This paper discusses the implementation of a series of four roundabouts on a suburban arterial serving a strip commercial area. The project is located on South Golden Road which is one of Golden, Colorado's primary commercial arterial corridors. With four through lanes and a center turn lane, it handled through traffic, but access from business and side streets was a significant problem. Plans for a new shopping center elevated citizens concerns about traffic in the corridor. In designing improvements for the corridor, the City wished to slow traffic, improve access, safety and aesthetics. The roundabouts were constructed in 1998 - 1999 and were fully operational in late 1999. This paper shows how a series of roundabouts can be implemented in a commercial arterial corridor to provide a more aesthetically pleasing area, while maintaining traffic flow and providing additional pedestrian protection. Before and after data demonstrates the changes in traffic volumes, accidents and economic activity. The series of urban roundabouts in series resulted in a corridor where traffic moves slowly, vehicles experience little delay at major intersections, and pedestrians can readily access the many businesses in the area. The net result is a vibrant commercial corridor.
Samenvatting