Roundabouts have seen increased application across the United States as one of the Federal Highway Administration’s nine proven safety countermeasures. In Montana, however, there has been strong public opposition to some of the roundabout projects proposed by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). Montana’s experience regarding public apprehension of roundabouts is not unique. Other states have encountered the same lack of public support for roundabouts. The reasons for the lack of public acceptance vary, but typically include driver apprehension, safety and cost concerns. Consequently, it has been generally recognized that public acceptance and buy-in of roundabouts is essential to moving their use forward. Understanding what other states and locales have developed to facilitate roundabout education and outreach is crucial in refining MDT’s approach to the problem. Consequently, the research presented in this report was undertaken to identify strategies to use in public meetings and other venues to promote roundabouts as a preferred approach to intersection control and as an effective safety countermeasure. (Author/publisher)
Abstract