Motorists driving between Hollister and Gilroy in California will soon experience the state’s first turbo roundabout. The name refers to the spiral look of the circle, not speeding vehicle, and this innovative junction aims to reduce car accidents and traffic-related injuries.
The roundabout, which will be completed this year, is located at the junctions of San Benito Routes 25 and 156, an intersection known for its high crash rates. According to Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation, the junction has twice as many collisions as similar intersections in the state.
So, what’s the difference between a turbo roundabout and a regular, multi-lane traffic circle? While they both have multiple lanes (making them trickier to navigate), the former has raised lane dividers instead of painted lines that force drivers to stay in their chosen lane.
This improves safety as motorists can no longer change lanes on a whim or drift across them, which means there’s less chance of a crash.