Roundabout tire tracks are no problem
<p>Large tire tracks were left on the apron, or sidewalk, of the roundabout located at Hubbard Street and River Avenue in Coeur d’Alene. According to city officials, the tracks do not permanently damage the apron and wash away naturally when it rains or snows.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE — Although the black tire tracks circling the sidewalk of a roundabout leading into North Idaho College may suggest otherwise, the circular intersections are built to handle traffic from large vehicles.
A reader expressed concern Tuesday, when they noticed a large construction vehicle, carrying supplies to the site of the future student recreation center on NIC's campus, was driving on the sidewalk, also known as an "apron," of the roundabout located at Hubbard Street and River Avenue. The vehicle left large tire tracks in the apron of the roundabout which left the reader curious as to who is responsible for cleaning up the mess.
The answer? Mother nature.
According to an employee with the city of Coeur d'Alene's street department, tire tracks left by vehicles big and small are not cleaned. Instead, city crews focus their attention elsewhere and simply wait for the rain to wash the black marks away.
The employee added the aprons on roundabouts such as the one at NIC are intentionally built to allow large trucks to drive on so they can successfully navigate the intersection.