Philadelphia is advancing its commitment to traffic safety with the near completion of the Penrose Roundabout in South Philadelphia, which is set to be finalized six months ahead of schedule and within budget, according to Christopher Young, communications manager of the Philadelphia Department of Streets.
This project transformed a notoriously complex intersection at Moyamensing, Penrose, and Packer avenues, which was previously comparable in size to Citizens Bank Park.
John Boyle, research director for the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, emphasized the significant impact of this construction effort, noting the immediate changes observed in traffic flow after implementing the temporary roundabout design.
“People found that this crazy intersection [had] suddenly been tamed,” Boyle remarked, highlighting the efficacy of the changes.
The Penrose Roundabout is strategically located within Philadelphia’s “High Injury Network,” a designation identifying roads where a majority of traffic crashes occur as part of the city’s comprehensive Vision Zero initiative aimed at enhancing road safety.
Experts and traffic safety data widely recognize roundabouts as a superior alternative to conventional intersections.
Roundabouts not only reduce speeds but also facilitate continuous movement, significantly decreasing the likelihood of accidents.
For those unfamiliar with navigating roundabouts, understanding proper procedures can enhance safety and efficiency on the roads.
Vehicles within the circle maintain the right of way; this is akin to a driver turning right onto a one-way street.
Drivers should remain vigilant for pedestrians and cyclists in crosswalks while yielding to incoming traffic.
When a gap appears in the incoming flow, it is vital to proceed confidently to avoid disrupting traffic behind.
As you navigate through the roundabout, continue until reaching your desired exit, and be sure to signal your turn.
It’s important to refrain from stopping or changing lanes while within the roundabout.
In the event of encountering an emergency vehicle, drivers should continue through the roundabout and pull over once safely exited.
For pedestrians, designated crosswalks are available, and crossing should be performed in stages, utilizing safety islands between lanes to ensure safety.
Cyclists have the option to either walk their bikes through the crosswalks as pedestrians or ride in the center of the lane as vehicles, avoiding proximity to the edge.
For those biking, the dedicated off-street “bikeway” on Penrose is recommended, as it provides a safer route around the roundabout, as mentioned by Boyle.
The overall design of the roundabout aims to instill a sense of safety for all road users, a necessary advancement in light of common misperceptions regarding traffic circles and modern roundabouts.
Traffic circles, or rotaries, are typically larger and have been known to confuse drivers due to the prevalence of traffic lights, stop signs, and a requirement to yield or stop for entering traffic.
From their rise to popularity in the early 20th century, these traffic circles fell out of favor due to congestion and danger posed by high volumes of fast-moving vehicles.
In contrast, modern roundabouts, which emerged in the UK during the 1960s, revolutionized intersection management by granting priority to vehicles already circulating within the roundabout, thus enhancing safety.
Rock Hoffman, a news producer for the Total Traffic & Weather Network, states that drivers, particularly older generations, often harbor intimidation stemming from memories of these outdated traffic configurations.
In summary, as the Penrose Roundabout nears inaugural operation, Philadelphia anticipates a notable enhancement in traffic safety and flow dynamics, aligning with the city’s broader objectives for sustainable urban mobility and road safety.
As a rewarding visual endnote, here is a nostalgic snapshot of Logan Circle taken in 2002, celebrating the progress made over two decades.
image source from：https://whyy.org/articles/roundabouts-traffic-philly-penrose/
