The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development constructed a $4.9 million project that included a roundabout on LA 3249 (Well Road) at its intersection with I-20 in West Monroe, Ouachita Parish.
The roundabout was built just north of I-20 at the Well Road on and off-ramps to the interstate, and replaced a stop-controlled intersection. The roundabout has significantly enhanced the efficiency of traffic flow as vehicles exit and enter I-20.
Well Road in the vicinity of the interstate services approximately 20,000 vehicles per day, and provides access to a truck stop and other businesses to the south of I-20, as well as US 80 and residential areas to the north.
“We perform in-depth analysis on intersections that are potentially good candidates for a roundabout, researching crash data and patterns of traffic congestion,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. “Replacing stop signs or traffic signals at appropriate intersections with roundabouts has been proven to markedly reduce the potential for serious crashes, not to mention ease traffic back-ups tremendously.
Traffic patterns were altered during various phases of the project, with temporary detour roads built on site to maintain and divert flow during most of the major construction work.
The contractor started work in early March 2020, with the entire project completed and opened to traffic in late 2020.
Roundabouts are one-way, circular intersections designed to improve safety and efficiency for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. They also help decrease fuel consumption and carbon emissions by reducing vehicle delay and the number and duration of stops, compared with signalized intersections.
Roundabouts are also designed to accommodate fire trucks, 18-wheelers, and other large vehicles.