Traffic circles are being tested as a way to slow traffic in a busy residential area of Highland Park.
Barrels of sand that anchor a signpost directing cars around the barrier were placed recently in the middle of three intersections along a stretch of Beverly Place, which connects Central Avenue and Park Avenue.
The temporary barriers, called attenuators, are part of a traffic “calming” program designed by engineers to slow down cars cutting through the residential neighborhood.
Deputy city engineer David Scott said the traffic circles make more sense than speed bumps or stop signs in this situation. A traffic circle allows cars to maintain a steady speed, he said, but removes the appearance of a wide open roadway, which tends to lead to speeding.
“The circles,” Scott said, “provide a kind of visual or physical change to the environment that causes drivers to slow down. We’ve seen it work in Evanston and Chicago.”
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The barrels, he said, are a good way to test out the idea without making any permanent changes.
If the test program is successful, the city will consider replacing the barrels with permanent structures. Jim Johnson, director of public works, said residents, as well as school bus and emergency vehicle drivers, will be asked for their input before any permanent changes are made.
Scott said initial fears that Highland Park’s firetrucks would be unable to maneuver around the barriers have been resolved.