In the past 10 years, more than 2,000 modern roundabouts have been constructed in the United States. This article discusses how roundabouts can contribute to context-sensitive projects. While they are usually installed to improve traffic safety and flow, roundabouts also can be designed to respect and reflect the local history, culture, flora and fauna, geology, ecology and community values. A cost-benefit analysis of a roundabout project in Clearwater, Florida, examined 69 traffic, safety, environmental, social and cost impacts. The calculated benefit/cost ratio of the project was very high, with the reduction in fatal crashes being the most influential input. Examples of other successful modern roundabout projects that incorporate context-sensitive solutions are briefly highlighted.

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More Information: trid.trb.org/view.aspx?id=1125822

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Roundabouts as Context Sensitive Solutions