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Site of modern
roundabout construction
What is a modern roundabout?
A
modern roundabout is a one-way circular intersection in which traffic
flows around a center island without the use of traffic signals or stop
signs.
Why
build a modern roundabout instead of a typical intersection
at Morse Road and Johnstown Road (U.S. Route 62)?
Modern
roundabouts are safer than traditional intersections, which have more
conflict points and operate at higher speeds. Studies have shown that
roundabouts provide nearly a 90 percent reduction in injury accidents
since the circular layout dramatically reduces the likeliness of head-on
or broadside collisions.
How does a modern roundabout work?
A
modern roundabout gives motorists the same straight and turn options as a
normal intersection but in a slower circular traffic pattern:
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Motorists enter the roundabout just as if they were making a right
turn at a normal intersection, yielding to all oncoming traffic.
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Motorists making an
immediate right turn at the first leg of the intersection must do so
from the outside lane of the roundabout.
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The inside lane is used by
those motorists going straight through the intersection or continuing
around to the next leg.
How
do modern
roundabouts compare with traffic circles or rotaries found in other
cities around the world?
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Vehicle movement on older
circles and rotaries is normally controlled by traffic signals or stop
signs that calm traffic, but contribute to congestion.
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The posted speed limit for
a roundabout is usually 25 mph or less, which is lower than the
typical speed on a circle or rotary.
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Older traffic circles and
rotaries have higher accident rates attributed to congestion, faster
speeds, and abrupt lane changes.
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The central islands of
older circles and rotaries are often adorned with landscaping or
statuary that can distract or block a motorist’s view.
What
are some of the other benefits of modern roundabouts?
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Sight distance is dramatically improved
giving motorists more time to judge and react to traffic.
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Shorter and better-planned crosswalks are
located away from the busy intersection.
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There is a reduction in pollution and fuel
use since traffic is always moving.
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Slower speeds and fewer stops and starts
result in less traffic noise.
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There are no expensive traffic signals to
install or maintain.
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Landscaping is improved around the
intersection.
Visit
the City of Dublin web page about roundabouts and watch their
informational video: http://www.dublin.oh.us/engineering/roundabout/index.php
Return
to Morse Road and Johnstown Road Roundabout Construction Page
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