1-year review: Rockford’s one-lane roundabout reduces accidents, but causes delays

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The two-lane Auburn and Main roundabout has been reduced to one lane for a year now, as the city tracks data to determine a long term plan to reduce accidents at the intersection.

The roundabout was constructed in 2013 for $7.5 million to replace a signal-controlled intersection.

Over the years, the city logged an average of five to seven crashes in the roundabout each month, and the Veterans Memorial Circle within it has been damaged more than 18 times.

In June 2024, the city reduced the two-lane roundabout to a single lane in an effort to tame the intersection.

“Over the entire year, it’s right at about 2.5 accidents a month, down from a little less than six,” said Jeremy Carter, the city’s Traffic Engineer.

However, the 60% reduction comes with an increase in traffic jams and wait times at the intersection, as two lanes of traffic are funneled into one lane.

Carter says congestion is the cost of safety.

“We are aware that there has been some delay caused by going from 2 to 1 lane, but I think our thought is that that 60% reduction in accidents is significant enough to kind of outweigh the delays,” he said.

While the city says data shows a reduction in crashes, those who live and work near the roundabout have differing opinions on its success.

“I was excited when they put it in. I enjoyed using it when it was two lanes. When it’s one lane, I still enjoy using the roundabout. I do think it’s safer as a one lane. It definitely, here with businesses, pedestrians, our number one concern, and that the roundabout being one lane has helped people be able to cross the road better,” said Holly Connell, owner of Winnie Nutter and Engine Studios

“My thoughts on it are that it was better when it was [traffic] lights. I feel like it causes more accidents than anything else. I feel they just don’t know what they want to do with it. I don’t feel that it is doing anything positive,” resident Andrew Bassett said.

The city also said it is anticipating recommending that the Illinois Department of Transportation leave the roundabout with one lane permanently.

“Ultimately, now that we’re we’re after a year in, we’re going to put together a little bit of a report and send it off to IDOT, who has supported us in the pilot program, and will ultimately be the final decision maker,” Carter said.

There are four roundabouts in the city:

• Main and Auburn
• Seminary and College
• Mercy and Lyford
• Airport and Kishwaukee

Another is planned as part of the redevelopment of Whitman Street.

Stopping in a roundabout, as well as failing to yield appropriately, are two common mistakes leading to accidents in roundabouts, according to IDOT.

IDOT published five steps to drive a roundabout:

1. Yield when you approach a roundabout and watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
2. Look to the left as you near the dashed yield line and yield to traffic already in the circle.
3. Once you see a gap in traffic, enter the circle and proceed to your exit. Look for pedestrians as you exit and make sure you stay in your lane as you navigate the roundabout.
4. In a multi-lane roundabout, choose a lane before entering the roundabout. Signs posted near the roundabout will direct you to the appropriate lane based on whether you want to make a left turn, go straight or make a U-turn.
5. Choose either the left lane as you enter the roundabout or choose the right lane if you want to make a right turn.