Buckeye Reporter

Roundabouts have proven to be effective in enhancing intersection safety, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). As part of National Roundabouts Week, transportation officials are highlighting the safety improvements associated with roundabout implementation. An analysis by ODOT of 76 intersections converted to roundabouts revealed that single-lane roundabouts reduced injury crashes by 69%, while multi-lane roundabouts saw a 25% decline.

"Safety is the driving force behind every decision we make, and the results are clear, roundabouts are very effective at reducing crashes and saving lives," said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. She emphasized ODOT's commitment to supporting local, county, and state partners by providing funding for roundabouts.

In July, Governor Mike DeWine announced an additional $137 million for 55 traffic safety projects across Ohio, with 25 projects involving the installation of roundabouts. A notable success story is in Clark County at the intersection of State Route 41 and State Route 235. Despite previous countermeasures like rumble strips and traffic signals, serious crashes persisted until a roundabout was installed in 2014. Since then, there have been no fatal crashes and only one serious injury crash involving an impaired motorcyclist.

Other successful examples include Marion County's SR 98 & SR 529 intersection where crashes dropped from 37 over four years to just 16 since the roundabout opened in 2022. In Richland County, E. Cook Rd / Illinois Ave & Mansfield-Lucas Rd saw a decrease from an average of five crashes per year to three after its roundabout opened in August 2022.

Medina County's SR 94 & Granger Road has experienced a significant reduction in crashes since its completion in 2018, averaging just over two crashes per year with no fatalities or serious injuries. Similarly, Seneca County's US 224 & SR 587 had no reported crashes since its roundabout construction in 2022.

Gallia County's SR 160/554 also benefited from a reduction in annual crashes from four to two since opening its roundabout in 2021, with none resulting in injuries.

More information on the benefits and navigation of roundabouts can be found on ODOT’s website: transportation.ohio.gov/roundabouts

Information from this article can be found here.