Traffic gurus from around the world are gathering in Carmel, Indiana this week in the 7th annual International Conference on Roundabouts. Both New York and Japan (pop. 19M and 125M) have fewer roundabouts than Carmel (pop. 79,000) - sent their best transportation engineers here this week to study the awesome effects it has on a community. For example, the Australian state of Victoria began building roundabouts in 1970 when traffic fatalities peaked at more than 1,000 per year. Two years ago, that number had been reduced to 300 while the population more than doubled. Melbourne now has over 5,000 roundabouts.
Not only do they save lives, but with less congestion and rarely stopping, travel time is also cut down - especially during the winter with icy roads. Carmel is currently building its 69th since 1999 (131st & River Road) - this one located at 96th & Commerce Drive.
Not only do they save lives, but with less congestion and rarely stopping, travel time is also cut down - especially during the winter with icy roads. Carmel is currently building its 69th since 1999 (131st & River Road) - this one located at 96th & Commerce Drive.