ITD takes many factors into consideration when installing a traffic signal or roundabout, including traffic movement in all directions, pedestrian activity, speed limits, etc. to determine which solutions are appropriate for safety, mobility, and economic opportunity through the area. Neither a signal nor roundabout would be appropriate at this intersection.
A signal would cause more stop-and-go traffic that would result in an increase of rear-end collisions. Its proximity to the bridge would cause congestion on mainline US-95 and stopping on the bridge, which it wasn’t designed for. There is not enough turning traffic to justify slowing down drivers already on the highway. Signals can be warranted for many reasons, but one at Lakeshore Drive does not work as well as the U-turn option.
A roundabout in this location would not be compatible with the flow of traffic or volume of oversized vehicles that travel this route. Given heavy traffic that predominately flows to the north or south, drivers would still struggle to find gaps to enter the roundabout. Traffic would also have to be slowed down significantly to enter the roundabout at a safe speed and the roundabout would have to be very large to accommodate the turning radius of larger vehicles. This design would likely result in loss of property to nearby businesses and residents.
The recently constructed changes at US-95 and Lakeshore Drive are an interim solution. ITD is actively studying various alternatives for the long-term solution at Lakeshore and US-95, including an interchange, as well as the rest of the corridor between Sagle and the Long Bridge. When information becomes available, it will be posted to itdprojects.org/us95lakeshoredrive.