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Notice/Advertisement Title: Roundabout Evaluation and Implementation Policy
Contact Name: James Pajk, P.E., City Engineer
Contact Telephone Number: 614-645-3504
Contact Email Address: JAPajk@columbus.gov
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DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICE
CITY OF COLUMBUS, OHIO
SUBJECT: Roundabout Evaluation and Implementation Policy
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 28, 2024
BY: Division of Design and Construction
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to increase the use of modern roundabouts for improvement in safety and congestion relief. Communities across Ohio are committing to reaching zero traffic deaths and serious injuries through Vision Zero plans, policies, and strategies. Traffic crashes are not "accidents" and are preventable.
Roundabouts are a Proven Safety Countermeasure* because they can substantially reduce crashes that result in serious injury or death. Roundabouts can:
• Improve safety
• Promote lower speeds and traffic calming
• Reduce conflict points
• Lead to improved operational performance
• Meet a wide range of traffic conditions because they are versatile in size, shape, and design.
Roundabouts are the preferred safety alternative for a wide range of intersections. The most common justification for a roundabout is safety. This is because roundabouts only have 8 potential conflict points vs. 32 at a traditional intersection. Studies by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) show that roundabouts reduce serious injury and deadly crashes by nearly 90% where two-way stop and signal controlled intersections are converted to roundabouts*.
*https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures/roundabouts
II. APPLICABILITY
The City will consider roundabouts as the preferred option of traffic control where a new intersection is planned, or an existing intersection has safety and/or congestion that necessitates a future traffic signal or all-way stop. An alternatives analysis (potentially including other intersection control types, such as si...
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