(STILLWATER, OKLA. / Aug. 10, 2015) — Stillwater’s first mini-roundabout, located downtown at the intersection of 10th Avenue and Main Street, is now opened to traffic.
“This has been a challenging intersection for some time, in part, because of the restricted sight lines for both pedestrians and drivers,” Transportation Engineer Sharla Lovern said. “We began to look for a new kind of solution and determined that the single lane mini-roundabout could enhance that part of Main Street while serving all modes of travel.”
A roundabout, or mini-roundabout, is an intersection that allows vehicles to travel in the same direction without crossing paths. Research shows they reduce the chances of collision because of the following features:
Slower vehicle speeds give drivers more decision making time. Roundabouts eliminate head-on and high-speed right-angle collisions. Accidents with injury decrease, accident severity decreases, and the cost of accident damages decrease when roundabouts replace traditional intersections.
City staff completed the construction within two months. “We have a considerable amount of traffic in this area with people shopping, doing business or driving down Main Street,” she said. “With the completion of this project to slow traffic down and improve sight lines, this intersection can be safer for both pedestrians and vehicles.”
Tips for Driving a One-Lane Roundabout
Anyone already in the roundabout – pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, transit and more – has the right-of-way. If there is no traffic in the roundabout, vehicles from any direction may pass through or turn right at any exit point without stopping.
Vehicles should slow down when approaching the roundabout and use proper judgment when determining how fast to drive around the roundabout. 15 to 20 mph is a safe speed.
Larger vehicles such as buses, trucks and trailers can utilize the truck aprons inside and outside the lane in the roundabout.
Smaller vehicles should seek caution when a large vehicle is present. Bicycles can negotiate a mini-roundabout the same as a motor vehicle, or if a bicyclist desires to use the intersection as a pedestrian, they may do so by walking their bicycle across the crosswalks.
For more information about the mini-roundabout and all other ongoing city capital projects, visit https://stillwater.org/government/city_projects.php
For more information, contact the Office of Marketing and Public Relations at 405-742-8362 or [email protected].
