State Transportation Department opposes bill that would roadblock roundabouts

MADISON — The state Department of Transportation opposes a Republican bill that would put up a roadblock to building roundabouts on Wisconsin highways.

The measure heard Wednesday by the Assembly's Transportation Committee would require local communities to approve installation of traffic circles that have increased in use in Wisconsin in recent years.

DOT official Tom Rhatican says requiring a local vote could lead to delays and added project costs. He also says it doesn't make sense to give a local community to ability to veto a project that's designed to deal with regional transportation needs.



Republican Rep. David Craig says he is sponsoring the bill to ensure local officials have a say in the project.

Craig says he's more optimistic the measure will find support than it has in the past.