Jackson roundabout

To improve traffic flow around the courthouse square in Jackson, a St. Louis consultant has suggested the addition of stoplights, barriers and a roundabout. Around the world -- and in many parts of the U.S. -- roundabouts are commonplace.

Cape Girardeau's first brush with a roundabout was at the intersection of Silver Springs Road and Gordonville Road several years ago. It was a disaster, mainly because the turning radius was too small. The roundabout was enlarged a couple of times, and now traffic moves smoothly through the intersection without having to come to a complete stop in most cases.

The Missouri Department of Transportation built a roundabout in Perryville, Mo., a few years ago. It is large and well-marked, providing easy maneuvering for motorists.

Roundabouts are being included more and more in designs for busy intersections in the U.S. What motorists in this area have learned from experience is that the functionality of a traffic circle depends on well-thought-out engineering and design.

If Jackson in going to have a roundabout in its busy uptown area, let's hope designers make every effort to get it right the first time.