Since 2018, National Roundabouts Week shines a spotlight on one of the most effective tools available for improving intersection safety. As communities across the country continue to look for ways to reduce crashes, improve traffic flow, and create safer experiences for all road users, roundabouts have become a proven solution.
This year’s National Roundabouts Week, observed September 21-25, highlights the many benefits these intersections bring to drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and surrounding communities.
Why Roundabouts Work
Roundabouts are designed to reduce the types of crashes that most often result in serious injuries or fatalities. By slowing vehicles to speeds of approximately 15 to 25 mph and eliminating dangerous crossing conflicts, roundabouts create a safer environment for everyone traveling through an intersection.
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), roundabouts reduce intersection crashes resulting in death or injury by an average of 82 percent. They also reduce traffic delays by 62 to 74 percent while often costing less than traditional signalized intersections over their lifespan due to lower maintenance and operational requirements.
Today, more than 11,000 roundabouts have been installed throughout the United States, and that number continues to grow as transportation agencies recognize their safety and efficiency benefits.
Turning a Dangerous Intersection into an Award-Winning Success
One example can be found in Polk County, Minnesota, where Widseth partnered with Polk County and MnDOT to redesign the intersection of CSAH 21 and State Highway 75.
The rural intersection had experienced a growing number of high-speed, right-angle crashes due in part to challenging sightlines caused by a skewed roadway alignment. The solution was a single-lane roundabout specifically designed to address the site’s unique safety concerns.
The resulting project dramatically improved traffic operations and effectively eliminated the severe T-bone crashes that had previously occurred at the intersection. The project also earned the Minnesota County Engineers Association Highway Safety Achievement Award.
Beyond safety, the design incorporated several features tailored to the region’s needs:
- Accommodations for large farm equipment and semi-trucks
- Enhanced winter maintenance considerations
- Reduced snow drifting through strategic design features
- Improved traffic operations near a nearby railroad crossing
The project demonstrates how thoughtful engineering can transform a high-risk intersection into a safer and more efficient transportation asset.
Improving Safety Beyond Vehicles
While roundabouts are often discussed in terms of vehicle safety, they can also provide significant benefits for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other users.
At the intersection of CSAH 77 and Nokomis Avenue in Nisswa, Minnesota, a collaborative effort involving Crow Wing County, the City of Nisswa, Grand View Lodge, and Widseth focused on improving safety and connectivity.
The completed roundabout provides safer access for pedestrians, cyclists, and golf cart users traveling between Grand View Lodge and The Pines Golf Course. It also creates a direct connection to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources trail system, allowing residents and visitors to move more safely and conveniently throughout the area.
Projects like this demonstrate that modern transportation solutions can serve multiple users while enhancing mobility throughout a community.
Designing Safer Intersections for the Future
Roundabouts are no longer a novelty. They are one of the most effective safety improvements available to transportation agencies and communities seeking to reduce severe crashes while improving traffic flow.
As we recognize National Roundabouts Week, it’s worth celebrating the measurable impact these intersections have on roadway safety and the role they play in creating safer, more connected communities.
Whether serving a rural highway, a growing community, a recreational destination, or a busy commercial corridor, roundabouts continue to demonstrate that good design can save lives.
At Widseth, we are proud to help communities plan, design, and deliver roundabout projects that improve safety, enhance mobility, and support long-term transportation goals.
