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SVCAC eyes Arnold Dr. roundabout

 

The public will have an opportunity to comment on a proposed roundabout on Agua Caliente Road and Arnold Drive when the Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Commission meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 27.

The county's Public Works and Transportation Department has proposed building the roundabout in front of Hanna Boys Center.

The roundabout will have 12-foot travel lanes on all legs, and each of the legs will include sidewalks, crosswalks and bike lanes.

According to the county's project description, the roundabout will be designed to accommodate truck turning movements and one leg will align with the entrance to Hanna Boys Center. In addition, the project will provide paved shoulders on all legs of the intersection within project limits.

The document says that a roundabout was chosen instead of a traffic signal because the right-of-way needs are less for a roundabout and the roundabout avoids any impacts to the creek crossings north and south of the intersection on Arnold Drive.

The funding for the project is from Measure M, a quarter-cent sales tax passed by county voters in November 2004.

Cynthia Wood, chair of the Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Commission, said usually the commission looks at projects in terms of compliance and compatibility, but the roundabout is changing an intersection.

"This is a way for the public to air their thoughts, concerns as well as their support," she said.

The comments on the environmental impact of the project will be sent to county staff.

Valley residents can also send their comments Chris Seppeler at 565-8353, email comments to Chris.Seppeler@Sonoma-county.org or send them to the county's Permit and Resource Management Department, 2550 Ventura Ave., Santa Rosa 95403-2829, by Aug. 10.