PRINT ADS

A great deal has been written recently about the construction of roundabouts throughout the state. Some letters to editors have complained that they’re confusing and expensive; others, that they’re easier to navigate and are safer. For the roundabout novice, they take some getting used to. But over time, people generally come to understand how they function and embrace them.

Some roundabouts can be more costly, some less costly than a standard signalized intersection. It’s really a case-by-case evaluation. But a signalized intersection requires ongoing operational and maintenance support — someone has to pay for the electricity to run the traffic signals and to replace the burned out lights and knock-downs from traffic crashes. Roundabouts, on the other hand, don’t require signalization and have fewer operational costs, which saves money in the long run.

No, not every intersection is suitable for a roundabout. But where they make sense, and the Federal Highway Administration requires that we consider roundabouts as an alternative for all proposed new intersections on federally funded highway projects, WisDOT will recommend their installation.

It should be noted that a typical intersection has 32 points of conflict where collisions could occur. A roundabout has only eight. Slower speeds in roundabouts also give people more time to react to other vehicles within the roundabout and, when crashes occur, reduce their severity.

Roundabouts have shown to reduce fatal crashes by 90 percent, injury crashes by 76 percent and pedestrian crashes by 30 percent to 40 percent. Violent T-bone crashes are virtually eliminated. These staggering safety statistics are difficult to ignore.

Things to keep in mind when encountering a roundabout: slow down, yield to pedestrians and traffic already in the roundabout, and then turn right onto your destination street, again, yielding to pedestrians when exiting.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has a helpful Web site (http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/motorist/roaddesign/roundabout.htm) that can answer many of your questions. I encourage you to visit it and learn about the advantages of modern roundabouts.

Frank Busalacchi is Wisconsin Department of Transportation secretary.