Uniquely-Shaped Roundabouts: A Tailored Alternative to Circular Roundabouts
If a community is considering installing a roundabout at an existing intersection but encounters public pushback due to site constraints or property acquisition costs, a uniquely shaped roundabout might be the solution.
Circular roundabouts are a common innovative option for existing intersections. These rounded junctions improve intersections by maintaining steady traffic flow, addressing safety concerns and promoting safe vehicle speeds. However, when installing a standard circular-shaped roundabout at a skewed intersection, geometric needs or public concern can halt the transition from a typical intersection into a roundabout. In these instances, a uniquely-shaped roundabout may provide a tailored solution to best meet the needs of the traveling public.
As the video below illustrates, uniquely-shaped roundabouts can reduce or even mitigate the need for costly property attainment, lower the amount of roadway realignment and avoid significant lifestyle impacts such as creating an intersection closer to an existing building. Overall, skewed intersections might require these uniquely-shaped roundabout solutions.
Peanut-Shaped Roundabout Wins Public Approval
While these concerns may cause local infrastructure leaders to second guess roundabouts as an intersection solution, B&N has experience creating roundabouts with unique shapes to address these issues. As part of a General Engineering Services contract, ODOT wanted to implement a roundabout at the skewed intersection of State Route 61 and Wilson Road, but two quadrants raised property attainment concerns. The existing intersection was identified as a safety concern, and a roundabout was chosen as the preferred countermeasure. B&N worked with ODOT to implement a peanut-shaped roundabout to stay within the intersection constraints.
After coordinating multiple stakeholder meetings, the peanut shape was the preferred shape as it best fit the needs of the project. This shape is as easy to use as a circular roundabout and has been well-received by the public.
Working closely with ODOT
District 6 and Delaware County, B&N helped develop this peanut shaped
roundabout design with the site constraints in mind.
Oblong Roundabout Mitigates Public Concerns About Safety
The intersection of Hamilton-Trenton and Wayne-Madison in Butler County, Ohio presented another opportunity for a uniquely-shaped roundabout. The existing intersection was identified as a safety concern and included a daycare center at the northwest quadrant and residences on the southern quadrants. A safety study in this area proposed a circular roundabout, which was met with public concerns due to its proximity to the daycare center. B&N proposed an oblong shape to obtain public buy-in and avoid impacts to the daycare without sacrificing safety or the need to abandon a roundabout as the preferred countermeasure. The oblong shape was ultimately a perfect fit for the existing skewed intersection, minimizing property attainment and easing public concerns.
Uniquely-Shaped Roundabouts Address Unique Problems
Uniquely-shaped roundabouts provide an innovative solution to fitting roundabouts at skewed intersections while addressing concerns about physical limitations, property attainment or public concern. The roundabouts in Butler and Delaware County are just two examples of B&N partnering with municipalities to create innovative, tailored roundabout designs. We are experienced in leveraging a variety of shaped roundabouts to increase safety, decrease property impact and listen to the public to create tailored solutions. Our experts understand that each intersection is as unique as the community it serves, and we aim to build custom intersection solutions that fit each need and address every concern.
To learn more about the benefits of roundabouts and skewed intersections, contact Mike Taricska.
