Should we build a baby roundabout at Northern Ave. and Bainbridge?

The possibility of a mini-roundabout at the intersection of Northern Avenue and Bainbridge Street is mentioned in a report to be presented to city council on Monday.

Back in December, Ward 4 Couns. Stephan Kinach and Marchy Bruni proposed that a yield sign on Northern be switched to a stop sign to discourage aggressive drivers.

But Maggie McAuley, the city's municipal services and design engineer, doesn't think that's a good idea.

There've been no collisions reported at that T-intersection over the last five years, but CIMA+, a traffic consultant retained by the city, agrees there's a problem.

"Since the main traffic flow is between the west leg of Bainbridge Street and Northern Avenue, it is not recommended to change the yield sign to a stop sign as doing so would increase the delay on Northern Avenue," McAuley says in a report to Mayor Shoemaker and councillors.

"A stop sign on the eastern leg of Bainbridge Street is more logical, however this option has its own concerns.

"According to CIMA+, the main issue with the intersection is the fact that it is skewed 'too wide and provides little vehicle guidance to drivers. In order to effectively make improvements to this intersection, geometric changes would be required in order to tighten up the vehicle guidance offered and allow stop signs to be obeyed more easily.'

"Possible improvements to this intersection could include a mini-roundabout, traffic islands and changes to the curb lines," McAuley says.

A roundabout is circular intersection in which road traffic flows in one direction around a central island, with priority usually given to traffic already in the circle.

Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. built one four years ago where the I-75 Business Spur intersects 3 Mile Road and South Mackinac Trail. 

Mini-roundabouts work pretty much the same as a regular single-lane roundabout, but the central island is replaced by road markings.

McAuley isn't suggesting anything be done right away.

"Engineering staff are recommending that the geometric review and any physical changes be deferred to a date when there is future work in the area.

"As such, it is recommended that the intersection remain in its current configuration. Any interim changes without reconstruction could cause problems where they do not currently exist. Staff will periodically monitor the operations at this intersection and plan future improvements as necessary."

Monday's city council meeting will be live-streamed on SooToday starting at 5 p.m.