New Roundabouts Needed at These Hudson Valley Intersections

Do you think the Hudson Valley would be a better or worse place to drive if roundabouts were added to replace traffic lights at these busy intersections?

This might not sit well with everyone but I strongly believe that adding a few more roundabouts to certain intersections across the Hudson Valley will make traffic flow much better than it currently does. Before I lay out my plan (LOL) let me start by saying I do understand that adding roundabouts at certain intersections will make it a bit more difficult for some truck drivers to drive around but still think it might be worth it.

More Roundabouts Needed at Hudson Valley Intersections

If you were to ask me if the Hudson Valley needed to add more roundabouts a few months ago my answer would be much different than it is today. Let me explain. Last year I moved into a new place in the town of Poughkeepsie, NY, and soon after moving in the highway department (??) began installing a new roundabout at the intersection of Hooker and Raymond Ave near my house.

When construction started I hated the idea of a new roundabout and wasn't sure if it would do anything but create more headaches at the intersection. As the construction continued for a few months I grew even more apprehensive because the traffic kept getting worse and worse.

Will it Be Worth it?

As the road crews neared traffic circle completion and opened the new roundabout to traffic for the first time I have to say that it has tremendously changed traffic in the area from bad to good and maybe even great...LOL!

SEE ALSO: Clues You Might Be Driving the Wrong Way in New York

Not only is traffic running like it never has before but "Roundabouts are safer for everyone" according to the New York State Department of Transportation. They even provided some proof...

As you can see in the picture above, Traditional intersections: 32 conflict points between cars, 24 with pedestrians. Roundabouts: just 8 of each. They appear to work great and because it has become such a positive and seamless switch on a road that I travel often, I wondered why wouldn't these work at some of the other awful intersections in the Hudson Valley.

What Hudson Valley Intersections Need a Roundabout?

We asked drivers from all across the Hudson Valley and as expected some said they want absolutely NO MORE anywhere near the Hudson Valley. Why? The most common response was other drivers don't know how to drive around them. While other drivers had some great suggestions that really could make traffic a lot better in some parts of the Hudson Valley.

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Here are the six Hudson Valley intersections that Hudson Valley drivers have suggested remove the traffic lights and install a new roundabout. If you have an intersection that you think would work send us the info through our station app above and we will add it to the list.