American drivers have a reputation for being confused in roundabouts. As Europe uses them for success, we can’t seem to get with the program. New roundabouts in New York are causing chaos for truck drivers. 

Truck drivers struggle with new roundabouts in New York 

Olean, New York, has been working on its Walkable Olean Project with a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative. This has been good for pedestrians and commuters, but truck drivers claim that they’re paying the price. 

Leaders installed a number of roundabouts on a truck route that goes through the city. However, people like Edward Conklin, owner of C&K Trucking claim that there’s no way they are designed for trucks. 

His routes involve regularly driving through Olean, where a roundabout was installed at East State and Berry Streets. 

Conklin shared that he’s always hitting the curb and his semi-truck can’t fit around them with all of its axles. His tires continue to get gashes as he hits the curbs. However, this roundabout in particular is the only way for trucks to access the city, creating a constant struggle. 

City Director of Public Works, Ben Slotman, claims that the new roundabouts are designed for tractor-trailers to easily drive right over them. 

The medians are designed to handle truck traffic because they are mountable. They are designed to handle the trailer load as the trucks pass through. 

But Conklin says that the roundabout at East State Street is smaller than the other ones in the city. Plus, it has a higher curb that’s damaging trucks. 

Conklin is worried about bending his rims as his trailer tires go over the structure. He’s constantly having to change his tires and it comes directly from his pocket. 

Going around the city to avoid the roundabout takes time and fuel. He has no choice but to risk his rig at the roundabout.