florida workshop on roundabouts roundabouts: implementation in
TRANSCRIPT
Florida Workshop on RoundaboutsAugust 18, 2009 – Maitland, FL
Roundabouts: Implementation in the US
Mark Doctor, PEFHWA Resource Center
State of the Union?State of the Union?
Progress in building roundabouts Progress in building roundabouts
MDDE
DC
MA
OR
RINJ
NH
ME
PA
WV
NC
SC
GA
FL
OH
MI
INIL
WI
IA
MO
LA
NM
CO
SDID
CA
WA
TN
VT
MS
MT ND
NV
AZ
UT
WY
NE
KS
OK
TX
AR
MN
AL
KY VA
NY
CT
AK
HI
Moderate
Infancy
Substantial
Disclaimer: This is a highly subjective assessment solely representing the opinion of the presentation author based on information related to multiple factors. If you have data to suggest revising this assessment, please contact Mark Doctor at FHWA ([email protected])
How can we assess the progress?How can we assess the progress?
Number of modern roundabouts builtNumber of modern roundabouts builtNumber of roundabout projects in design Number of roundabout projects in design
or plannedor plannedState design guidelines State design guidelines Agency policy on roundaboutsAgency policy on roundaboutsRoundabout web page, video, brochureRoundabout web page, video, brochureRoundabouts in States DriverRoundabouts in States Driver’’s Manuals ManualStatewide Roundabout Steering GroupStatewide Roundabout Steering Group
Number of modern roundabouts builtNumber of modern roundabouts built
Constantly changingConstantly changingDifferences among State DOT, local Differences among State DOT, local
agencies and developersagencies and developers““ProrateProrate”” considerations?considerations?–– Per capitaPer capita–– Per system milesPer system miles–– % of intersections on network% of intersections on network
The Centenarians The Centenarians (over 100) Club(over 100) Club
Definitely AARP Definitely AARP EligibleEligible
Number of modern roundabouts builtNumber of modern roundabouts built
In Several States the Locals are In Several States the Locals are ““Leading the WayLeading the Way””
Carmel, Indiana (pop 85,000)Carmel, Indiana (pop 85,000)–– Installed first 2 roundabouts in 1998Installed first 2 roundabouts in 1998–– Now has over 40 roundabouts in placeNow has over 40 roundabouts in place–– 99 roundabouts in suburban Indianapolis99 roundabouts in suburban Indianapolis–– Indiana DOT: 1 roundabout on State system Indiana DOT: 1 roundabout on State system
(6 more planned over next 3 years) (6 more planned over next 3 years)
State DOT Design GuidelinesState DOT Design Guidelines
Roundabout PoliciesRoundabout PoliciesWisconsin DOT Intersection Control Evaluation Policy:Wisconsin DOT Intersection Control Evaluation Policy:
““If an intersection warrants a signal or a fourIf an intersection warrants a signal or a four--way stop within the way stop within the design life of the proposed project, the modern roundabout shalldesign life of the proposed project, the modern roundabout shallbe evaluated as an equal alternative.be evaluated as an equal alternative.””
“…“… the roundabout may be a viable alternative for a twothe roundabout may be a viable alternative for a two--way stop way stop control in certain circumstances.control in certain circumstances.””
“…“… roundabouts are a potential intersection control strategy untilroundabouts are a potential intersection control strategy untilsuch time that the evaluation indicates that the roundabout such time that the evaluation indicates that the roundabout alternative is not appropriate.alternative is not appropriate.””
Source: Wisconsin DOT Facilities Development ManualSource: Wisconsin DOT Facilities Development Manual
Roundabout PoliciesRoundabout PoliciesVirginia DOT Policy:Virginia DOT Policy:
““VDOT recognizes that Roundabouts are frequently able to VDOT recognizes that Roundabouts are frequently able to address safety and operational objectives better than other typeaddress safety and operational objectives better than other types s of intersections. Therefore, it is VDOT policy that Roundabouts of intersections. Therefore, it is VDOT policy that Roundabouts be considered when a project includes reconstructing or be considered when a project includes reconstructing or constructing new intersections, signalized or constructing new intersections, signalized or unsignalizedunsignalized..””
““When the analysis shows that a Roundabout is a feasible When the analysis shows that a Roundabout is a feasible alternative, it should be considered the Departmentalternative, it should be considered the Department’’s preferred s preferred alternative due to the proven substantial safety and operationalalternative due to the proven substantial safety and operationalbenefits.benefits.””
Roundabout PoliciesRoundabout PoliciesGeorgia DOT Policy:Georgia DOT Policy:
““The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) recognizes that The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) recognizes that the the roundabout is a viable intersection alternative when placed in troundabout is a viable intersection alternative when placed in the he appropriate location, and designed properly for the local conditappropriate location, and designed properly for the local conditions.ions.
Guidance Statement/ApplicationGuidance Statement/ApplicationRoundabouts are the preferred safety and operational alternativeRoundabouts are the preferred safety and operational alternativefor a wide range of intersections of public roads. A roundabout for a wide range of intersections of public roads. A roundabout shall be considered as an alternative in the following instancesshall be considered as an alternative in the following instances: : –– Any intersection in a project that is being designed as new or iAny intersection in a project that is being designed as new or is s
being reconstructed. being reconstructed. –– All existing intersections that have been identified as needing All existing intersections that have been identified as needing major major
safety or operational improvements. safety or operational improvements. –– All signal requests at intersections (provide justification in tAll signal requests at intersections (provide justification in the Traffic he Traffic
Engineering Study if a roundabout is not selected).Engineering Study if a roundabout is not selected).””
Consideration and Implementation of Proven Safety Consideration and Implementation of Proven Safety Countermeasures; July 10, 2008Countermeasures; July 10, 2008
GUIDANCE STATEMENT:
Roundabouts are the preferred safety alternative for a wide range of intersections. Although they may not be appropriate in all circumstances, they should be considered as an alternative for all proposed new intersections on Federally-funded highway projects, particularly those with major road volumes less than 90 percent of the total entering volume.
Roundabouts should also be considered for all existing intersections that have been identified as needing major safety or operational improvements. This would include freeway interchange ramp terminals and rural intersections.
FHWA MemoFHWA Memo
So, why arenSo, why aren’’t more agencies t more agencies building roundabouts?building roundabouts?
Pick Your Favorite ExcusePick Your Favorite Excuse
““The public will lynch us if The public will lynch us if we propose a roundabout.we propose a roundabout.””““I know how people drive in I know how people drive in my town my town –– theythey’’ll never get ll never get used to a roundabout.used to a roundabout.””
““WeWe’’ll get sued because of all the crashes it ll get sued because of all the crashes it will cause.will cause.””It will cost more than a signal.It will cost more than a signal.
FACT: Roundabouts are often confused with FACT: Roundabouts are often confused with other types of circular intersectionsother types of circular intersections
≠
Myth: The public will never accept roundaboutsMyth: The public will never accept roundabouts
Photo source: NYSDOT
Sometimes it takes perseverance!!!Sometimes it takes perseverance!!!
Getting Used to Getting Used to RoundaboutsRoundabouts
Washington State DOT engineer Brian Walsh:
“we have had a lot of people not very happy about the idea of roundabouts, but after they are constructed, those fears mostly go away.”
FACT: Public Attitude Toward Roundabouts Quickly FACT: Public Attitude Toward Roundabouts Quickly Changes After Their ConstructionChanges After Their Construction
Attitude Attitude BeforeBefore AfterAfterConstruction Construction ConstructionConstruction
Very NegativeVery Negative 23%23% 00%00%NegativeNegative 45%45% 00%00%NeutralNeutral 18%18% 27%27%PositivePositive 14%14% 41%41%Very PositiveVery Positive 0%0% 32%32%
NCHRP Synthesis 264
Drivers Who Favor or Oppose Drivers Who Favor or Oppose RoundaboutsRoundabouts
010203040506070
PER
CE
NT
Before After Before After
FAVOR STRONGLYOPPOSEInsurance Institute for
Highway Safety
31
63
41
15
From Opposition To SupportFrom Opposition To Support
ITE Journal Sept 2002: Surveys in Kansas, Maryland and Nevada
Opponents Can Become Opponents Can Become ProponentsProponents
Letter to the Editor:Letter to the Editor:““I must admit it! I was wrong. The roundabout at I must admit it! I was wrong. The roundabout at Marsh and Hamilton roads appears to be Marsh and Hamilton roads appears to be working. Congrats to the Ingham County Road working. Congrats to the Ingham County Road Commission and to Meridian TownshipCommission and to Meridian Township””
Okemos, MI
Cost ConsiderationsCost ConsiderationsActual cost will depend on project specific conditionsActual cost will depend on project specific conditions–– Most agencies find the initial construction cost of a roundaboutMost agencies find the initial construction cost of a roundabout is is
comparable to the initial construction cost of a signal comparable to the initial construction cost of a signal
A A ““lifelife--cyclecycle”” cost comparison should be used since cost comparison should be used since roundabouts do not require signal equipment maintenance roundabouts do not require signal equipment maintenance ($15,000 + per year)($15,000 + per year)–– Considering operational and maintenance costs, roundabouts are Considering operational and maintenance costs, roundabouts are
often less expensive than signals due to reduced costs for signaoften less expensive than signals due to reduced costs for signal l power, bulb replacement, loop detection and controller equipmentpower, bulb replacement, loop detection and controller equipmentmaintenance (including need to retime signals)maintenance (including need to retime signals)
Typically, a roundabout requires fewer turn lanes and Typically, a roundabout requires fewer turn lanes and possibly fewer through lanes than needed at a signalized possibly fewer through lanes than needed at a signalized intersection, so in some instances a roundabout may intersection, so in some instances a roundabout may actually cost less than a signalized intersection. actually cost less than a signalized intersection.
Safety BenefitsSafety Benefits–– savings due to substantial reduction in fatal and injury crashessavings due to substantial reduction in fatal and injury crashes
Operational BenefitsOperational Benefits–– consider reduction in personconsider reduction in person--hours of delay and reduced hours of delay and reduced
commercial vehicle delay throughout the day (not just peak hourscommercial vehicle delay throughout the day (not just peak hours))
Environmental BenefitsEnvironmental Benefits–– reduced fuel consumption & improved air qualityreduced fuel consumption & improved air quality–– enhanced aesthetic opportunitiesenhanced aesthetic opportunities
Benefit ConsiderationsBenefit Considerations
Fact: Most business owners agree that Fact: Most business owners agree that slower speeds and safer travel enhance slower speeds and safer travel enhance business along the corridorbusiness along the corridor
Fact: Some Fact: Some ““blightedblighted”” communities have communities have actually experienced economic actually experienced economic revitalization following roundabout projects revitalization following roundabout projects
Myth: Roundabouts are bad for Myth: Roundabouts are bad for the nearby businessesthe nearby businesses
Case Study: Golden, ColoradoCase Study: Golden, Colorado
South Golden Road
AFTER
Case Study: Golden, COCase Study: Golden, COSouth Golden Road South Golden Road –– 15,000 ADT15,000 ADT
$1.3M project in 1999 to construct four $1.3M project in 1999 to construct four roundabouts, landscaping, medians & sidewalksroundabouts, landscaping, medians & sidewalksSignificant drop in number and severity of crashesSignificant drop in number and severity of crashes–– 1997 crash rate = 5.9 crashes/MVM1997 crash rate = 5.9 crashes/MVM–– 2004 crash rate = 0.2 crashes/MVM2004 crash rate = 0.2 crashes/MVM
Slower speeds but faster travel time thru corridorSlower speeds but faster travel time thru corridor60% sales tax revenue increase along corridor60% sales tax revenue increase along corridor–– Roundabouts are good for business !!!Roundabouts are good for business !!!
Where are roundabouts Where are roundabouts appropriate?appropriate?
Intersections with a highIntersections with a high--crash rate or a crash rate or a higher severity of crasheshigher severity of crashes
Roundabouts should be considered under a wide range Roundabouts should be considered under a wide range of conditions, but may be particularly advantageous at:of conditions, but may be particularly advantageous at:
Roundabouts can greatly improve Roundabouts can greatly improve safety by simplifying traffic safety by simplifying traffic movements, reducing vehicle speeds, movements, reducing vehicle speeds, and providing a clearer indication of and providing a clearer indication of the driverthe driver’’s right of way compared to s right of way compared to other forms of intersection control.other forms of intersection control.
Replacement of allReplacement of all--way stopsway stopsReplacement of signalized intersections, especially where Replacement of signalized intersections, especially where unbalanced movements cause inefficiencyunbalanced movements cause inefficiencyReplacement of twoReplacement of two--way stops when side street delay way stops when side street delay becomes excessivebecomes excessive
Roundabouts should be considered under a wide range Roundabouts should be considered under a wide range of conditions, but may be particularly advantageous at:of conditions, but may be particularly advantageous at:
Before & After in Asheville, NC College & Oak St.
Intersections with complex geometry, skew Intersections with complex geometry, skew angles, or more than four approachesangles, or more than four approaches
BeforeBefore AfterAfterAlbuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM –– Central Ave. and 8thCentral Ave. and 8th
Roundabouts should be considered under a wide range Roundabouts should be considered under a wide range of conditions, but may be particularly advantageous at:of conditions, but may be particularly advantageous at:
Rural intersections with highRural intersections with high--speed speed approachesapproaches
Elongated splitter Elongated splitter islands with islands with successive reverse successive reverse curvature can greatly curvature can greatly improve safety at high improve safety at high speed approaches by speed approaches by alerting drivers to a alerting drivers to a changed traffic changed traffic condition ahead. condition ahead.
Roundabouts should be considered under a wide range Roundabouts should be considered under a wide range of conditions, but may be particularly advantageous at:of conditions, but may be particularly advantageous at:
Freeway interchange ramp terminalsFreeway interchange ramp terminals
Roundabouts Roundabouts can facilitate can facilitate truck turning truck turning movements movements and reduce and reduce their need for their need for stopping. stopping.
Roundabouts should be considered under a wide range Roundabouts should be considered under a wide range of conditions, but may be particularly advantageous at:of conditions, but may be particularly advantageous at:
Intersections with high UIntersections with high U--turn movementsturn movements
Roundabouts Roundabouts facilitate the use of facilitate the use of raised medians for raised medians for access access management along management along the roadway by the roadway by making Umaking U--turn turn movements easier movements easier at the intersections. at the intersections.
Roundabouts should be considered under a wide range Roundabouts should be considered under a wide range of conditions, but may be particularly advantageous at:of conditions, but may be particularly advantageous at:
Malta, NY Malta, NY –– State Route 67State Route 67
33--leg intersections with heavy leftleg intersections with heavy left--turn turn volumesvolumes
Example of a Example of a design using design using a through a through movement movement bypassbypass--lane lane
Roundabouts should be considered under a wide range Roundabouts should be considered under a wide range of conditions, but may be particularly advantageous at:of conditions, but may be particularly advantageous at:
Closely spaced intersections with widening constraints
Railroad Underpass
New London, CT
Roundabouts should be considered under a wide range Roundabouts should be considered under a wide range of conditions, but may be particularly advantageous at:of conditions, but may be particularly advantageous at:
Transitions or Transitions or ““GatewaysGateways”” from higher from higher speed to lower speed areasspeed to lower speed areasWhere aesthetics are importantWhere aesthetics are important
Roundabouts make for Roundabouts make for good transitions in good transitions in speed change speed change (including rural to (including rural to urban transitions). urban transitions).
Roundabouts should be considered under a wide range Roundabouts should be considered under a wide range of conditions, but may be particularly advantageous at:of conditions, but may be particularly advantageous at:
Roundabout Landscaping
“Musica” at the Music Row Roundabout – Nashville, TN
Keeping up with the JonesKeeping up with the Jones’’
Principles for Good Roundabout Principles for Good Roundabout LandscapingLandscaping
Make the center island more Make the center island more conspicuousconspicuousMinimize roadside hazardsMinimize roadside hazardsMaintain adequate sight distanceMaintain adequate sight distanceDiscourage pedestrian traffic through Discourage pedestrian traffic through the center islandthe center islandImprove area aestheticsImprove area aesthetics
New FHWA sponsored roundabout New FHWA sponsored roundabout tools and resourcestools and resources
• Color brochure: Roundabouts: A Safer Choice – currently available
• National Highway Institute one-day workshop on roundabouts –currently available
• FHWA Technical summary on roundabout design details, costs, safety benefits, etc. – late 2009
• FHWA Technical summary on mini-roundabout design details, costs, safety benefits, etc. – late 2009
• Updated Roundabout Informational Guide including mitigation measures for vision-impaired pedestrians (NCHRP Project 03-65A) –late 2009/early 2010
• DVD on the benefits of roundabouts aimed at decision makers – early 2010
• Research studies (NCHRP and others) on roundabout pedestrian safety and treatments for sight-impaired pedestrians – ongoing
UPDATED
