are they any roundabouts in the US?

Question

a simpson episode got me curious. the episode when the simpsons went to europe.

Answer 1

Haha. There is one in Carthage, Missouri--a town not too far from where I live. I remember all the residents were perplexed by it when it first came about. But I think they've got the hang of it now.

Answer 2

I live in southeast Washington state, and they are building more and more of them...in fact, tearing up perfectly good intersections to build them! I cannot fathom why. Having lived in England for 2 years, I saw them work well there because, almost without exception, everyone drove small (compact size) vehicles. This meant there was no problem seeing over or around the vehicle in front of or next to you. That made merging into traffic circles a seamless exercise.

Now, try that in the U.S., where gigantic SUVs block out everything from your view, trucks that are as wide as 2 cars, delivery trucks, and so on. In fact, MOST americans here drive big honkin cars for no particular reason other than to be up high. Add the fact that most people are too stupid not to be on a cell phone as they're negotiating a turn or curve, and all you've got with a round-about is a recipe for disaster!!

Answer 3

There are quite a few, especially in New Jersey. They are actually increasing in usage, even though they seem like a huge source of confusion. Once you get used to them, the idea is fairly simple. In terms of safety, a fender bender while merging with vehicles moving in roughly the same direction as you is much less damaging and far eeasier to swerve in avoidance than an impact at right angles or head on such as at a four way intersection.

Answer 4

yes, Hilton head South Carolina is an alternative to traffic signal control. There are 501 existing roundabouts in US, 58 planned, 48 proposed, 6 removed and 31 unknown

Answer 5

There are two in the valley area of Milwaukee, WI. They were put in on new roads near our casino. I don't think they are particularly useful, as the roads they were put on are relatively low traffic roads. Additionally, one of them has a stop light 100ft from the main spur of the roundabout, making it useless in heavier traffic.

I've seen roundabouts at work in busy intersections in London - they seem to work quite well. Generally, roundabouts are not used often and definately not in very busy locations in the US - hence the simpsons reference.

Answer 6

There are a few, one in New Orleans (my hometown) called Lee Circle. It is not a true roundabout, however, because there are stoplights to control traffic. Most Americans acquire the IQ of a tree stump in a true roundabout.

Answer 7

Yes. I know of several in western Massachusetts, specifically around Holyoke, Agawam, Westfield, etc.. It was the first time I had ever encountered such madness! Take your most exciting movie car chase and add a generous helping of your worst nightmare, and you have some idea of the fear and trepidation you experience when you enter one of these diabolical inventions. I did recently hear they are being phased out, at least in that State.

Answer 8

Oh! My, yes. There is one located on the Southwest side of Tarrant County (most known for Fort Worth) in Benbrook, Texas. It is close to a restaurant called Edelweiss; the owner is a relative (Jones family) on my mother's side of the family.

We used to go around it to this restaurant or Lake Benbrook. That is, my dad was driving. I think I would have a tremor trying to make it through.

Answer 9

I know of 1 in Buffalo NY and 1 in South Park near Pittsburgh PA

Answer 10

there is one close to Pinehurst NC that made me crazy on a fairly regular basis.
I have seen a few in the 26 different states I have lived in. I don't know if I will ever get the hang of that though... I end up on the inside every blessed time!