Sedona, AZ - For those wondering why the SR 179 roundabouts are run over with
huge, black-truck tire tracks, there is a simple explanation.
According to Kristin Darr-Bornstein, public outreach manager for
ADOT's SR 179 Improvement Project, the roundabouts were built to
accommodate large vehicles attempting to navigate the circular
intersection by allowing them to actually run over the roundabout
when a vehicle is too long to drive around it.
The roundabouts were specifically designed that way,” Ms Darr-Bornstein
said. “The roundabouts are made of reinforced concrete, creating a
truck apron for larger vehicles to pass over. It is not that the
roundabouts are too small. They are the correct size.”
Sedona visitor Helene Sabel from Phoenix said the tire marks make it
appear like the roundabouts are too small, truck drivers are
breaking the law and creating a dangerous situation. “I’d hate to be crossing the roundabout on foot when one of those
trucks comes along,” she said. “They [the roundabouts] look
terrible, smudgy and dirty. Not a good first impression for people
coming into Sedona for the first time.”
Unsightly as the blackened-tire marks appear, Ms. Kristin Darr-Bornstein
said the original ADOT plans for the roundabout-truck aprons called
for the tops to be composed of black asphalt to minimize tread
marks.
“During the planning process the community wanted the truck aprons
to be the same color they are today,” she said. “In a normal
situation they would be black.”
[Home Page]
[News Home Page]
[Back to Community Page]