IMPROVING SAFETY AND ACCOMMODATING FUTURE TRAFFIC IN RURAL AREAS WITH DOUBLE LANE ROUNDABOUTS

Modern roundabouts are gaining popularity as another form of intersection control in the United States, prompting the Federal Highway Administration to publish a guide to roundabouts in June of 2000. This paper outlines the application of modern roundabout design principles in the planning and design of two rural double lane roundabouts in Oregon. Special design considerations included a double lane design to accommodate future traffic forecast volumes and approach curves with a chicane type effect to reduce high approach speeds. As the first roundabouts planned for construction in this area, extensive public education was necessary to explain principles and operations of roundabouts.