National Roundabouts Week runs September 16-20 this year. J2’s roundabout projects highlight our approach to developing creative solutions to enhance public safety and improve traffic flow for public agencies and private developers.
Take a look at the roundabouts being developed by J2:
Waxpool Road and Faulkner Parkway
This 3-leg roundabout is being developed as part of a proffered agreement of the Waxpool Crossing development in Ashburn, VA. It will operate as a hybrid, turbo roundabout with trails, paths, and sidewalks that safely accommodate pedestrian access for neighboring communities.
Potomac Shores Park and Ride
The roundabout at Potomac Shores Park and Ride expansion between Route 234 and Route 1 in Prince William County, VA will help motorists and transit entering and exiting the VDOT Park and Ride lot. The project moved the transit stop-off on Route 234 and into the park-and-ride, creating a safer environment for pedestrians, vehicles, and buses. The project includes expanding the park and ride to 1,000 spaces and the connection to Route 1 is the second leg of the proposed quadrant intersection improvement project.
Route 55 Park and Ride
The roundabout is located north of Interstate 66 at Free State Road and Route 55/W Main Street in Marshall, VA. The Roundabout is an alternative intersection developed as part of the Cunningham Farm development that facilitates access to the new community and a VDOT park and ride while accommodating logging trucks from I-66 onto Route 55.
Belmont Estates
Proffers associated with the redevelopment of property in Ashburn, VA, Loudoun County, required the developer of Belmont Estates to incorporate traffic calming measures along Deerview Drive leading to the proposed site entrance. The solutions developed by J2 included bump-outs to enhance pedestrian accessibility and a roundabout connecting Deerview Drive, Corder Place, Stubble Road, and the surrounding community.
Route 15 Widening
The Route 15 improvements include the design of a two-lane roundabout with speed reduction measures approaching and entering the roundabout from a posted speed of 55 mph. The roundabout includes the design of a bypass lane from a high-volume side road while accommodating bicycles and pedestrian movements adjacent to this primary roadway.
What Exactly is a Roundabout?
According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), a roundabout is a circular, unsignalized intersection where all traffic moves counterclockwise around a central island. Traffic entering the roundabout slows down and yields to traffic already inside the roundabout. Roundabouts can be designed with one or more circulating lanes. Design options allow right turns to be channelized to bypass the circulating lanes.
When Should Roundabouts be Considered?
At intersections:
with heavy left-turn traffic or with similar traffic volumes on each leg.
with crashes involving conflicting through and left-turn vehicles.
with limited room for storing vehicles.
where there are limited nearby driveways.
Benefits of Implementing Roundabouts:
Improved Safety: Reduces the number of points where vehicles can cross paths and eliminates the potential for right-angle and head-on crashes.
Increased Efficiency: Yield-controlled design means fewer stops, fewer delays and shorter queues.
Safer Speeds: Promotes lower vehicle speeds, giving drivers more time to react.
Long-term Cost Effectiveness: No traffic signals means lower long-term costs for operations and maintenance.
Aesthetics: Allows for landscaping and beautification.
Comments