We probably won’t be seeing traffic lights in downtown Colfax any time soon.

However, the city may consider multiple traffic lights on South Auburn Street at State Route 174, the I-80 overpass, westbound I-80 exit/on ramps and Whitcomb Avenue by Sierra Market. The city might also consider “signalizing” traffic at the intersection of Ben Taylor, Tokayana and Rising Sun roads near the Colfax elementary and high schools.

At last Thursday’s Colfax Council and Planning Commission public workshop to review the city’s general plan update, there was unanimous consensus among city officials: traffic lights downtown are a “bad idea.”

A traffic roundabout, however, might be a better option. It’s either that or accept increasingly heavy congestion at the intersection of Main and Grass Valley streets in the coming years, planning consultants told the city.

The second in a series of public sessions, the workshop focused on planning for traffic management based on projections of a population increase to 2,443 residents by 2030 and 1,419 new jobs.

Planners from North Fork Associates and Fehr & Peers Transportation Consultants presented several options for traffic management, including traffic lights and roundabouts.

The near-term solution would be to install a sophisticated system of traffic lights on South Auburn Avenue that would employ traffic sensors and synchronization of signals to keep traffic moving.

A special traffic light at State Route 174 and Auburn Street could advise motorists when railroad trains are blocking the Grass Valley Street crossing. This would give drivers the option of taking the 174 overpass to get into town.

Roundabouts, however, were the preferred option over the long-term, the consultants recommended, because traffic signals would be too close together.

Roundabouts have been demonstrated to reduce traffic accidents by 40 percent with significantly lower injuries and fatalities, John Gard of Fehr and Peers said, adding they are also more aesthetically pleasing.

Some problems with roundabouts are that they take up more space, tend to confuse motorists unfamiliar with them, and pose some (not insurmountable) problems for large trucks and buses.

Other traffic issues discussed were: the possible closure of the Dinky Way railroad crossing; the possibility of a SR 174/I-80 interchange; secondary/emergency access roads along Old Illinoistown Road and Plutes Way (under consideration); secondary access to Colfax elementary and high schools; and reducing school traffic through the use of carpools, vanpools and parking permits at the schools.

The purpose of Thursday’s meeting was to get input from council members, planning commissioners and the public, said Gary Price, Colfax planning director.

Based on the input, the consultants will return in the spring with more specific recommendations.

There was also considerable talk about the city’s need to coordinate its general plan update with the Placer County Planning Department, Caltrans and Union Pacific Railroad.

As part of the continuing effort to involve the public in planning for Colfax’s future, the city will sponsor a 7 p.m. community meeting on Jan. 20 to discuss the Colfax Historic Downtown Master Plan, Price announced.