DOTD announces opening of Susek/LA 3144 Roundabout in Pineville, Rapides Parish
Saturday, August 08, 2020 at 2:17:16 PM
DOTD announces opening of Susek/LA 3144 Roundabout in Pineville, Rapides Parish
ALEXANDRIA – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces the opening of the new roundabout at the intersection of LA 3144 (Edgewood Drive) and Susek Drive in Pineville, Rapides Parish.
Construction on the $1 million roundabout project began in May 2020, with the complete closure of the intersection to allow the contractor to move forward safely and expeditiously with the project.
The single-lane roundabout replaces a stop-controlled configuration, greatly improving traffic flow and safety through the busy intersection. The project is located in front of Pineville Junior High School, a church, and a residential area.
Intersections that may be good candidates for a roundabout are carefully analyzed to include crash data and potential traffic impacts.
With the roundabout now open to traffic, motorists may now yield to drivers who are already in the roundabout and then continue around the circle to the right until they exit. Roundabouts have been shown to reduce the risk of serious crashes by eliminating left turns and other traditional traffic conflict points.
Roundabouts also typically provide a longer service life than traffic signals, with reduced electricity and maintenance costs.
They’re also designed to accommodate large vehicles such as fire trucks and 18-wheelers via the use of the ‘truck apron’ around the inner circle of the roundabout.
To watch a PSA on how to safely and properly navigate a roundabout, click here.
You can also reach much more about how roundabouts function and their purpose, by clicking here.
Additional information:
Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from the phone and saying the route or region for which they’re seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists can also access this information by visiting the 511 website at www.511la.org or by downloading the 511 mobile app.
Contact information:
Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
Alexandria District
(318) 549-8402
erin.buchanan@la.gov