CARRBORO, NC -- Roundabout construction at N. Greensboro Street and Estes Drive will be about 75% complete when the traffic shifts into an initial roundabout design on Tuesday, April 20.
This is the final stage of the NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) project.
The traffic shift will allow crews to construct the center island including a concrete apron encircling it, resurface asphalt, and remove old striping and paint new striping. Drivers should be cautious as they grow accustomed to the new traffic design and be mindful of crews that will still be working to close out the project. There will be flaggers on site.
“Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists are reminded that although construction is 75% complete and the new traffic pattern places all modes into the roundabout pattern, this area remains a work zone,” NCDOT Resident Engineer John Howell said. “NCDOT reminds everyone that safety is the first priority and for all to remain alert and drive safe speeds when approaching the roundabout.”
Roundabout Guidance and Public Safety During the Traffic Shift
- Motorists will reduce speed and look to the left before entering the roundabout. Remember that vehicles or bicyclists already traveling in the roundabout have the right of way. Although you should slow down, you shouldn’t come to a complete stop. Always be on the lookout for pedestrians who may be in or approaching the crosswalk because pedestrians always have the right of way. Drivers should also use turn signals when exiting and yield to pedestrians using crosswalks at the roundabout.
- Bicyclists will use the roundabout similar to motorists. Bicyclists stay in the middle of their lane through the roundabout, and motorists yield to bicyclists. (There are no designated bike lane markings through a roundabout.) When traveling from the adjacent greenway, bicyclists will need to yield and merge into the roundabout.
- Pedestrians will use connected sidewalks near the intersection. To cross such an intersection safely, pedestrians are instructed to use the crosswalks, just like at any other intersection, and cross each adjoining street one at a time.
- Watch this short video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6uYbj7Gtyo to see how easy it is to maneuver through a roundabout.
Roundabout Project
The $3.4 million improvement is expected to reduce traffic delay and increase safety by providing smoother traffic flow. An added public benefit that has also prolonged the project timeline is that aging OWASA lines have been replaced during the roadway work. Completion is expected in September 2021.
The design will be similar to an existing roundabout at S. Greensboro Street and Old Pittsboro Road in Carrboro.
Safety is one of the primary reasons roundabouts have become so popular. A recent study showed a 41% reduction in crashes and 79% reduction in fatal and injury crashes at roundabout intersections, compared with the traditional intersections they replaced. Learn more at https://www.ncdot.gov/initiatives-policies/Transportation/safety-mobility/roundabouts/Pages/default.aspx
Find more information about this project at https://www.townofcarrboro.org/2249/Estes-Dr-North-Greensboro-Roundabout
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