8-17-2020 11:35am

Washtenaw County Road Commission Opens Roundabout Intersection at Textile, Woodland

The roundabout at Textile Road and Woodland Drive is open.

The Wasthenaw County Road Commission re-opened the intersection Monday, Aug. 17 after completing the single-lane roundabout. The Washtenaw County project was funded by a federal grant with local money from the county and City of Saline.

The city's share of the project was $101,000.

Traffic safety data was cited to help the county obtain federal money for the project. The intersection was the site of a fatal crash involving a car and motorcycle several years ago.

While the intersection is open, the city's construction project on Woodland Drive continues.

The Washtenaw County Road Commission provides the following tips for roundabout safety:

One of the most important rules of a roundabout is the “yield-at-entry” rule. Vehicles that are inside and circulating through the roundabout always have the right of way. Motorists or bicyclists who want to enter the roundabout must yield to all lanes and wait for a safe gap in circulating traffic to enter the roundabout. In some instances, this means motorists must stop at the yield sign until a safe gap is present.

Slow Down: Roundabouts are designed to reduce your speed upon entry. While it may seem counter-intuitive, slowing down in a roundabout alleviates congestion. Slower speeds also make roundabouts safer than traditional intersections.

Yield, Don’t Merge: Vehicles traveling in the roundabout have the right-of-way. Do not merge into a roundabout like you merge onto a highway. Slow down and yield, or sometimes stop, for traffic that is circulating the roundabout. Enter the roundabout when a safe gap is present.

Do Not Switch Lanes: It is important to choose your lane prior to entering the roundabout. All multi-lane roundabouts have signs that indicate which lane you should be in to reach your destination. Look for signage as you approach and avoid changing lanes while circulating.