Consultants say single‑lane roundabout would reduce delays and lower crash risk at town center intersection

LaBella Associates told the Town of Milton on Nov. 19 that a single‑lane roundabout at the town center intersection would reduce the most severe crash types and cut vehicle delay in peak hours. "The roundabout outperforms the signal — about 20 seconds per vehicle on average," said Jesse Vogle, principal transportation planner with LaBella, summarizing traffic forecasts for 2030 and 2050.

The consultant reviewed three years of New York State Department of Transportation crash data and found predominant crash types — rear‑end, right‑angle and a small number of head‑on collisions — that could be mitigated by a roundabout’s lower‑angle entries and splitter islands. Vogle described two conceptual layouts: one that preserves full access at nearby driveways and a second that extends medians to make some driveways right‑in/right‑out only. "That could be another safety improvement," he said, noting tradeoffs between access and crash reduction.

LaBella presented operations modeling showing the signal would operate at a level‑of‑service of C or D in forecast years, while the roundabout would deliver C or better, with aggregate daily delay savings when peak‑hour improvements are summed across vehicles. The firm estimated construction costs in the $2–3 million range and roughly $1 million for design and construction engineering. Potential federal funding sources were identified, including CMAQ (congestion and air quality), Highway Safety Improvement Program funds and TAP (transportation alternatives) for pedestrian elements such as splitter islands and sidewalks.

Board members asked practical questions about movements from nearby driveways and how drivers would navigate the intersection. Vogle explained that drivers exiting Cumberland Farms would turn right to the roundabout and use the roundabout for U‑turns to continue southbound, a pattern that eliminates most left‑turn conflicts implicated in recent crashes.

After the presentation, the board moved to accept LaBella’s traffic feasibility study. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The town did not adopt a construction schedule or commit funding at the meeting; the study projected construction could occur around 2030 if the town secures appropriate funding. Next steps implied by the presentation include further design work and pursuit of identified grant programs.

The study and questions from board members signaled broad interest in pursuing safety improvements at the intersection; the board documented acceptance of the feasibility study for the town record.