Roundabout Opening On Grant Avenue In Manassas

MANASSAS, VA — Drivers will see a new traffic pattern on Grant Avenue at Byrd Drive and Bartow Street in Manassas as a roundabout opens Thursday. Byrd Drive is reopening as part of the roundabout.

A roundabout is an alternative to a signalized or stop sign intersection. Rather than stop at a signal or stop sign, drivers will yield to traffic already proceeding through the roundabout. Once the roundabout is clear, drivers can proceed into the roundabout and continue either onto Grant Avenue, Byrd Driver or Bartow Street. Traffic must slow down to navigate through circle. With roundabout designs, pedestrians and bicyclists typically have crossings outside the roundabout.

"If you have used roundabouts you know how they can move traffic faster and reduce accidents by 80%, while also making it safer for pedestrians and bicyclists," Manassas city government said in a social media post.

The roundabout is part of the city's Grant Avenue streetscape improvement project between Lee Avenue and Wellington Road. Traffic signals were previously removed at the Grant Avenue, Byrd Drive and Bartow Street intersection to accommodate the roundabout.

The Virginia Department of Transportation has more information on roundabouts and how to use them.