In the last five years, yet another European trend crossed the Atlantic to Milwaukee: the roundabout. The one located on the south end of the 6th Street viaduct is perhaps the most prominent but you'll find them in the neighborhood near UWM, St. Francis, the Menomonee Valley, Shorewood and Oconomowoc.
Today, heading toward West Bend, we exited at Holy Hill to find construction workers laying the groundwork for a roundabout at the top of the off-ramp.
Personally, I'm a fan. Travelling in Europe, roundabouts move traffic along without hitch and sustain steady street flow that avoids the start and stop of traffic lights. But, as American drivers the concept is completely foreign. Are we ready for this?
I can say I've seen more than a few close calls and dicey maneuvers; how to get on, how to get off and who has the right of way seems vaguely misunderstood. Do we just need to weather an adjustment period? Or is our "American" driving style buried too deep to be altered?
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
