Roundabouts reduce the number and severity of collisions in highly travelled intersections, and aid in the continual flow of traffic. According to the Federal Highway Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, roundabouts reduce fatal collisions by 90 percent, injury collisions by 75 percent, and overall collisions by 37 percent. Roundabouts also account for just eight conflict points, vs. 32 conflict points at a four-way signal.
Stemming from an East-West Corridor study and based on the increased safety roundabouts provide, the Grand Traverse County Road Commission decided to place a roundabout at the busy 4 ... Read more
Roundabouts reduce the number and severity of collisions in highly travelled intersections, and aid in the continual flow of traffic. According to the Federal Highway Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, roundabouts reduce fatal collisions by 90 percent, injury collisions by 75 percent, and overall collisions by 37 percent. Roundabouts also account for just eight conflict points, vs. 32 conflict points at a four-way signal.
Stemming from an East-West Corridor study and based on the increased safety roundabouts provide, the Grand Traverse County Road Commission decided to place a roundabout at the busy 4 Mile Road and Hammond Road intersection.
In addition to crash safety, East Bay Township planned for growth by installing underground water and sewer lines under the roundabout as part of this project, avoiding future construction delays and road repairs.
Team Elmer’s was the low bidder for the roundabout and 0.42 mile roadway reconstruction which included 9,284 sq. yds. of milling; 2,776 ton of 3E3, 4E3, and 5E3 HMA asphalt pavement; curb & gutter; decorative concrete; 12”-24” Reinforced concrete storm sewer; 8” - 15” SDR-35 PVC sanitary sewer; 8” ductile iron water main; pavement markings; signing; landscaping; and street lighting.
Closing the road to traffic during construction was not an option. Due to high commuter traffic, plans called for the elimination of eastbound traffic while westbound traffic was allowed to continue. This meant constructing the road in half width increments while maintaining westbound traffic and local access.
Team Elmer’s crews got creative with multiple trench box configuration when building to the centerline, always maintaining safety for both the team working on the project and for the motoring public.
Keeping area businesses open was also a critical component of the project. Team Elmer’s approached it as a partnership, working with the area businesses to provide progress updates ensuring the project was a success for everyone involved.
In addition, East Bay Township wanted to give the roundabout a visual look that would tie the corridor together. This included planter islands with specific landscaping that included Bird’s Nest Spruce, Big Blue Lilyturf, Black Eyed Susans, Dwarf Switchgrass, and decorative concrete, making this project anything but your average roundabout.
It took a team effort to ensure safety and build the project. Multiple Team Elmer’s crews and other companies worked together to create a visually appealing project.
The hard work and dedication of those working on the project resulted in the roundabout being open to vehicular traffic almost a month ahead of schedule, just in time for Traverse City’s busy Labor Day holiday and in plenty of time to aid traffic on the first day of school for the fall semester, saving time and money for bus routing, easing congestion, and increasing overall safety.
By the Numbers
- HMA Surface Removal: 9,284 sq. yds.
- Aggregate Base: 10,183 sq. yds.
- HMA: 2,776 ton
- HMA Approach: 141 ton
- Curb & Gutter: 4220 ln. ft.
- Sewer Line: 1,453 ln. ft.
- Decorative Concrete: 929 sq. yds.
- Project Completion: 27 days ahead of schedule
DATE STARTED: June 16, 2021
DATE COMPLETED: September 3, 2021
SELF-PERFORMED: 73%
PARTNERS: Give ‘Em a Brake Safety, Bella Concrete Const, PK Contracting, Traverse Outdoor, Roemer Utility, Top Line Electric, CC Land Surveying
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