Intersection safety and efficiency is a key priority for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and every intersection is unique. Unlike other states that have adopted “roundabout first” policies, WisDOT evaluates design alternatives to determine whether a signal, roundabout or other control is best suited for the location based on safety, efficiency and estimated cost.
Roundabouts are found at less than one percent of the intersections on the state highway system.
As of 2016, three percent of state-controlled intersections have traffic signals. Of the state’s 383 roundabouts, 220 are on the state trunk highway (STH) system and 163 are on local highways.
Benefits of roundabouts
Roundabouts may be considered as an alternative when building new intersections or when doing a complete reconstruction to correct safety or reduce congestion because roundabouts:
- Are proven to reduce the number of severe injury crashes and deaths
- Provide a good economic value
- Reduce delay and improve traffic flow
- Are a greener alternative with less vehicle idling, lower fuel emissions and less wasted fuel
Roundabouts interactive map