Clarifying the facts on roundabout plan

As Warrenville mayor, I would like to follow up on questions I continue to receive regarding the potential reconfiguration of the Warrenville/Batavia/River Road intersection. First, if you have any interest in this project, I encourage you to find out more about it by reviewing the city’s website (http://www.warrenville.il.us/b_road_projects.aspx), contacting the Community Development Department at (630) 393-9050, or attending future meetings on the subject. Second, I want to provide some important facts on the issue.

Status: On April 15, the city council approved the Oval Roundabout as the city’s preferred alternative and directed completion of the preliminary engineering design for this plan. This will help the city seek additional outside funding and make informed decisions on whether to ultimately construct the preferred alternative.

Business impacts: The Oval Roundabout was approved as the preferred alternative, in part, because the Gas Mart station would be the only property that would need to be purchased and the only business that would be displaced. All other existing businesses would be preserved.

Cost: The preliminary cost estimate for the Oval Roundabout is approximately $3.3 million. City costs to construct and maintain it would be less than a traditional traffic signal controlled design due to reduced construction, maintenance, and replacement costs and increased opportunities for outside funding including the $550,000 grant already received.

Next steps: Another public meeting on the preliminary engineering plans is set for this fall. City decisions on whether to prepare final engineering, purchase property or construct the Oval Roundabout will be made incrementally as more analysis is performed and information developed.

Our goal is a less awkward, safer and more attractive intersection that will support and encourage our existing local businesses as well as additional economic development. As always, input from the entire community is welcome and encouraged.

Mayor David Brummel

Warrenville