Bidwell, Ohio – Four years after the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of State Routes 160 and 554 in Bidwell, Gallia County is seeing impressive improvements in road safety. The roundabout, which opened to traffic in the fall of 2021, replaced what was previously a two-way stop intersection known for its high crash rate.
Before the roundabout was built, the intersection averaged four crashes per year, with 67 percent resulting in injuries. Despite earlier efforts by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), such as installing flashing LED lights on stop signs, crash numbers remained stubbornly high.
Since the roundabout’s completion, however, the intersection has averaged just two crashes per year, and remarkably, none have resulted in injuries.
“It’s our mission to provide a transportation system that is safe, and the roundabout in Gallia County is a prime example of that,” said ODOT District 10 Deputy Director Rich Oster. “The numbers don’t lie. A 50 percent reduction in crashes and 100 percent reduction in injury crashes is proof that roundabouts improve safety.”
Why Roundabouts Work
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recognizes roundabouts as a proven safety countermeasure. Roundabouts simplify driver decision-making, reduce the number of conflict points where vehicles could collide, and generally lower crash severity compared to traditional intersections. When crashes do occur in roundabouts, they are typically less severe because of the slower speeds and the design that guides vehicles in one direction.
In addition to improving safety, roundabouts help move traffic more efficiently, reducing congestion and delays.
The success of the Gallia County roundabout serves as an encouraging example for other communities considering similar traffic improvements to enhance roadway safety and flow.
