[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_text]On Thursday, January 7, 2016, KPA conducted a test driving event on the Bell County Exposition Center parking lot in Belton, Texas for a proposed modern roundabout to be constructed at the intersection of Sparta Road and Commerce Drive in northwest Central Belton near the retail/commercial complex adjacent to Belton High School and the Super Wal-Mart. A modern roundabout is a safer substitute for a traditional traffic signalized intersection. The traffic is routed around a circular “bubble” which allows traffic to keep moving constantly to continue in a through mode, right & left turn modes or a return to the original approach traveled way. This traffic handling method is 1 of 9 safe methods for handling intersection traffic recommended by the Federal Highway Administration estimated to reduce potential intersection fatalities by 90%, reduce traffic injuries by 76% and reduce vehicle crashes by 35%. Multiple potential vehicles were used to test drive the proposed facility such as school buses, emergency vehicles, petroleum carriers, cable dump trucks and mobile home transports. This event assisted KPA in evaluating the final geometric design for the project and also provided public “buy-in” for the first modern roundabout to be implemented by the City of Belton. City Council members and City Staff also experienced the test drive. Additional information about roundabouts can be found at www.fhwa.dot.gov/safety/intersectionsafety/innovativeintersections.
The video below demonstrates the test drive for the roundabout.
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