Prior research has documented significant reductions in motor vehicle crashes when conventional intersections have been converted from stop sign or traffic signal control to modern roundabouts. Despite this, a considerable obstacle in many U.S. communities to the construction of roundabouts has been strong opposition from local residents. The purpose of this study was to examine public opinion regarding modern roundabouts, both before and after their construction, in several U.S. communities and to evaluate the impact of roundabouts on traffic flow at these sites. Three communities that installed modern roundabouts in place of existing stop-sign-controlled intersections in 2000 were the subject of this research. In terms of public opinion, the majority of drivers (55 percent) opposed roundabouts before construction, with most (41 percent) strongly opposed. After construction, the proportion of drivers opposed to roundabouts declined from 55 to 28 percent, and the proportion strongly opposed declined from 41 to 15 percent. The proportion favouring roundabouts increased from 31 to 63 percent. Conversion from stop sign control to roundabouts reduced overall vehicle delays, reduced the proportion of drivers that came to a stop, and reduced the level of traffic congestion (as measured by the vehicle-to-capacity ratio). These results suggest that public support for roundabouts will build as drivers experience and adapt to this new and highly beneficial form of traffic control. (Author/publisher)
Abstract