Roundabout 101: Owensboro Preps Drivers for the New Loop
The new roundabout at Old Hartford Rd, Fairview Dr, and Foors Lanes is now in the final phase of construction. The project was originally projected to be completed by November.
After re-evaluating project priorities, the KY Transportation Department officials and contractors are trying to have the bulk of the work completed by the time school begins again on August 6th. With close proximity to Daviess County High School, the community has been concerned not just about the increase in area traffic, but the fact that a lot of the vehicles in that traffic will have new or student drivers behind the wheel.
If you don't have experience navigating a roundabout like this one, it could be a little nerve-wracking at first. The point is to keep cars moving along smoothly, so you don't want to stop or slow down to sloth speed while you try to figure it out in the moment.
It could be a danger to other cars or cause accidents if people use the incorrect lane or get confused. If you haven't already, take a look at the map of the road so you know the route and are prepared. Matt Hughes with the KY Transportation Department is also hosting a roundabout event next Tuesday.
I suppose we could call it Roundabout 101, but it will basically be an explanation of the new traffic configuration as well as how to navigate it. July 28th from 4 to 6 PM in the Daviess County High School auditorium. Matt plans to do a short presentation around 5pm, and guess what else he is doing?
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I love this! He will be setting up a table with a 36x24 map of the roundabout on top. Complete with Matchbox cars to allow folks "to get a hands-on feel" for how it works. Isn't that great? So funny! Hey, whatever helps people get comfortable with the new changes.
Some of us never really learned how to utilize a roundabout. I know I didn't because there weren't any around here at the time I learned how to drive. It's not a bad idea to get a refresher, or just get familiar with the way this particular roundabout is set up before it opens.
While we don't have an exact opening date just yet, we will know soon! There will still be some additional work after that, some cosmetic things, and shoulder work, but at least it will be open to traffic while that happens. So come to this free event to learn more!
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Gallery Credit: Barb Birgy
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