Roundabouts in America

It’s finally happening. Northern Virginia has started to see the genius of roundabouts after nearly a century of avoidance. A quick Google on why we don’t have as many roundabouts in America lead me to learn that the original architects granted the right of way to prevailing traffic, while drivers inside the roundabout had to yield to newcomers. In other words, they were idiots. But that was the early 1900s, and times have changed.

Along Route 66 east and west bound outside of the beltway there is already usage of these new traffic patterns that look like clover leaves but ultimately end up in double roundabouts. At first they are confusing as hell to navigate and all you can do is follow the guinea pig in front of you and play along. For added adventure, try to navigate them after sunset. Once you get the hang of the new pattern, it will make you wish they replaced every traffic light possible. Here is the plan for the 66 & Nutley exit that is already completed.

Long-time Northern Virginia commuters that had to travel north & south along the Fairfax County Parkway will really appreciate the next project that is starting in early 2024. The intersection of Fairfax County parkway and Popes Head Road has long been the reason I avoid the road pretty much on any weekday, but that light will finally cease to exist thanks to triple roundabouts. Yes, screw a single roundabout, if we’re going to buy into this British marvel of traffic flow, we’re going to do it the American way, with 2 to 10x more…. roundabouting.

Whatever the hell you want to call them (traffic circles, rotaries, roundabouts) it’s all trying to achieve the same outcome: forcing you to play real-life Mario Kart so you can’t stop anymore to play on your phone and cause massive traffic jams. This will really suck for cyclists and panhandlers, but don’t worry, regular traffic lights will never fully go away.