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Over the past few years, the Unified Government has evaluated safety and travel conditions in this area to determine needed safety improvements. Through that review and evaluation, a roundabout was determined to be a needed safety improvement at the intersection. This is a busy intersection node between Piper, I-435, and the Legends Outlets that experiences a high volume of traffic from all directions. Our findings show:
- A history of right-angle crashes and rear-end crashes. Right-angle crashes, sometimes called “T-Bone” crashes, are often more severe than other crashes.
- Current traffic volumes have outgrown the capacity of the existing lanes and traffic signals.
- Poor intersection visibility on the westbound intersection approach.
- A wide variety of roadway users. Piper High School and Piper Prairie Elementary School are both located within 2 miles of intersection.
- Projections indicate that traffic volumes will continue to increase at the intersection as the community continues you grow.
Roundabouts have many benefits for motorists and pedestrians. Here are a few notable ones:
- Improves safety by reducing conflict points
- Significantly reduces the risk of serious and fatal crashes
- Promotes lower speeds and traffic calming
- Reduces delays compared to traditional stop signs or traffic signals
Roundabouts are preferable to traditional intersections for many reasons. When designed and properly implemented, roundabouts can significantly improve safety for motorists:
- Reduced Conflict Points: Traditional intersections have multiple points where vehicle paths can cross, leading to potential collisions. Roundabouts reduce these conflict points, thus decreasing the chances of accidents.
- Lower Speeds: The geometry of a roundabout naturally requires drivers to reduce their speed as they approach and navigate through it. Lower speeds mean that, even if a collision does occur, it is likely to be less severe than at higher speeds.
- Elimination of Head-on and High-speed Right-angle Collisions: The circular design of roundabouts ensures that all traffic moves in the same direction, eliminating the possibility of head-on or high-speed right-angle (or "T-bone") collisions.
- Simpler Decision-making: Unlike traditional intersections where drivers might have to make split-second decisions about whether to stop, go, or wait, roundabouts usually only require drivers to yield and then merge when it's safe.
- Reduced Severity of Crashes: When accidents do occur in roundabouts, they tend to be of the sideswipe or rear-end variety, which are generally less severe than the types of crashes that occur at traditional intersections.
- Pedestrian Safety: While not directly related to motorists, the design of modern roundabouts often includes pedestrian crosswalks set one car-length back from the yield line. This makes it easier for drivers to deal with pedestrians and other vehicles separately.
- Fewer Stops and Shorter Delays: This doesn't just improve efficiency; it can also enhance safety. When vehicles move smoothly without unnecessary stops, there's less chance of rear-end collisions.
- Accommodation of Larger Vehicles: Many roundabouts are designed with a truck apron—a raised section of pavement around the central island—that provides additional space for large vehicles' rear wheels, ensuring they can navigate the roundabout safely.