December 12, 2008
Round, Round, Get Around
Driving the Roundabout Way in Jefferson City
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The Route 50/63 City View Interchange, while under construction in September 2008.
Roundabout on north side of Route 50/63 City View Interchange in Jefferson City
Roundabout on north side of Route 50/63 City View Interchange in Jefferson City
Roundabout on south side of the Route 50/63 City View Interchange in Jefferson City
JEFFERSON CITY – Driving in circles can be a good thing, especially if it means you get where you want to go quicker and safer.
A new interchange recently opened in Jefferson City at U.S. Route 50/63 and City View Drive. Motorists using that new interchange encounter a one-way circular intersection called a roundabout at each end of the new overpass bridge.
“Getting around a roundabout is simple,” said MoDOT Traffic Engineer Matt Myers. “As drivers approach the intersection, they should slow down and yield to traffic already circulating. When a gap in traffic appears on the left, drivers enter the roundabout by turning right and follow the lane until reaching their exit.”
There are many benefits to using roundabouts at some locations. A roundabout is a great alternative to a signalized intersection when you need to get a high volume of traffic through with the least amount of inconvenience. This type of intersection has fewer spots where vehicles can collide. Generally, a 76 percent reduction in fatalities and injuries has been experienced when converting intersections to roundabouts.
“Both intersections at City View Drive were great locations for the installation of roundabouts because they can handle the higher traffic volumes that will come with the new development planned in the area and the speed through the area is slow,” said Myers.
Roundabouts are designed with a wide apron constructed in the center to allow additional room for tractor-trailers to maneuver through the intersection.
“Many people think that roundabouts are too small for large trucks. But, it is important to know that we worked with the City of Jefferson to ensure that these intersections would handle the tractor-trailers that would use them,” said Myers.
Roundabouts are economical because they reduce driver delay saving time and fuel. The elimination of signals at an intersection also saves about $5,000 each year in maintenance and electricity. Roundabouts can also be beautified with landscaping for a more attractive appearance.
“When we evaluate an intersection and believe it will function as well or better with roundabouts as with signals, the added cost benefit of not having to maintain the signals is something that is considered,” said Myers.
The two new roundabouts at Route 50/63 and City View are the first on the state highway system in Cole County
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Another new roundabout is currently being constructed along Route 763 at Route VV, Prathersville Road, and Wagon Trail Road in Columbia. The roundabout completed in 2001 at I-70 and Creasy Springs Road in Columbia was the first constructed on the state system in mid-Missouri. Since the roundabout was installed at Creasy Springs, the number of crashes at that location has been reduced.
For more information about roundabouts, log onto www.modot.org/central or call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).
Editor's Note: Click here for more information about roundabouts.
