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Traffic Bottlenecks

Traffic Bottlenecks > Combating Bottlenecks

Combating Bottlenecks

Rhode Island

Employing roundabouts where feasible to carry continuous volumes (instead of forced, periodic signal stops).

Background: The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has a dedicated program promoting the use of roundabouts in the state as low-cost, congestion and safety oriented solutions. The state has produced "The Case for Roundabouts," a public presentation available to tout the benefits and operation of roundabouts.

Bottleneck Project: RIDOT is progressing eight roundabout locations to final design. Currently, two others are already in operation. RIDOT has determined that roundabouts are an excellent option instead of signals to fix bottlenecked intersections, where appropriate.