By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Seven to eight years of discussion, proposals, plans, preparation and then a project will culminate Thursday when the City of Decatur opens the Five Points Roundabout.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
Following the ceremony, the community is invited to take part in an instructional session to learn how to navigate the new roundabout.
A news release said residents will have the opportunity to ask questions, receive guidance, and even test-drive the intersection.
“This is a significant achievement for Decatur,” Mayor Dan Rickord said. “Our first roundabout represents an investment in safer streets, smoother traffic flow, and long-lasting improvements for everyone traveling in our city.”
The project began June 6.
Last July 6 marked one year since the City of Decatur and Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) officials signed all the necessary papers and made the project official.
In a collaborative effort, the city partnered with American Structurepoint on the roundabout’s design and E&B Paving of Muncie on construction to create a safer, more efficient intersection for residents, the news release said.
The $2.5 million project was overseen by INDOT and mostly funded by the federal government, with the city adding a 20% match.
The roundabout will not only be Decatur’s first, but the first in Adams County.
SAFER: The milestone project brings to the community a modern intersection design that improves safety, mobility, and long-term sustainability, the news release says.
Roundabouts are proven to reduce serious crashes and improve efficiency for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists alike. Research shows that roundabouts lower fatal crashes by up to 90%, cut injury crashes by 75%, and reduce overall crashes by 40%.
By slowing vehicle speeds and eliminating traditional stop-and-go traffic, roundabouts also create safer crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, the news release says.
Beyond safety, roundabouts provide environmental and economic benefits, it continues.
Each roundabout is estimated to eliminate approximately 350,000 pounds of CO2 emissions and save 20,000 gallons of fuel each year. They also remain functional during power outages and inclement weather, making them more resilient than signalized intersections, according to the news release.
The City of Decatur’s first roundabout reflects a growing national trend of adopting this innovative design to improve roadway safety and efficiency, the news release concludes.
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