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lirivers getting used to Il8tttttrlltttt'tt first roundabout here are two words I drivers travellingalong the new roundabout on Erb Street need to remember: yield and counter-clockwise. "Drivers have to remem- her to yield to the traffic that's already in the circular tory roadway - those dri- vers are king" said Steve van De Keere of the Region of Waterloo. who is project manager for the new round- about, as well as the con- struction of Ira Needles Boulevard. "And counter- clockwise circulation around the roundabout is key. Drivers have to always make sure the central island is on their left side. " If they follow these guidelines. they should have no problem." _ - _ The use of roundabouts in Waterloo Region is a unique way to cope with increasing traffic demands placed on roads. Round- abouts improve vehicle flow and traffic safety, while helping to improve air quali- ty by eliminating unneces- sary stops and idling. The Waterloo public library board is hosting a meeting Dec. 7 to get com- munity input into future directions for WPL collect tions, programs and ser- vices. The board is inviting the community to comment on its new Strategic Plan. which outlines WPL priorities between 2005 and 2007, Copies of the draft plan are available for pick-up at the Main Library and McCormick Branch. A copy By Mum Bann- t Jh roructe Ssatt According to the Region of Waterloo, recent safety studies indicate that where roundabouts have been constructed to improve existing intersections. injury collisions have been reduced by up to BO per cent. As part of its budget sub- mission to the City ofWater- loo for 2005. the board has identified a funding target of $30 per capita, which the board wants to achieve in incremental steps over the next several years, and before any library building project is undertaken, Luckily, van De Keere said, drivers seem to be quickly catching on to the new measure. And with the opening of the south leg, between Erb Street and Westhill Drive, on Monday. van De Keere said traffic still seems to be mov- ing smoothly. Since the opening of the north leg of Ira Needles Boulevard. between Erb- sville Road and Erb Street. two weeks ago, there have been no reported accidents. The public Strategic Plan input meeting is being held at the WPI. Main Library on Albert Street from 7-S pm. "I think this is better than waiting for a green light." â€" Steve van De Keere project manager "Some drivers have had some challenges using the roundabout," he said. "Il's a new type of traffic (mea- sure), there's still construc- uon in the area, and there's quite a bit of signage there. too. It's a lot of information to take in. "Some people are mak- ing left turns when they enter the roundabout and driving the wrong way along the roadway." Others. he said. are hesi- tating when they enter the circle. To help drivers under- stand the rules of the round- about, the region recently erected one-way signs that clearly point out which direction drivers should be travelling. "They're just being extra cautious, which is Fme." he said. "But there are still some skeptics out there," van De Keere said, referring to those who prefer traditional inter- sections to the roundabout. "I think this is better than waiting for a green light." Van" De Keere said the (WEWANTED TO MAKE, SURE my 9mm] MISS QM} @913]!qu $3913..) 50% OFF, ‘We didn't want you to miss our sale on rugs from Belgium. USA, China, India Spain. Egypt, Persia a. Ttrrhey. We just wanted to call your attention to the fact that every rug at Factory Flooring will be on sale. Save in every style & colour. Designs that date from ancient classim to modern and contemporary tir,,/iii]lillllllllll]llljt ALL AREA Russ: sizes from 3'ttS' " tt'ttM' UP TO region has now completed the work scheduled on Ira Needles Boulevard for this year. Construction of the road- way will continue next year. which will take Ira Needles Boulevard from Westhill Drive all the way to Highway 7/8 in Kitchener. The road is schedule to be complete by the end of 2006. Van De Keere said the project will include one more roundabout. near the current intersection ofWesl. hill Drive and University Avenue. & PERFORMANCE Dr"taNe,P'sm' You can now reach your pursuit of Optimal Health and Performance right in the heart of Uptown Waterloo. The Chiro ractrt Associates Health Clinic welcomes Dr. Adam F Williamson to the Waterloo City Centre. Services Available Include: - 3.55% 3.1359 Holiday Super Special __lland Knotted Persian Rugs OPTIMAL HEALTH & PERFORMANCE WATERLOO CITY CENTRE, 100 REC-INA ST. S., SUITE 175, WATERlOO, ON N2) 4P9 F ACTOIY noon! no vvcvoini ST moat-1 747-1650 L',.l.ks-riry mtD‘mCK VIII ROR‘I'ON‘S "ire