Birmingham / Providence Roundabout If you’ve ever driven through either of these intersections then you know how hard it can be to navigate, even with modest traffic.

Providence / Birmingham / New Providence

The first intersection in question is where Providence Rd., New Providence Rd. and Birmingham Highway meet (well, sort of meet).  Most people trying to cross Birmingham have to turn onto the road and then stop and turn a signal on, because there is a dog-leg rather than a straight crossing. That coupled with the fact that there isn’t a traffic light add up to a real pain-in-the-butt intersection every resident in the area is very familiar with.

The DOT’s proposed plan, as you can see above, is to bring the intersection for New Providence slightly south and the Providence intersection slightly north, and then install a roundabout.

The roundabout will allow traffic to keep moving and also slow the speed of traffic heading north and south on Birmingham Highway, which is probably good unless you’re in a hurry. This is the preferred design, but there are 4 alternative designs suggested, they are:

1. Realign the intersection 500′ north and signalize
2. Realign the intersection 500′ north and add roundabout there
3. Realign the intersection 500′ north and signalize at 35 mph
4. Split the interchange completely

Arnold Mill / Providence Intersection Redesign New Providence / SR 140 Arnold Mill

The biggest issue with this intersection is that is lacks a light, so turning south on Arnold Mill is a real problem. The DOT’s plan here is to realign the intersection 140′ west and signalize the intersection. In addition to this, the DOT plans to add a separate right turn lane on westbound Arnold Mill and the plans call for a 4′ on street bike lane, something we need much more of everywhere.

Again, this plan is the preferred design but there are 3 other alternatives, which are:

1. Realign the intersection 700′ west and signalize
2. Install a roundabout in the current location
3. Reroute traffic to Cox Rd and cul-de-sac New Providence

These aren’t the only intersections with issues in Milton. Where Bethany/Hopewell/Bethany meet comes to mind, as well as the perpetually blinking light at the intersection of Hopewell/Cogburn/Francis – which is a study in how many drivers really don’t know how to handle a 4-way stop.

For more information you can check out these in larger format at www.miltonintersectionprojects.com or visit City Hall on Deerfield where they will be on display for 10 more days. You can also fill out a comment card to have your voice heard for both of these.