Bend is a growing city - as it grows, our roads become more crowded and traffic delays build, which can result in frustration for our drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists. A major role of the owners of the roads and public rights-of-way is to find solutions to crowded streets and traffic bottlenecks - solutions that are forward-thinking, cost-effective and improve driving, walking and biking conditions.
Just like other intersections
The initial motivation, reason, and vision to build roundabouts was driven by the safety benefits, high level of operations compared to other intersection forms, and their “more beautiful nature.” In the City’s first application of roundabouts, they were able to preserve trees of significance to the community. A roundabout was the only solution that accomplished this. All change is met with apprehension. Please explore this website to learn more about how you can safely drive on Bend's newest addition: the multilane roundabout. It's just like other intersections!
The purpose is to continue the community’s successful use of roundabouts. Using a variety of delivery mechanisms and venues we will disseminate information and educate as many residents and visitors as possible. You can help. We want to reach all users in a variety of ways. Use the roundabout learning kit to show others how to get safely around Bend. Let us know what you think now. Let us know what you think after you have driven the new roundabout. We want to know.
Want to know more about Roundabouts? Listen and watch a Presentation introducing roundabouts.
What we have learned
Successes for first roundabout:
Very limited number of crashes (if any) since its construction.
A good, safe treatment for this particular skewed intersection.
Able to save trees important to the community (context sensitive solution).
Designed to handle trucks well.
Lessons Learned:
Queuing and platooning interaction between roundabouts and signals – Adjacent signals can have definitive impact on how a roundabout operates
Overtime have improved pedestrian accommodations
Use of curves on approaches to help slow motorists speeds
Making modifications to landscaping to reduce over spraying water, reduce maintenance costs
Pulled landscaping back on splitter islands to provide maintenance crews more space to work
