London Road roundabout plan riles residents

Mini roundabouts are less common in North America, but frequently used in the UK. Their footprint is smaller, making them suitable for retrofit situations with right of way constraints (and lower cost). They are also commonly used where truck U-turns are not needed, so achieve all the safety benefits of compact modern roundabouts at a much lower cost. They are all truck apron, and in the UK are sometimes just paint on the road.

St. James, Minn.: Trucks at mini-roundabout video

Update via Minnesota Department of Transportation news release: 

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has rescinded its request for Duluth City Council municipal consent on the London Road project. In order to stay on schedule to deliver the project as planned, the proposed roundabout at 60th Avenue East has been dropped from the scope of work, and other safety improvements will be made to the intersection.

Left turn analysis of the intersection has been completed and confirms left turns can be a challenge. This study will be documented for consideration in a potential future project. MnDOT will post new plans for the intersection to the website when they are complete.