New Randolph Roundabout Draws Mixed Reactions Online

ULAH — A new mini-roundabout under construction near Uwharrie Charter Academy is drawing mixed reactions from local residents.

When asked for feedback on Randolph Hub's Facebook page, more than 60 readers responded within an hour. Comments ranged from concerns about the roundabout's size and potential accidents to support for roundabouts as a proven way to reduce crashes.

The single-lane “mini-roundabout” is being built at the intersection of US 220 Business and Pisgah Covered Bridge Road. It is expected to be completed by Dec. 25.

According to the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the design was chosen after a traffic study to address congestion near the school. Uwharrie Charter Academy is funding the roundabout's construction as part of its high school expansion on its 90-acre campus and the school may be eligible to be reimbursed for the costs at a later date.

Mini-roundabouts — characterized by inscribed circle diameters of 45 to 90 feet and a traversable central island — cost about one-third as much as full-sized roundabouts. NCDOT pointed to a study conducted by UNC-Charlotte in 2021 that showed mini-roundabouts can reduce injury and fatal crashes by 59%.

The traversable central island allows large vehicles, such as commercial trucks, fire trucks, and school buses, to drive over it when necessary. The smaller diameter of the roundabout also requires vehicles to travel at lower speeds, further reducing the likelihood and severity of crashes.

In its press release, NCDOT shared these tips for navigating the roundabout:

- Reduce speed when approaching.
- Yield to vehicles and bicyclists already in the roundabout.
- Travel in a counterclockwise direction.
- Use turn signals to indicate your exit.
- Commercial trucks and other large vehicles can drive over the concrete center island, as well as the splitter concrete islands. 
 

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CORRECTION
Tips provided by NC DOT in their press release stated drivers in a roundabout should move “in a clockwise direction.” This was clearly a typo and has been corrected. Find out more about roundabouts online at NC DOT's website.