Modern roundabouts boost traffic efficiency and safety. On average, they reduce total crashes by 35%, injuries by 76% and fatalities by 90%, according to a release from the township.
“In the case of the Mad River/Alex Bell Roundabout, the level of service improves from (an) ‘F’ to ‘A’ (grade),” Montgomery County Engineer Paul Gruner said. “Those comparisons are based upon peak-hour traffic. In the off-peak hours, traffic in the roundabout will be constantly moving, whereas with a signal, one direction would always be stopped.”
The constantly moving stream of traffic means less idling, leading to a decrease in vehicle emissions and fuel consumption.
The new roundabout cost $280,000 for engineering, $370,000 for right of way and $970,000 for construction, with 90% of construction costs paid from federal safety money and 10% from the Ohio Public Works Commission, Gruner said.
HOW TO NAVIGATE A ROUNDABOUT
- When approaching a roundabout, slow down. Roundabouts are designed for low speeds around 20 to 30 mph.
- Yield to the cars in the roundabout. They have the right of way.
- Look to your left and enter the circle by turning right when there is a safe gap in traffic.
- Keep moving when you’re in the roundabout. All U.S. roundabouts are one-way: counterclockwise.
- Exit right when you see your turn.
SOURCE: Montgomery County Engineer’s Office
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