Raleigh Councilmembers Get Roundabout Vision

RALEIGH, N.C. — Traffic planners outlined in spray paint and chalk on Sunday an idea to rejuvenate the main drag through North Carolina State University's campus.

Raleigh City Council members gathered on Hillsborough Street to see how proposed roundabouts would look on a two-mile stretch from Gorman to Pullen roads.

City planners marked off the area to show what would be affected.

The city wants to slow traffic, improve parking and revitalize the street. One plan calls for part of the road to go from four lanes to two lanes with eight roundabouts that would help slow traffic. It would also include 80 additional parking spaces.

That proposal has garnered support from leaders of nearby communities, many business owners, and some City Council members.

Not all council members agree, however.

Critics of the plan have argued that two lanes would bring traffic to a standstill as students cross the street and buses stop.

"My fear is we only do one roundabout and the city and street are forever impacted if we don't do the three to five to nine – or the ultimate plan was to do 11," said council member Philip Isley.

The City Council will discuss the roundabout plan on Tuesday, but it might not make any final decision.