Seems a roundabout is the new normal in the County these days.

The top of the Picton Town Hill could be in for a major upgrade. County staff presented a traffic circle as the best solution for the tricky intersection at Main and Bridge last week.

From three possibilities tabled at a public information session earlier this year, staff narrowed down the options to a traffic circle and the more traditional traffic lights. The roundabout is the preferred alternative because it causes less delay for both motorists and pedestrians. While both solutions offer pedestrian access, the signal solution requires longer crosswalks.

On a roundabout, three entirely new crosswalks would centre on each of the three access points.

Given the confluence of three roads, a roundabout does seem the perfect, albeit expensive, solution. Projected costs are about $2 million, but that figure doesn’t include the required property acquisition costs. Both 316 and 318 Main St., the former Menlove Law offices, and an adjacent empty building, would be on the chopping block to make way for the roundabout.

The required excavation and grading creates an opportunity, however, both for landscaping and beautifying downtown Picton, and to accommodate the expected increase in traffic in future.

“Once the Environmental Assessment is complete, staff will present a capital budget to Council,” Project Manager Jeff Shortt said.

A completed EA will also allow for the municipality to explore funding opportunities with the Ministry of Transportation through the provincial connecting links program. The timeline is long, about five years.

-Staff