While You’re Yielding to Traffic,
Let’s Share some Details
Reid Middleton has analyzed, designed or reviewed more than 180 roundabouts since 1995. During that time, we have strengthened our expertise about the mechanics and nuances of roundabouts. Roundabout design does not lend itself to a cookie-cutter approach, as guidelines and judgment govern process rather than standards. Roundabout design is not a linear process to be worked through with a series of checklists, but rather follows an iterative process by which to reach a final solution.
We are now considered leaders in roundabout design, and have provided roundabout services for cities, counties, and states across the U.S. In addition to performing analysis, feasibility studies, and geometric design, Reid Middleton provides full plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E). After our roundabouts have been constructed, we validate our designs by analyzing traffic as it uses the working roundabout.
Is a Roundabout the Right Solution? Reid Middleton roundabout staff are adept at determining whether a particular intersection is a good candidate for a roundabout. Traffic analysis is done to help determine this, but many other factors will be considered too.
Roundabout Geometry: After initial design of the roundabout is created, the fastest and natural drive paths are analyzed. This shows deficiencies in entry and exit geometry, and will indicate where an increase or decrease of curvature should be introduced. We often see geometry that looks good in theory but will be negated in practice, as the vehicle will take a more direct route through the roundabout. A safe and efficient design dictates driver behavior in such a way that awkward driving conditions are avoided.
Plans, Specifications, & Estimates: After the groundwork of feasibility studies and geometry have been done, the plans, specifications, and estimates are prepared and finalized with the client.
Peer Review: Just as with other engineering designs, Reid Middleton reviews roundabout designs created by other design firms or municipal clients, with the overall goal of improving the intersection’s safety and performance. Our experience allows us to validate results and identify or correct any concerns. We provide objective insight from seasoned roundabout engineers.
Public Involvement & Education: We know stakeholders will accept a solution when they can see the project area and traffic safety needs are satisfied, and when the process used to reach this solution is fair and open. We strive to present the evidence for roundabouts and allow the public to reach their own conclusion. We lead open houses, provide roundabout literature to help explain and inform, provide videos/photos of working roundabouts, and even provide full-size mock-ups of the roundabout with buses, semitrucks, and cars. We regularly teach roundabout design classes to municipal agencies seeking to improve their roundabout design tools.
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