Should state or local government decide on road projects, like roundabouts?

Cass St. roundabout has been functional for just over a week.

It’s been just over a week since La Crosse’s first roundabout opened.

New roundabouts, like the $2.3 million project by the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation for the Cass St. roundabout, could be coming. Many, however, are questioning who decides when and where these projects should happen.

State transportation secretary Dave Ross doesn’t see the trend continuing where the Wisconsin DOT decides local traffic issues.

“There seems to be some momentum towards local control on that kind of a design feature,” Ross said during a recent visit to La Crosse. “Roundabouts have been very effective and they save lives. But, how many and where, is the big question?”

Ross said roundabouts have been credited with increasing public safety and that Wisconsin is a leader in building them.