The Hwy. 19/I-35 interchange is set to flow more smoothly as construction on a new roundabout begins to wind down. In a bid to increase safety and manage increased traffic, particularly from the nearby Flying J Travel Center, this $4.77 million infrastructure project is nearly complete. With just a few final tasks left on the checklist, Rice County Design/Construction Engineer Bill Zidon expects seeding and striping to be finished by month's end, as reported by Rice County's official announcement.
While most of major work has been done, officials like Zidon are asking drivers to remain vigilant to ensure their safety and the safety of construction teams as these minor items are squared away. No future closures are anticipated which should come as a relief to local commuters. Motorists are accustomed to the construction-related disruptions and are likely looking forward to a smoother, less obstructed drive.
The complexity of this six-legged roundabout was meant to tame the traffic beast that’s grown in recent years, a beast fed by increasing numbers of cars and trucks vying for space at the interchange. One of the underlying reasons for this project has been the heightened traffic volume following the opening of the new travel center. Roundabouts are not only designed to slow down vehicles but are notably successful in reducing dangerous side-impact crashes, often seen at traditional intersections.
Numbers from the Federal Highway Administration are telling – over 10,000 roundabouts have been installed in the U.S., testifying to their effectiveness in crash reduction and traffic flow management. As this roundabout at the Hwy. 19/I-35 interchange joins that growing list, Rice County Highway Department staff, who've been leading the project and largely funded through grants, anticipate an improvement in the area's traffic safety and efficiency.
