Updated December 19, 2023

Q: How was this location chosen for the first roundabout?

 A: The Village began studying improvements to Wolfs Crossing in 2013.  After hiring a consultant and developing concepts, the Village established an advisory committee consisting of community leaders from the study area as well as stakeholders with expertise or technical interest in environmental, land use, transportation, and economic development affected by the study. The Wolf Corridor Advisory Team (WolfCAT) met throughout 2017 to evaluate road alignments, intersection types, and project priorities.  Ultimately, the WolfCAT recommended starting the first project at the Harvey Road intersection by constructing a roundabout. 

Q: What is a roundabout? 

A: A roundabout is a one-way, circular intersection that efficiently moves traffic counterclockwise around a center island. Roundabouts require all entering traffic to yield to traffic already in the circle and turn right. 

Q: Why construct a roundabout?  

A: Roundabouts provide safety, environmental and economic benefits to drivers and communities. They are designed for lower-speed driving with all traffic moving in the same direction, eliminating left turns across traffic and creating fewer stress points that can cause crashes. Roundabouts reduce accidents and save time. The Federal Highway Administration reports that roundabouts offer a 60% to 70 % overall reduction in crashes compared to an all‐way stop.  

Q: Why not keep the four-way stop or add a traffic signal?  

A: In addition to significantly reduced crash potential, roundabouts save time and alleviate traffic delays. In 2016, the Village conducted a comparison study at Wolfs Crossing and Harvey Road with three different design scenarios. With the four-way stop-controlled intersection, traffic experienced at least 76 seconds of average delay and has continued to increase. With current and future conditions, a traditional traffic signal would reduce the delay to 23.9 seconds. With the new roundabout, delays will be reduced to 5.8 seconds. 

Q: What type of roundabout has been constructed at Wolfs Crossing and Harvey? 

A: A double-lane roundabout has been added to the intersection. 

Single-lane roundabouts reduce vehicle speeds in and around the roundabout and two-lane roundabouts operate the same way. 

For any roundabout, drivers approaching the intersection need to first yield to pedestrians or bicyclists in the crosswalk and then yield to traffic currently in the roundabout. Traffic slows down as vehicles proceed through the roundabout. For double-lane roundabouts, drivers entering the roundabout from the side roads need to make sure they stay on the inside lane of the roundabout until they make it completely through to their turn. 

Double-lane roundabouts include signs and pavement markings to direct drivers into the appropriate lanes. 

Q: How do pedestrians cross a roundabout? 

A: Pedestrians walk on sidewalks around the perimeter of the circular roadway. If they need to cross the roadway, they cross only one direction of traffic at a time.  

Q: How do bicyclists ride through a roundabout? 

A: People on bicycles can choose to ride through the roundabout with traffic or walk their bicycles through the pedestrian crosswalks much like they would in a traditional intersection. Like motorists, bicyclists must obey the rules of the roundabout as they proceed through the intersection. Cyclists who choose to walk their bicycles may find that some roundabout designs have a ramp onto the sidewalk, which makes it easier for them to use. 

Q: Can roundabouts accommodate police and fire vehicles, as well as farm vehicles and commercial vehicles? 

A: Yes. A truck apron is a raised concrete area near the roundabout’s center that provides extra space for larger vehicles to turn and maneuver. 

Q: What's next for Wolfs Crossing? 

A: The contractor will need to return to the project in Spring 2024 to complete the work.  The Village is also preparing plans for the construction of a roundabout at Douglas Road.  That project is tentatively scheduled to start construction in the summer of 2025. Unlike Harvey Road which had difficult grade changes which would have necessitated increased delays and significant cost increases had the road roundabout been constructed while the road remained open, the Douglas roundabout will be able to be constructed while the road is open.