Changes coming to Rawlins Cross

City council approves pilot project, to begin this year

The vote was not unanimous, but St. John’s city council has approved a pilot project involving changes in traffic directions at the intersections of Rawlins Cross.

Mayor Danny Breen, Coun. Jamie Korab and Coun. Wally Collins voted against, but lost the vote.

The plan for the pilot project is to remove traffic signals and reconfigure the area to effectively change the intersection into a roundabout.

As previously reported, from Jan. 1, 2012 to Dec. 21, 2017 there were 120 collisions at the location. One cyclist, four pedestrians and 29 passengers in cars were hurt.

“I feel really strongly that this will enhance safety,” said Coun. Sandy Hickman, who seconded the motion to move the roundabout pilot program to a vote.

He asked for the public to give the idea a “fair shot.”

“I don’t think ‘this is the way we’ve always done it’ is a good enough justification for doing anything,” said Coun. Hope Jamieson, who also spoke in support of the trial change.

Jamieson said the change might even help keep drivers from going into auto-pilot in the area, and become more attentive.

Breen spoke in opposition, saying to Jamieson’s comment that he doesn’t believe drivers are on auto-pilot in the area now. Given the complicated nature of the intersection, drivers are likely to be more attentive there, he said.

At the same time, Breen said he remains concerned about what the changes will mean “downstream” of the intersection, as people potentially redirect their driving routes. He said he expects some problems as the pilot gets underway this summer.

Just before the vote, Coun. Dave Lane reiterated the approval was for a pilot program only. It will be evaluated, with public feedback encouraged at any time.