if acted on now. It would be a shame to pass up on a much-needed and worthwhile project. 

I want to go on record as requesting full support from all of the aldermen and mayor for this project. Please, support this important project at 48th and State by building a new roundabout with adjacent State and 48th Street improvements. 

Some folks have expressed support for the roundabout to me. They offer their full support to this project. They are Patrick and June Poepping, Zig Brown, Mike and Angie Hancox, Dan and Cheryl O’Donnell, Alan Mays, Karen Bond, Brenda and Bill Rinehart, John Mast, John Spring, Steve Meckes, Vicki Doebelin, William Wells, Jane Conover, Diana and Chester Brown, Chuck Scholz, C. David Nuessen, Kyle Moore, Jack Freiburg, Kent Snider, Bryan Renfro 

Patrick Poepping
Quincy, Illinois