Roundabout Solution

Newswise — Trying to turn left at a busy intersection can be a headache and often backs up traffic. Some cities have installed roundabouts " intersections designed to accommodate traffic flow in one direction around a central island " as an alternative to left-turn intersections. UAB researchers, in a study recently published in the proceedings of the 2005 Institute of Transportation Engineers Annual Meeting, looked at the efficacy of roundabouts vs. traditional left-turn intersections. "We found that roundabouts consistently outperform traditional intersections," said study principal investigator Virginia Sisiopiku, Ph.D. "Using roundabouts in areas where there is high left-turn volume significantly improves traffic flow and safety. Other benefits include less fuel consumption and air pollution since vehicles spend less time idling in line to turn."