Efforts Made to Enhance Roundabout Safety in Detroit Lakes

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – Roundabouts continue to be a point of contention and confusion in Detroit Lakes.

Two new roundabouts were constructed in the summer of 2020 at Willow and Washington Ave as well as North Shore Dr. And Washington Ave. to help alleviate traffic.

Months after construction, the City has received numerous complaints, particularly because the roundabouts are hard to see, drivers aren’t used to navigating the roundabouts and pedestrians have had issues finding safe ways to cross the streets.

“We’re having accidents down there, we’re having people having trouble crossing, people are scared to cross the streets, they’re dangerous,” Ron Zeeman said during Tuesday’s Council meeting.

The newest roundabouts are considered mini-roundabouts and constructed with a low center, the low center allows larger trucks, buses and snow plows to cheat a little bit as they go through.

During Tuesday’s Detroit Lakes City Council meeting the Council approved adding additional signage, crosswalk markings and raised pavement markers around the island of the roundabouts.

Efforts by the City to educate drivers on common roundabout errors including disregarding yields and braking while in the circle have improved traffic flow, the City now hopes the additional efforts will reduce potential safety issues.