Binghamton Mayor Sees a Roundabout “Opportunity”

Although Mayor Richard David has been a vocal critic of the downtown roundabout, he says he is willing to consider additional traffic circles for a future Binghamton gateway project.

When David was running for mayor nearly five years ago, he frequently faulted the design of the Court Street roundabout, contending it was too small.

Now that the state Department of Transportation is developing plans to improve access to downtown via Route 363, the mayor said he is "open to" the concept of new roundabouts.

Speaking earlier this month on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, David said he has been working with the state agency on the proposed project. He said planners are looking at designs featuring intersections controlled by traffic signals as well as roundabouts.

The mayor said in some locations, there is "enough space for a roundabout to be put in and actually work."

David said he's not opposed to roundabouts but he's "against a roundabout a that doesn't work and that has caused the city nothing but problems."

The mayor said the new gateway project "really is an opportunity to have another roundabout - one that works."

The Court Street roundabout opened five-and-a-half years ago. Large vehicles have occasionally damaged fencing and concrete ornamentation at the intersection with Chenango and Exchange streets. Vandals also have targeted planters placed in the center of the roundabout.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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