Looking west toward the Salem Avenue roundabout at just after 5 on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 15, 2025.
A reader’s comment sent me back to the new roundabout on Albany’s Salem Avenue on Wednesday. Watching five minutes of peak-hour traffic, I didn’t see any problems. No crashes and no close calls.
Here’s how that went:
The man’s comment to me earlier that afternoon was that after almost getting hit at the roundabout, twice, he no longer drives on Salem Avenue.
This “mini-roundabout” at Waverly Drive was built as part of the $2.3 million resurfacing this summer of Salem Avenue from Albany Avenue to the railroad tracks. It opened the Friday before Labor Day and has been open to traffic for nearly seven weeks now.
Because it is very small, compared most other roundabouts, it does not require drivers going straight on Salem to turn their wheels much. Just a little swerve will do.
And there’s no time or space to signal the customary right turn when leaving a large roundabout. On this one, drivers are out of the roundabout almost before they are in it.
That gives drivers no clue on whether oncoming traffic will be coming around the center island or going straight.
Whatever the shortcomings of this particular traffic feature, I’ve had no problems there behind the wheel, and only one close call on the bike. That was because I didn’t pay enough attention to a westbound pickup turning left on Waverly.
And on Wednesday, as far as I could see, drivers seemed to be doing fine whether they were turning or going straight. (hh)
This traffic circle is a joke and dangerous. I have been narrowly missed by drivers who either forgot right of way rules or just disrespectful drivers. Should have never been constructed. I avoid it when I possibly can.
Smallest roundabout I’ve ever seen. Has the speed limit been reduced on the approach.. not just the at the rotary? I’ve seen a traffic pattern change ahead sign. I agree it’s efficient but seems like problem waiting to happen. First winter should be a good test.
3 way stop would be better. Did they add street lighting?
Agreed. From what I’ve seen, that’s the way it’s usually functioning anyway. I love the roundabout on Main, but this one’s very clunky and, I think, dangerous.
I just drive straight over it
Ok fellow boomers. Hey over yourselves. I’ve driven thru it, walked by it, and ridden my bike thru all three directions. Worked like it was designed, I give it 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐s
It is too small for school busses to turn left from Salem Ave. Driver went over the curb on both sides of intersection and over the median to make the turn. Also there isn’t enough visibility before the intersection going north bound.
I believe it was designed for buses, trucks, etc. to drive over the top of it. I agree with the post who said if you can’t handle the roundabout, you shouldn’t be driving. In
When driving North into the roundabout a car coming South made an abrupt left-hand turn on to Waverly in front of me. Close call. The Southbound driver was in the roundabout so they had right of way but still a close call for me.
Never let the truth get in the way of your commenters’ “expertise”
hh would you please correct my earlier post. the other driver made a LEFT hand turn on to Waverly. thanks tc
Correction made.
Just my opinion but, it seems to me that anyone who can’t easily and successfully navigate this traffic circle, probably shouldn’t be driving anyway.
But that’s the thing, everybody with a license and a vehicle IS driving. Not just the professional drivers. Why put in a traffic device that a large amount of people have troubles with? Personally, I find it a mess when going through this thing, so I understand the complaints.
There’s no city money to be had for traffic lights at the Salem Ave./Waverly Drive intersection. Salem Ave. has always been busy with a lot of fast drivers one after the other. It used to be an artery for bringing people into town from the paper mill (which is gone), but it still serves ATI (or whatever Wah Chang is called) Duraflake (ditto) and a tavern and many little businesses, plus the growing town of Millersburg. I won’t mention why the city has no money and put in that dangerous mini-roundabout. We all know why. HInt: It has to do with 25 million dollars being spent.