Big Circle of an Intersection and No Traffic Light.
Eeeck! What Do I Do Now?
TIPS FOR BRANSON TRAFFIC ROUNDABOUT ANXIETY
Sometimes we see a vehicle bearing out-of-state plates stop at the entrance to a Branson area roundabout. We watch the driver’s head whip side to side, the person confused or anxious about how to proceed into the roundabout.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that back home, traffic roundabouts are not part of that person’s daily drive.
So, if you are one of them, here are some roundabout facts and hacks.
Once you understand their purpose and driving rules, roundabouts are not hard to navigate. Drive safely through one, then another, and practice makes perfect.
Three key things to remember when entering a roundabout are:
- Yield to traffic already moving inside the roundabout.
- Choose your lane before entering the roundabout.
- Do Not Stop once inside the roundabout
There are three roundabouts in the Branson area.
- On Bus Hwy 65 near Cox Hospital. This roundabout is located not far from the state Highway 65 off-ramp leading into Historic Downtown Branson and Bus Hwy 65 intersection with 76 Country Blvd.
- Continue south on Bus Hwy 65, past the above intersection, and the road will lead to the Taneycomo Bridge. Cross the bridge and you will be at another roundabout directly off the bridge. ( A right turn off that roundabout takes you into Hollister. A left off the roundabout takes you to the Mt. Branson section of Branson
- Another roundabout is located in Branson off Forsyth Rd. between Roark Rd. and the 76 Strip. One of the exits off this roundabout takes you to the Tanger Outlet Mall in Branson.
We will cover those and other tips from experts further down in this post, but first, some facts to help understand the purpose of a roundabout and its contribution to smooth traffic flow and safety.
What Are Traffic Roundabouts and Why Have Them?
Prior to the construction of the three roundabouts mentioned above, each of those locations had significant traffic problems. Particularly, before and after normal workday hours, and at seasonal visitor peaks, traffic would stake-up. At the roundabout located at the Taneycomo Bridge, traffic could be bumper to bumper on the bridge. This caused an added problem if emergency vehicles needed to cross the bridge between Branson and Hollister. (originally only one bridge existed across Lake Taneycomo. Eventually, a second bridge was constructed).
What Do Traffic Studies Say About Roundabouts?
A study conducted by Washington State said the roundabouts, did indeed, bring smoother flowing and safer traffic.
Some facts in the study included:
Roundabouts reduced accidents, including a 37% reduction in overall collisions; a 75% reduction in injury collisions; and a 90% reduction in totality collisions. There is also a 40% reduction in pedestrian collisions.
Why is this? The Washington state study reports these facts.
Low travel speeds. Drivers must slow down and yield to traffic before entering a roundabout. Speeds inside the roundabout are typically 15 to 20 mph. As compared to an intersection controlled by a stoplight this contributed to fewer roundabout accidents and fewer injuries.
No traffic lights to beat.
Roundabouts are designed to promote continuous circular traffic. Once entering the roundabout, traffic continues to move and eliminates drivers trying to beat a traffic light. Also, a gently curving road with one way traffic traveling in a counterclockwise direction eliminates the possibility T-bone accidents..
The Washington State study offers this YouTube link as evidence of the safety of roundabouts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnT1HXo7p_4&feature=related
The study adds that contrary to many people’s perceptions, roundabouts actually move traffic through an intersection more quickly and with less congestion. Roundabouts promote continuous flow traffic. Unlike intersections with traffic signals, drivers don’t have to wait for a green light to get through the intersection. Traffic is not required to stop –only yield– so the intersections can handle more traffic in the same amount of time.
The Washington State study cites a Kansas State study that measured traffic flow at an intersection before after a roundabout was constructed at the location.
Perhaps our most favorite feature of roundabouts was cited yet another study. It got right to the point most drivers appreciate, “no more sitting in traffic.”
Main roundabout encountered by folks entering Branson
The main and primary roundabout is located on Business 65 and is considered one of the primary entrances to Branson taken by summer visiting tourists. It is a primary entrance taken to Branson by visitors exiting from Highway 65 at Shepherd of the Hills exit and continuing down Business 65. Just past Cox Hospital, you will encounter the roundabout. Driving south down Bus Hwy 65 (toward Branson), the first exit off the roundabout will take you to Cox Hospital. The second exit off the roundabout will take you into Downtown Historic Branson, and to the intersection of business 65, and 76 Country Blvd. which takes visitors either into downtown old Branson, or the Country Boulevard strip. The third exit takes you to Branson Landing.
Roundabout driving tips from the Missouri Department of Transportation
- Before you enter the roundabout – choose your lane based on where you’re going.
- Slow down before you enter the roundabout.
- Yield to all traffic already in the roundabout.
- Only enter in front of a vehicle already in the roundabout if you have enough space to do so safely.
- Vehicle speeds should be 20 mph or less.
- After entering the roundabout, remain in your lane, change lanes only when traffic is clear.
- Vehicles in the roundabout do NOT yield to entering traffic.
- Never pass or drive next to a truck in a roundabout.
- Do not block emergency vehicles.
- Only experienced bicyclists should drive through the roundabout.
For more information click the MoDot link below:
https://www.mtjengineering.com/project/us-65-branson-landing-blvd-roundabout-branson-mo/
The most common mistake we see is confused looking driving uncertain of how to proceed once inside the roundabout. Keep your speed down, once in the roundabout don’t stop inside of it, keep moving and exit.
Hope this blog has been helpful to alleviate any visitor out there having roundabout anxiety — just plan ahead and take it slow. It’s easy once you understand that circular piece of highway that will help your visit keep moving along smoothly.
