>
Video explains the design
County says new roundabout built for safety
Posted
"That roundabout is too small" states comments on Facebook about the newly opened intersection at Buccaneer Trail and Amelia Island Parkway.
Here's why Nassau County said it isn't.
In response to concerns, the county posted the following explanation:
One of the most common comments we see about our new roundabouts is, "There's no way a big truck can make that turn!"
Actually ... it can. And it's designed to.
Modern roundabouts aren't built so every vehicle stays entirely within the driving lane. Instead, they're designed with a special feature called a truck apron, the paved, slightly raised ring that surrounds the center island.
Most drivers never notice it because passenger vehicles aren't supposed to drive on it. But for large vehicles like tractor-trailers, school buses, fire engines, and other oversized trucks, the truck apron provides the extra space their rear wheels need to complete the turn safely.
So, if you see a large truck's rear tires driving onto that paved ring around the center island, don't be alarmed. That's exactly what it's designed to do.
Why Not Just Build a Bigger Roundabout?
It's a great question.
It's a great question.
A larger roundabout would allow vehicles to travel faster, which reduces one of the biggest safety benefits of roundabouts: slowing traffic before vehicles enter the intersection. Additionally, larger roundabouts increase the project cost due to additional materials and the possible need for property acquisition. Right-sizing the intersection is vital for both safety and cost.
Instead, engineers build compact roundabouts that naturally encourage lower speeds for everyday drivers while using the truck apron to accommodate larger vehicles only when needed. It's a design that improves safety without requiring a much larger intersection.
See It in Action
We're sharing this short educational video that explains how roundabouts improve safety, why they're designed the way they are, and how to navigate them correctly.
At approximately the 3:45 mark, you'll see a large truck entering the roundabout. Watch as its rear wheels roll onto the truck apron while the rest of the vehicle stays in the travel lane. This isn't a mistake. It isn't because the roundabout is too small. It's exactly how modern roundabouts are engineered to work.
Once you see it happen, you'll understand why the truck apron is such an important part of the design.
The next time you approach one of Nassau County's roundabouts, remember: if a large truck uses the truck apron, everything is working exactly as intended.
Comments
1 comment on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
WendeBurdick
Have they added lighting for night driving through the narrow curves? It was definitely not safe when I was driving home from the hospital at night shortly after it was opened.
Thursday, July 23 Report this