Mini-circle on Bellows and Arnold nearly complete

Several Mount Pleasant residents do not understand why a new mini-circle is being constructed on the corners of Bellows and Arnold Streets.

Jenison junior Mike Isberg lives on Bellows Street. He said the addition confuses drivers.

“It doesn’t slow down traffic, people just drive over it,” Isberg said. “I’ve seen three people drive over it with a truck.”

“Why should I be making a 90 degree turn to go down a straight road?”

Director of Public Works Duane Ellis said the construction is almost done and the road should be open by the first week of August.

He said the construction cost about $75,000 and was paid for with city funding.

Ellis said when the circle was originally tested, it was not accessible to ladder trucks and had to be redone.

It cost an extra $2,500 to fix the problem and was redone about three weeks ago.

Ellis said it may take a while for people to adjust to the mini-circle but the location is great for one.

He said it was installed to create a safer environment for people walking and riding their bicycles in the area.

“The goal is to get people to drive slower so it’s safer,” Ellis said. “People who are used to rushing down Bellows Street will have to adjust.”

Kalkaska senior David Rios said the roundabout does not belong there.

“A lot of people don’t even know how to use it,” Rios said. “I think it’s going to cause more trouble than good.”

Construction on Bellows Street started in mid-June and also includes installing bike lanes from Mission down to Washington Streets.

Ellis said the mini-circle was positively reviewed by Dan Burden, who specializes in making communities more “walkable” for bicyclists and pedestrians.