1. Roundabouts in Massachusetts
State of the Practice at MassDOT

2. Roundabouts in Massachusetts
Overview of current MassDOT’s approach to “modern roundabouts”
Negative connotation to the roundabout due to the “rotary” design
Changing driver behavior starts from the top with the Drivers Manual and education of the future motorists in the Commonwealth
Winning the public over to the benefits of a roundabout versus the traditional intersection design

3. Roundabouts in Massachusetts
“Text Book Design” vs. the New England Intersection – Why we have a tough time selling a roundabout.
- Standard design layout is hard to obtain and build without ROW takings.

4. Roundabouts in Massachusetts
What are our biggest challenges:
Overcoming the stigmatism of the “rotary”
Addressing the peak-hour volume flows
Providing for accommodation of all users
Gaining public trust in the dedicated lane assignment configuration of a roundabout
Documenting the safety benefits of the reduction in crashes at roundabouts
Obtaining buy-in from the Public Safety community

5. Roundabouts in Massachusetts
Design Challenges –
Achieve desired capacity with 2 lanes
Provide better pedestrian access
Offer improved Aesthetic qualities
Accommodate the bicycle community

6. Roundabouts in Massachusetts
So where are we now?
MassDOT has begun to request project designers and private developers to consider roundabouts as a “first option” to address a uniform approach to traffic operations and providing accommodation for all road-users.
Roundabouts are now being considered as viable options for interchange junctions.

7. Roundabouts in Massachusetts
COMPLETED
IN DESIGN
we should have paid more attention to the civil and site design properties. The topographical layout of the intersection hinders the sight lines throughout the intersection.
As s state highway department we were so focused on the LOS and capacity that we didn’t consider using a smaller diameter to achieve a context sensitive design. Sacrificing some level of service to better accommodate pedestrians.
Proactively address design principals.

8. Roundabouts in Massachusetts
Next Steps for MassDOT
Working with the Central Transportation Planning Staff (CTPS) from the Boston MPO on the development of a “Roundabout Planning Screening Tool” to assist designers in when to consider a roundabout versus a signalized intersection.
Develop a “Local Community Reference Guide” to provide details on the benefits of roundabouts on traffic calming and livable streets. Ensure that a roundabout is considered for the correct reasons.