In June 2016, we told you about the FDOT roundabout policy that states the use of roundabouts will be considered at all new intersections and all intersection reconfigurations in Florida.
A roundabout alternative must be evaluated on new construction and reconstruction projects. Evaluation is also required for all other types of projects that propose new signalization or require a change in an un-signalized intersection control. An evaluation is not required for minor operational improvements such as changes to signal phasing, or for signal replacement projects where the primary purpose is to upgrade deficient equipment and installations.WFTV says there are a dozen new roundabouts planned for Central Florida during the next five years.
Studies by the IIHS and Federal Highway Administration have shown that roundabouts typically achieve:
- 37% reduction in overall collisions
- 75% reduction in injury collisions
- 90% reduction in fatality collisions
- 40% reduction in pedestrian collisions
Roundabouts can provide lasting benefits and value in many ways. They are often safer, more efficient, less costly and more aesthetically appealing than conventional intersection designs. Furthermore, roundabouts are an excellent choice to complement other transportation objectives – including Complete Streets, multimodal networks, and corridor access management – without compromising the ability to keep people and freight moving through our towns, cities and regions, and across the Nation. The FHWA Office of Safety identified roundabouts as a Proven Safety Countermeasure because of their ability to substantially reduce the types of crashes that result in injury or loss of life. Roundabouts are designed to improve safety for all users, including pedestrians and bicycles. (Source: Federal Highway Administration's Roundabout info page.
