Idaho Falls working to add another roundabout
The city of Idaho Falls is looking to add another roundabout.
The city council met Monday to talk about it.
The roundabout would be on Elm St. and S. Boulevard.
The proposal talked about making it more efficient for drivers during peak hours, additional parking for
businesses, as well as it being a detour route for truck that cannot go through the underpass.
City engineer, Kent Fugal said he is concerned about the accessibility for bicyclists and pedestrians.
“I know as I drive through there everyday as I see pedestrians trying to cross, there’s really not a good way for
them to cross that intersection now,” Fugal said.
Surrounding businesses think this roundabout would be great for the area.
“Long-term, I think it’s going to help with traffic flow, accidents, you know, access to the building and the
surrounding businesses as well,” YMCA CEO Monica Bitrick said.
Christie Thomas is the director’s assistant at international massage therapy. Her building is right across the one-way street that might be turned into a parking lot.
She would appreciate if the city actually does add the roundabout.
“I think that would make it a little bit easier for people to understand how the flow of traffic goes,” Thomas said.
“On this one-way street out here, just in front of the YMCA, I would say people go the wrong way on that side of the street more often than they go the right way.
Over the next few months they will be looking at the cost for this roundabout, Fugal said. If approved, the roundabout is expected to be built this time next year.
