Roundabout Added To Busy Annandale Intersection

ANNANDALE, VA—Construction of a temporary mini-roundabout was completed earlier this week, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. Drivers will follow a new traffic pattern on Ravensworth Road at Jayhawk Street.

Like in other mini-roundabouts in the region, drivers must yield to oncoming traffic in the roundabout. VDOT is partnering with Fairfax County Police and is putting up message signs to inform drivers about the new traffic pattern and how to safely proceed through the intersection. Pedestrians can cross the street using crosswalks around the perimeter of the mini-roundabout.

The intersection was identified as a candidate for the pilot project since it met requirements for a traffic signal. Work began in May and was completed this month.

VDOT estimates around 13,000 vehicles travel on Ravensworth Road in this area and 2,600 on Jayhawk Street each day. About 1,400 vehicles a day move through the intersection during each rush hour. The agency says roundabouts can often move more vehicles with fewer delays than a traditional intersection and reduce the severity of crashes.

Funding came from FHWA, VDOT and the Virginia Transportation Research Council, and VDOT is in charge of maintenance. The roundabout was constructed with no new pavement, utility relocations, drainage or other work. Crews used recycled composite materials, which VDOT and FHWA are testing for future use.

The pilot project was introduced in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration. FHWA and VDOT will evaluate how well the roundabout is functioning.

Learn more about this roundabout here.

Image via VDOT