Washington County, MN Educates Drivers Through Roundabout U

NHTSA · 2011 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Safety

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Summary

This report details the public outreach strategy implemented by Washington County, Minnesota, to address community concerns regarding the construction of multi-lane roundabouts. The initiative was motivated by a 2007 planning decision to replace a stop-controlled intersection with a roundabout to accommodate traffic growth while minimizing land use, a solution that proved more efficient than a signalized intersection. During the planning phase, public meetings revealed significant citizen anxiety regarding safety and navigation, prompting the County Public Works Department to develop "Roundabout U," a comprehensive educational program designed to raise awareness and secure public support. The approach centered on a unified branding strategy, utilizing a consistent logo across all materials to tie together a diverse array of outreach techniques. The program began with a dedicated website that provided information on roundabout benefits, navigation instructions, project updates, and common misconceptions. This digital platform was supplemented by physical and interactive materials, including brochures offering a seven-step guide to navigating multi-lane roundabouts, flyers distributed by police officers to explain yielding laws, and advertisements in local newspapers. To engage the public directly, staff conducted outreach events at grocery stores, county fairs, and open houses, utilizing promotional items like balloons and food to attract families. These events featured hands-on learning opportunities, such as mock-walkable roundabouts, and allowed staff to answer questions about driving and pedestrian safety. The results of the Roundabout U program were characterized by anecdotal success, with positive feedback from citizens, elected officials, and internal staff. The outreach was effective enough that other jurisdictions across Minnesota requested to borrow materials and invited Washington County staff to assist in swaying public perception for their own proposed roundabouts. The materials were designed to be adaptable and customizable, facilitating their adoption by other agencies. The significance of this case study lies in its demonstration of effective, low-cost public engagement strategies for traffic infrastructure changes. Washington County determined that the program was a relatively low investment compared to construction costs, with most materials developed in-house. Key lessons learned emphasized the importance of consistent messaging, early communication, and collaboration with law enforcement to ensure clarity on traffic laws. The report also highlights the need for targeted outreach to specific population segments, such as older drivers or those unfamiliar with modern roundabouts, to address misconceptions effectively.

Key finding

The Roundabout U outreach program successfully increased public awareness and support for roundabouts, as evidenced by anecdotal positive responses and requests from other jurisdictions to adopt the materials.

Methodology

other

Provenance

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• intersection design