Traffic board declines roundabout at Baseline and Staley, refers request to county

The Grand Island Traffic Safety Board on Nov. 1 reviewed a resident request to install a roundabout at Baseline and Staley and agreed the intersection does not appear to warrant that treatment. Chair (Speaker 3) moved to accept the minutes and introduced the new item, saying the board had received a letter asking for a roundabout.

Board members discussed the intersection’s existing traffic signal, truck turning requirements and the absence of a safe walking shoulder. “I don't think it needs a roundabout,” Chair said during the discussion, noting traffic counts and collision history that members said do not support a roundabout.

Member (Speaker 1) emphasized jurisdictional limits, saying the crossing is on a county route that intersects a state road: “This is a county highway,” the member said, and recommended referring the request to county traffic engineers rather than attempting a local fix. The board agreed that the town’s role is advisory and that the county and state would make the final decision.

The board instructed liaison Jose Garcia’s office or board member Eric Thompson to notify the resident that the board does not recommend a roundabout and will refer the matter to the county for further review. Chair said the board would send a letter to the county, and Speaker 4 offered to double‑check wetland mapping near the intersection before any formal written response.

The board also noted non‑invasive interim options the county could consider, including lane alignment or restriping and signal phasing changes, but did not adopt a specific safety project during the meeting. No formal vote tally was recorded in the transcript for the referral; the board’s minutes will record the formal outcome and any follow-up assignments.

The board said it will monitor any county response and expects to report back at a future meeting.