City takes the wheel on plans for Kanan-Agoura roundabout
Traffic circles crop up in many cities
By Stephanie Bertholdo  bertholdo@theacorn.com

The design of the controversial traffic circle proposed for the intersection of Kanan and Agoura roads will go out to bid by the beginning of next month, according to Agoura Hills civil engineer Ramiro Adeva.

The roundabout was approved at the City Council meeting Nov. 14.

City officials changed their minds about who would oversee the design project. The Agoura Village Specific Plan called for the first developer chosen to build a project in the proposed Agoura Village to handle the design of the roundabout, but Adeva announced the city will manage the project once a design proposal is approved.

Adeva told the council a roundabout will improve the flow of traffic at the intersection. The two-lane traffic circle will force drivers to reduce their speeds, and as a result, accidents will decrease.

Pedestrians visiting Agoura Village will be better protected with a roundabout versus a four-way light, Adeva said in his report. The proposed town center will combine retail stores, commercial businesses, entertainment, restaurants and offices with a residential area.

"It's a critical intersection," Adeva said about the change of plans on overseeing the project.

Many residents had earlier expressed concern over the need for a roundabout. While some worried that traffic circles are confusing and could cause accidents, others just believed a four-way light was a better solution. Councilmember Denis Weber asked Adeva if other options had been considered.

"We feel comfortable it will work," Adeva said.

Last year, planning commissioners and council members had discussed whether the roundabout could later be converted into a four-way light intersection if the original concept proved ineffective. Mayor Dan Kuperberg wondered if the option was still available. Adeva didn't like that alternative. He told council members a four-way light was "unacceptable" and said the roundabout was "clearly the way to go."

Assistant City Manager Nathan Hamburger said the Martin Group, the first developer to approach the city with proposals for Agoura Village, will undoubtedly be pleased that they will no longer be required to oversee the project.

The scope of work for the roundabout will include five mandates. The firm must gather data to complete the design, including utility research, field surveys, right of way investigation and other information, and provide conceptual layouts to city engineers for review.

Studies must be conducted, including geotechnical and hydrology, Adeva said in his report. The winning firm will be required to supply conceptual landscaping and street lighting plans, right of way exhibits and other data.

Once approved, the design firm will be required to keep the city abreast of progress at periodic meetings and must also present plans to the City Council, the Agoura Village subcommittee and the public, Adeva said.

The estimated cost of the design is $200,000, which will be funded through the city's traffic impact fees from developers, Adeva said. The final contract will be awarded by the end of February, he said.

Following the lead of European cities, traffic circles have become increasingly popular in the U.S.