Rockford’s Roundabout Revamp: Major Changes Coming in September

Hold on to your hats because the "calming cones" are coming down or at least being moved out of the way for now.

After much discussion and debate, the Main and Auburn roundabout, a significant part of our daily commute, is finally reverting to its original state.

Not fully, but you know those road construction barrels that were put in place to reduce the roundabout from two lanes to one? Well, those will be removed on September 3rd.

MyStateline says, "The decision followed positive data the city collected over the summer."

What "positive data" are they talking about? The fact is that accidents have decreased tremendously in the past three to four months.

Get our free mobile app

Previously, the Main and Auburn roundabout witnessed an average of five to seven accidents per month. However, this number has significantly reduced to four in just two months.

Keep Reading: Are Illinois Construction Zone Speed Limits Enforced With No Workers Present?

The decision to remove the barrels is a testament to the success of the one-lane operation. This change has significantly improved traffic flow and reduced accidents, making the roundabout easier to navigate.

I never understood the reason for the roundabout in the first place, and 11 years later, I still need to understand.

That being said, it's not going anywhere, and dropping it from two to one lane was probably the best move the city could make.

Like many of us, I'm curious to see how the Main and Auburn roundabout will function without the 'calming cones. ' The city's "Can you handle this?" approach has certainly piqued my interest.

Until we have it completely figured out, I'll continue to use the roundabout like always: hold my breath and cover the brake.