McKinney officials are revisiting the idea of installing a roundabout at the intersection of Ridge Road and Glen Oaks Drive.

The full story: Council members indicated a consensus for moving forward with a proposed roundabout during a March 17 work session but preliminary designs are expected to come at a later date. City staff are recommending a roundabout at the intersection to accommodate existing and future traffic volumes.

“We know that they are safer than traffic signals,” Engineering Director Gary Graham said. “They have lower speeds going through the intersections. There’s fewer conflict points so when crashes do happen, they’re less severe.”

By the numbers: The intersection of Ridge Road and Glen Oaks Drive currently operates as a four-way stop that sees an average of 22,064 vehicles per day, according to Graham’s presentation. Most of the traffic volume is heading north or south on Ridge Road.

“Over 35% of the crashes have injuries,” Graham said. “That’s quite a few. That’s more than we typically have at locations so this is really a concern for us.”

Shorty’s is now open in McKinney, coowner Bryan McVay said.

The restaurant’s menu includes hot dogs, smash burgers, and a variety of sandwiches. Shorty’s also serves appetizers and shareable dishes like fried pickle chips and chili cheese fries. The restaurant also serves cocktails, wine and beer.

• 109 N. Kentucky St., McKinney

Stay informed on five road projects happening around Dallas-Fort Worth. 

1. Traffic signals along Bloomdale Road 
Project: Two traffic lights will be constructed on Bloomsdale Road at the intersections of Hardin Boulevard and Community Avenue.
Update: The city of McKinney approved a contract with traffic engineering firm Lee Engineering during a March 17 meeting for preliminary engineering and final design services for the traffic signals. 

• Timeline: TBD
• Cost: $122,337
• Funding source: city of McKinney

• Timeline: Work will take 10 months to complete.
• Cost: $1.8 million
• Funding sources: federal sources, city of Plano

On March 31, Texas’ roughly 9,000 licensed consumable hemp retailers will face sweeping regulations, including a more than 3,000% increase in annual licensing fees and a ban on most smokable cannabis products.

The overview: The new rules, which also include age verification requirements, stricter packaging guidelines and more rounds of product testing, were originally proposed in December. The Texas Department of State Health Services, which regulates the state’s hemp industry, adopted the rules March 2.

The debate: Supporters of the increased regulations previously said they hoped the changes would result in more comprehensive oversight of Texas’ hemp industry and improve consumer safety. 

Some experts said they were concerned the new rules were taking effect too quickly and could lead some hemp businesses to close their doors.

"It is really tragic that these entrepreneurs are being faced with this, especially in a state like Texas that touts being pro-business ... and here we are shutting down businesses and relegating consumers to an illicit market," said Heather Fazio, director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center.