Community Reactions Mixed on Proposed Roundabout at Wye Road and Highway 6

There’s been no shortage of interesting — and often entertaining — comments about the proposed roundabout at Wye Road and Highway 6 in Bishop, CA. While opinions vary, one thing most locals seem to agree on is that something needs to be done. The intersection has seen more than its share of accidents, and safety improvements are long overdue.

Among the most talked-about concerns are the oversized and heavy-duty loads that frequently move through the area. As the GM of Sierra Wave Media, i see often that CHP has to shut down the road to escort wide loads — mining equipment bound for Nevada or massive electrical components that stretch across both lanes. The question many are asking is: how would those trucks handle a roundabout?

I’ve witnessed in other cities, as trucks simply roll over the outer edges of roundabouts, which are often designed with that in mind. Whether that would be the case here remains to be seen.

One clear benefit, however, would be reduced speeds. The stretch of Highway 6 near Wye Road is not a 55 mph zone, and a roundabout could encourage drivers to slow down — something both residents and safety officials can likely support. However, one commentator said they are looking forward to seeing someone jump the roundabout. Not yet, Evel Knievel.

Here is what Caltrans shares about the project from their website.

Wye Road Roundabout Project

Project Information

The Wye Road Roundabout Project will help facilitate the increase in traffic on U.S. 6 through the Wye Road intersection. By installing this temporary roundabout, will be able to track and measure its effectiveness in improving the flow of traffic through the intersection. The project will use the Vortex roundabout system, a modular approach that will allow for quick installation of the nearly flat design that will keep traffic flowing and allow oversized trucks ease of passage through the intersection.

Project Map

Detailed map showing the potential layout of the roundabout at Wye Road and U.S. 6 in Bishop, CA

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