AUSTIN, Texas — A new circular intersection is officially open in downtown Austin.
A roundabout that’s been in the works on the I-35 Frontage Road at 51st Street had its official ribbon cutting on Tuesday.
The traffic circle was developed as part of TxDOT’s Texas Clear Lanes project.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, roundabouts are considered safer intersections because there are no left turns across oncoming traffic. That reduces the possibility of crashes that result in injury or death.
Ribbon cutting today on the new I-35 at 51st Street roundabout, a Texas Clear Lanes project. Roundabouts have two dozen fewer conflict points compared to a 4-way stop. #my35 #atxtraffic pic.twitter.com/YyxtC6PCVb
— TxDOT Austin (@TxDOTAustin) June 27, 2018
Since roundabouts are a fairly new concept to the area, we thought providing a how-to might be helpful to Austin-area drivers.
How to drive in a roundabout
- At the dashed yield line, look to your left and yield to drivers already in the roundabout. Remember, in a multi-lane roundabout, you must yield to both lanes of traffic.
- Once a gap in traffic appears, merge into the roundabout and proceed to your exit.
- Look for pedestrians and use your turn signal before you exit.