December 4, 2013
The first-ever double roundabout in Ohio was officially opened to traffic at the interchange of State Route 664 (SR 664) and U.S. Route 33 (US 33) in the city of Logan in the southern part of the Buckeye State. This interchange has long been regarded as an important gateway to both Logan’s historic downtown district and Hocking Hills State Park.
A roundabout is a type of intersection design and control that accommodates the flow of traffic in one direction around a central island; a double roundabout can be defined as a single intersection with two roundabouts that are either contiguous or – via a central link road or curbed island – connected to each other. The double roundabout was installed at the junction of SR 664 and US 33 to replace a diamond interchange that had been built there. (A diamond interchange is a traffic configuration involving a total of four ramps where two roads intersect.)
It was decided to remove the diamond interchange at the location and put in a double roundabout instead due to the steady growth of traffic in the area and consequent concerns about overall congestion. There were also major safety concerns. Between 2007 and 2009 alone, for example, there were 42 crashes at the intersection. Twin roundabouts were adopted as the best means for significantly improving traffic flow, enhancing public safety, and reducing congestion in that corner of the state.
On April 10, 2013, District 10 of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) broke ground for the $5.4 million construction project to build a pioneering double roundabout in Logan. Along with providing for the realignment of that particular interchange, the project involved creating thru-lanes at each of the exit ramps so that motorists could continue driving to SR 664 without any need at all to enter the double roundabout.
At the time of this double roundabout’s debut, ODOT District 10 deputy director Steve Williams took time to also underscore the potential financial and aesthetic benefits of the new local approach to traffic calming. “This project is more than just about safety,” he said. “It’s about producing a unique and beautiful gateway for the millions of visitors while at the same time creating opportunities for future economic development in and around the area.”
For more information on the installation of Ohio’s first double roundabout, please check out http://www.dot.state.oh.us/districts/D10/US%2033%20Roundabout/Pages/US-33-roundabout-project-info.aspx
Transportation History 
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