Though Farmville Town Manager Gerald Spates noted town forces could realign the troubled intersection of Oak Street, High Street and Griffin Boulevard for about $1 million, we stand by our opinion that a roundabout would greatly enhance the efficiency and safety of those who use the intersection and the quality of life for those who live in the area of the juncture.

The Farmville Town Council, in planning a public hearing on the intersection, is considering three options: the roundabout, realigning the intersection or doing nothing. As we said in late February, there’s no doubt that leaving the traffic configuration unchanged at the intersection would be the wrong thing to do.

The right thing to do, we maintain, is to build a roundabout.

Though the price tag of $3.8 million comes with such venture, we argue that the benefits are worth the investment.

Out of the three alternatives, the roundabout ranked highest in public comments in favor, level of service/operation, construction cost, life cycle cost and vehicular safety, according to the engineering firm that recommended constructing a roundabout at the intersection.

The roundabout has been highly favored by nearly all who’ve submitted formal comments on the project to the firm and by those who’ve attended the two community meetings held by town leaders. Factors included in the recommendation include Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) policy, which details benefits regarding right of way, environmental factors, design constraints, safety, operation and life cycle cost pertaining to roundabouts.

The only alignment needed is that of a vote by town council to build the roundabout.