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Hebron considers roundabout at Refugee and Canyon Roads to slow traffic and improve crossings
Summary
Village Administrator Jung-Han Chen outlined benefits of a proposed roundabout at Refugee and Canyon Roads — reduced speeds, better pedestrian safety and lower long-term costs — while Mayor Valerie Mockus cautioned about changing long-standing traffic priority and utility relocation costs; design must accommodate tractors.
Village Administrator Jung-Han Chen told the Hebron council on Dec. 18 that traffic circles (roundabouts) can reduce vehicle speeds, improve pedestrian safety and cut long‑term maintenance costs compared with signalized intersections.
"Traffic circles have been found to reduce traffic speed coming into intersections," Chen said, explaining that roundabouts remove primary/secondary signal primacy, create lower travel speeds and provide safer pedestrian crossing zones. He also said roundabouts do not depend on electrical signals, which reduces vulnerability during power outages.
Chen said the village is considering a roundabout at Refugee and Canyon Roads. He cautioned that design must accommodate agricultural equipment and said two lanes will probably be incorporated so tractors can maneuver. He also highlighted that the largest cost differences compared with a signalized intersection often come from relocating non‑public utilities such as electrical and cable lines.
Mayor Valerie Mockus said she is cautious about changing the existing right-of-way pattern — Refugee currently has primacy and Canyon stops — because drivers’ habits could make the change confusing. "I paused at that suggestion, as it has been that way for many years and I am concerned about forces of habit for drivers," she said.
Public Works Committee Chair Annelle Porter raised related maintenance concerns, reporting a vent on the village storage building in poor condition and noting structural damage at Refugee and Canyon Roads from a truck; Administrator Chen said he would follow up on repairs.
The discussion did not produce a motion or vote; staff will continue to evaluate design options, utility relocation needs and community impacts before bringing a formal proposal to the council.
