DOTD to improve intersection on LA 594 with new roundabout in Monroe
Monday, June 13, 2022 at 8:00:49 AM
DOTD to improve intersection on LA 594 with new roundabout in Monroe
UPDATE: Effective immediately, the Roundabout is open to traffic from all directions. Construction will continue. Be on the lookout for flaggers.
MONROE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces that work will begin soon on a new roundabout on LA 594 at Rowland Road in Monroe, Ouachita Parish.
The single-lane roundabout is aimed at improving safety at the intersection, which is currently stop-controlled, by reducing the potential for right-angle crashes. These types of crashes can be severe.
The $1.3 million project also includes drainage work, roadway widening, and curb and gutter installation. Construction will be phased to help maintain traffic on LA 594, but total road closures will be required at certain times on Rowland Road. Intermittent lane closures will also be necessary to allow work to progress. Traffic updates will be issued via the MyDOTD notification system.
Construction is anticipated to begin in September 7, 2021. The entire project is expected to be complete in Summer 2022, with progress dependent on weather conditions.
Intersections that may be considered candidates for a roundabout are carefully analyzed for crash history, traffic volume, and how the roundabout may affect traffic flow at nearby intersections and other roadway access points.
The compactness of the modern single-lane roundabout helps keep speeds low and makes it easier for drivers to stay oriented and judge the speed of the vehicles before entering the roundabout.
A driver approaching a roundabout must slow down, stop or yield to traffic already in the roundabout, as well as yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk, before proceeding around the circle. Then it’s a simple matter of making a right-hand turn to exit the roundabout.
Modern roundabouts are also designed to accommodate large vehicles such as 18-wheelers, fire trucks, and buses. The center apron is the area designated to allow these vehicles to navigate the turn.
To read more about roundabouts and their benefits, click here.
Safety reminder:
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.
Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.
Additional information:
Visit www.511la.org or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional information regarding road/lane closures. Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at wwwsp.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and Twitter pages.
Contact information:
Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
Monroe District
(318) 549-8402
erin.buchanan@la.gov
Map indicates location of new roundabout at intersection of
LA 594 & Rowland Rd. in Monroe, Ouachita Parish.