PennDOT Chief Likes More Roundabouts And Smart Signals For Intersections

By Tony Romeo

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- The woman chosen to be Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf's PennDOT Secretary is vowing that the agency will emphasize planning in a way that's never been done before --planning that will encourage the use of more "roundabouts" and "adaptive signals" at intersections.

So-called "adaptive signals" can sense the flow of traffic in all directions and adjust accordingly in real time. PennDOT chief Leslie Richards extolled their virtues at recent House budget hearings.

"I think everyone in this room can feel the frustration when you're at a light, and you're stopped for no reason," Richards said. "There's nobody coming in the other directions – and you're just sitting there."

Since 2010, adaptive signals have been put in use in more than 100 places in Pennsylvania, including the Route 202 corridor.

PennDOT will also encourage the use of "roundabouts" instead of traffic signals. Roundabouts are not the same as traffic circles; they are usually single lanes intended for lower speeds. Richards said some residents of Narberth, Montgomery County have already requested information about a roundabout for an intersection there.