Press Releases
09/24/2021
THE CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION WRAPS UP NATIONAL ROUNDABOUT WEEK PROMOTING INTERSECTION SAFETY & ROUNDABOUT BENEFITS TO CONNECTICUT COMMUNITIES
Today, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) joined transportation officials from across the country in recognizing the important role roundabouts play in improving safety and traffic conditions as part of National Roundabout Week (September 20-24, 2021). Recognized as one of the most effective ways to reduce intersection crashes and fatalities, roundabouts promote a continuous flow of traffic, which reduces delays, congestion, and the harmful emissions produced from vehicles idling and accelerating at intersections with stop signs and traffic signals.
A roundabout is a one-way, circular intersection in which traffic flows counterclockwise around a center island. Different from rotaries and traffic circles, roundabouts operate at lower speeds making them safer and simpler to use. By eliminating left turns at intersections, roundabouts remove the potential for head-on or broadside crashes.
“Simply put, roundabouts are a win-win for everyone on the road,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti. “By both reducing speeds and reducing wait times at intersections, roundabouts are helping us build better, more efficient and safer roads for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians across Connecticut.”
Connecticut has seen remarkable success with roundabouts in recent years. A study of five CTDOT constructed roundabouts found a dramatic 81% reduction in severe crashes and a 49% reduction in total crashes.
Currently there are 14 roundabouts on state roadways and 11 additional projects are in the planning phase. Additionally, the Department has established a CTDOT Roundabout Committee of experienced engineers to assist with the planning, design, and construction of roundabouts around the state as a resource for communities in Connecticut. The Committee reviews roundabout concepts and can advise on good design practices and consistency.
More information and resources on roundabouts can be found at:
- CTDOT’s National Roundabouts Week 2021 Fact Sheets
- CTDOT Roundabout Information
- Drone Video Footage (Route 110 & Route 111 in Monroe)
- Contact: DOT.Roundabouts@ct.gov
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
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