NEWS FROM O’FALLON CITY HALL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State & Oberneufemann Roundabout
O’Fallon, Illinois – November 18, 2005 – The City of O’Fallon recently held an informational meeting on the roundabout that will be constructed at the intersection of State Street and Oberneufemann Road. Members of the City’s Engineering Department and the City’s consultant, Horner-Shifrin, Inc. were on had to discuss the details of the project and answer questions presented by the attendees. Preliminary plans, aerial images and simulated videos of vehicles traversing the new roundabout were on display. During the evening, many questions and concerns were raised about the project. Below are some of those comments and responses.
Why not traffic signals?
The initial construction costs of the roundabout are very similar to that of a traffic signal for this location. The installation of a traffic signal capable of handling the traffic volume at this intersection would require additional traffic lanes and interconnection circuits with the CSX rail signals. With the roundabout, the City will not have to maintain expensive signals or need to pay the electrical bills for the signals over the 20-year project design life. Funding through a state or federal program would also likely not be available for traffic signals. Through the use of the roundabout, the City will receive a federal grant to pay for 65% of the project cost.
What was the feedback from attendees?
Overall, the staff and consultants received positive feedback from the attendees. One question in particular was repeatedly asked: “How does the roundabout work with the close proximity of the railroad on Obernuefemann?” The roundabout will not solve the problem of traffic congestion due to trains sitting idle for long periods of time at the crossing. However, the roundabout will improve the situation when compared to: (1) the current status of the intersection, (2) traffic signals, or (3) stop signs. The roundabout will have a mountable truck and emergency vehicle apron to allow for emergency vehicles to traverse through the intersection when congestion occurs.
How will the project be paid for?
The City of O’Fallon received a $329,000 federal grant through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the construction of this improvement. The roundabout will be based IDOT’s analysis that shows substantially reduced traffic congestion at this intersection and therefore, reduced auto emissions. Because of the reduced auto emissions, the project received funds through the state and federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program.
When will construction begin?
According to IDOT, funding becomes available on July 1, 2006. The project bids will be received shortly thereafter and construction should begin in late 2006.
###
Additional Information Contact:
Pamala L. Funk
Assistant to the City Administrator
624-4500, Extension 1112
| 
