Roundabout In Montgomery County 1 Of 33 Statewide To Reduce Traffic Fatalities

LOWER FREDERICK TOWNSHIP, PA — A roundabout in this western Montgomery County community that was installed back in 2009 after complaints of traffic woes was one of 33 across the commonwealth singled out by state transportation officials on Monday for helping to reduce roadway fatalities.

The highlighting of the roundabout at Route 29 (Gravel Pike) and Route 73 (Big Road) in Lower Frederick Township, just east of Pottstown, came as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation released new data showing a reduction of fatalities, injuries and crashes after 33 different intersections throughout the state were replaced with roundabouts.

"We continue to see that Pennsylvania's roundabouts save lives and reduce crash severity," PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said in a statement. "While they aren't the right option in every intersection, we're pleased that they help to make our roadways safer."

PennDOT says that it reviewed and analyzed data for 36 total roundabouts that were installed over the years throughout the commonwealth, all of which were placed in areas previously controlled by either traditional traffic signals or stop signs.

Transportation officials said the specific intersections were chosen for review because they had at least three years of crash data available both before and after the installation of the roundabouts, accounting for a total of 387 before-years and 220 after-years of data.

PennDOT noted that in addition to the 36 roundabouts highlighted in this latest report, another 38 roundabouts have been built at other locations, 16 or more are currently under construction, and 15 are in the final design phase.

The roundabout in Lower Frederick Township that was highlighted in the report was the only one mentioned from Montgomery County.

Roundabouts were also highlighted in neighboring Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia Counties, as well as 13 other counties across the commonwealth.

Pennsylvania has 67 counties in total.

PennDOT said that traffic roundabouts are typically installed at intersections with histories of safety issues but may also be installed to help improve traffic flow, institute traffic calming measures, and facilitate pedestrian mobility.

While roundabouts are typically considered safer than traditional signalized intersections and those with stop signs, PennDOT says they may not always be the best option for every location, depending upon topography, property impacts, capacity issues and proximity to other intersections.

PennDOT offers additional information here on a roundabout section on its website.