Rohnert Park debuts new ‘quick-build’ roundabout in speed-challenged neighborhood

A pilot project to reduce speeds on Section A of Rohnert Park is nearing completion as the city’s Public Works Department puts the finishing touches on its first “quick-build” roundabout.

While roundabouts are not new to Rohnert Park (the city welcomed its first one at Southwest and Commerce boulevards in 2022), the latest project is new to the public works department.

A cost-effective, prefabricated design is used where the roundabout, including the centre circle and other barriers, are effectively snapped onto the road like Lego pieces.

The project, located in a residential neighborhood at Arlen Drive and Almond Street, was initiated after the city received “widespread concerns” about the intersection from neighborhood residents, said Jason Sampietro, associate city engineer.

Staff at John Reed Elementary School also warned about drivers exceeding speed limits during school hours, Sampietro said.

City staff spent months conducting speed studies before installing the new roundabout. They found that between April and May 2023, 60% of vehicles in the area exceed the 25 mph speed limit and 16% exceed 30 mph along Arlen Drive.

Sampietro knew from his time in Caltrans training sessions that roundabouts reduce driver speeds and improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. Federal Highway Administration studies have shown that roundabouts can reduce fatal and injury crashes by 78% to 84%.

The goal is to see if the new roundabout effectively reduces speeding in the area, said Rohnert Park Public Works Director Vanessa Garrett.

“We are starting to implement these rapid-build programs as part of our long-term highway plan,” he said.

The fast-track construction process allows the public works department to finish a project in six months and for about a quarter of the cost of a normal roundabout. Garrett estimates the roundabout at Southwest and Commerce cost the city $2.5 million and took five years to complete. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic slowed progress on that roundabout.

By comparison, the quickly built roundabout is costing the city about $70,000.

“What’s also great is that it can be moved,” Garrett said, adding that if the project ends up not working for the neighborhood and other neighborhoods are interested in speed-calming measures, the Department of Public Works can use the roundabout elsewhere.

Sampietro said quick-build roundabouts are also planned at the intersections of Adrian Drive and Alison Avenue, Adrian Drive and Arlen Drive, and Enterprise Drive and State Farm Drive. However, the city does not yet have funding for those projects, Garrett said.

Garrett and Sampietro urged residents to provide feedback, including concerns and suggestions, once the project is completed at the end of the week. Residents can reach either of them by calling the Department of Public Works at 707-588-3300.

Amie Windsor is the director of The Press Democrat’s community journalism team. She can be reached at [email protected] or 707-521-5218.