• Will the beacons back up traffic more than the current traffic signal? No, in fact, they will back up traffic less, given the shorter distance of the pedestrian crossings and the fact that they are activated in a full stop mode for a shorter duration than a normal traffic signal.
• Will the beacons confuse drivers because they will only be activated periodically? There may be some initial confusion for those people who are not familiar with them. PHB’s are beginning to be installed in the Dayton region. A local example is on Detroit Street (US-68) at Market Street in the city of Xenia.
• Will drivers speed up before and after the roundabout to make up for lost time? Roundabouts move traffic more efficiently than traffic signals so it is not anticipated that motorists will feel as if they “lost time.”
• How will the intersection accommodate persons with disabilities? Accessibility will be addressed in the same manner as today. Ramps designed to ADA standards will be incorporated into the crosswalk design, and other elements such as the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHB) will likewise meet ADA standards.
• How will the intersection impact the movement of emergency vehicles? Emergency vehicles will move through the roundabout in a manner similar to how emergency vehicles currently move through the signalized intersection. In the event that motorists do not move to the right and out of the way, emergency vehicles will have the option of using the mountable curb and paved truck aprons to safely pass through the intersection.
• How about closing the Thruston Blvd access to Five Points and make it a traditional four approach intersection? This could be done, but would negatively impact those motorists who routinely use those approaches to the intersection.
• How about prohibiting all left turns from Far Hills Ave? While this could be done, it would likely be opposed by roadway users who make those left turn movements on a regular basis.