Abstract
The intersection of Farrell Avenue and Parkway Avenue in Ewing Township had ongoing safety issues, mainly due to illegal left turns by drivers leaving Ewing High School. These unsafe turns required crossing two lanes of traffic, increasing the risk of accidents. The lack of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure also made the area dangerous for non-motorized users. Two options were considered to improve safety: installing a traffic signal with a median or building a modern roundabout. While a traffic signal could manage vehicle flow, it was likely to cause delays, driver frustration, and reduced pedestrian safety. After careful review, the modern roundabout was chosen as the best solution, shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Intersection Site View in Vissim Software.
It helps slow down vehicles, reduce conflict points, and improve traffic movement. The final design features a two-lane roundabout with a 44-foot center diameter inner lane and a 68-foot center diameter outer lane, facilitating safe turns and legal U-turns for vehicles exiting the high school, shown in Figure 2. Crosswalks were added at all entrances, and a truck apron was included for larger vehicles like school buses. The roundabout was designed using Civil 3D software, following AASHTO and NJDOT standards. Existing conditions were reviewed using Bing Maps to ensure proper alignment with current roads. Besides improving safety, the roundabout also supports long-term sustainability by lowering fuel use and requiring less maintenance than a traffic signal. The estimated engineering services and construction costs were $15,000 and $68,000, respectively. Overall, the project created a safer, more efficient, and accessible intersection for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Figure 2: Intersection Profile View.
Spring Final Redesign Intersection Presentation:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cAxLdRQG_VP-UHN42wi69KAaVpul476L/view?usp=sharing