Roundabouts: Why Oxford Keeps Installing Them

As everyone knows, Oxford is rapidly growing. We are blessed in Oxford, and the city is constantly looking at smarter infrastructure. More residents, more visitors, and more traffic all demand safer, more efficient streets. One of the most effective tools to meet this challenge is already widely used around the country and world: the roundabout.

Modern roundabouts are often misunderstood, but the data is clear—they are safer, faster, and more cost-effective than traditional intersections. For a growing city like Oxford, roundabouts offer a future-ready solution that can reduce crashes, improve traffic flow, lower long-term costs, and support the kind of city residents are proud to call home.

1. Roundabouts Save Lives—Period

In Oxford, drivers know how busy intersections like University Avenue and South Lamar or Jackson Avenue can get. With more cars, bikes, and pedestrians converging in small spaces, the chance of a serious crash increases—especially at signalized intersections where high-speed collisions are common.

Roundabouts reduce fatal crashes by up to 90%, injury crashes by 76%, and overall crashes by 37%, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Why? Because they eliminate the most dangerous traffic movements: left turns across traffic and red-light running.

In a traditional intersection, there are 32 potential conflict points (where crashes can occur). A roundabout has only 8. Vehicles travel in one direction at slower speeds (usually 15–25 mph), reducing the severity of any collisions that do happen. For pedestrians in Oxford—especially around The Square, campus, or near schools—that’s a massive safety upgrade. Oxford wants to save lives.

2. Roundabouts Move Oxford Faster

A common myth in Oxford is that roundabouts “slow you down.” But the truth is the opposite: roundabouts keep traffic moving more efficiently than traffic signals or four-way stops. Because drivers yield instead of stopping, vehicles spend far less time idling.

In areas like Old Taylor Road or Highway 7’s interchanges, where traffic backs up during peak times, roundabouts would significantly reduce delays. Drivers move through intersections more smoothly, with less congestion and frustration.

Studies show that roundabouts reduce delay times by 20% to 89% compared to signalized intersections. That’s especially important for Oxford residents who rely on consistent travel times to get to work, drop off kids at school, or attend games at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

And when Ole Miss is in session and thousands of visitors descend on town? Roundabouts handle event traffic more fluidly than signalized intersections ever could.

Now this isn’t to say that change can’t be tough. Yes, we’ve all sat at the light at Bramlett and University while crews are working on the new roundabout. It takes a while to get things working correctly. During this time, delays can be expected.

3. Roundabouts Are Built for a Growing Oxford

Oxford is not the same town it was 10 years ago. New subdivisions, apartment complexes, and commercial developments mean more vehicles on the road every year. Planning for that growth now—with forward-thinking infrastructure—will save the city time, money, and frustration in the future.

This page is in response to your comments on our recent 3-way roundabout post. We welcome these comments and want to provide answers for you. The Lamar Avenue area is growing rapidly, and it will continue to grow over the next several years. While traffic flow at the intersection might work now, the city is attempting to plan for the future. We know how frustrating Jackson Avenue can be when it’s bumper to bumper. We want to avoid that on Lamar if possible as the area continues to grow.

Roundabouts:

• Handle more cars per hour than a typical traffic signal.
• Scale well with growth—single-lane roundabouts can become two-lane if needed.
• Reduce long-term maintenance costs—no traffic signals to repair, no power needed.
• Beautify the city—central islands can be landscaped, decorated with public art, or branded with Oxford icons.

Instead of constantly adding more stoplights and lane widenings, roundabouts offer Oxford a more sustainable, attractive way to manage its expansion.

4. Roundabouts Are More Cost-Effective Over Time

Oxford’s Public Works and Engineering departments are under pressure to do more with limited funds. Roundabouts are a wise investment because they cost less to maintain than traffic signals and prevent costly crashes that strain emergency services.

• Traffic signals can cost $80,000–$150,000 to install—and thousands more per year in maintenance and electricity.
• Roundabouts have zero electricity costs, fewer parts to maintain, and often last 30+ years with minimal upkeep.
• Fewer crashes mean lower costs for police, ambulance, hospitals, and insurance premiums for Oxford residents.

For taxpayers, roundabouts are the infrastructure version of "buy it once, use it for decades."

5. Roundabouts Are More Environmentally Friendly

With a growing emphasis on sustainability, roundabouts help Oxford go greener.

• Fewer emissions: No stop-and-go traffic means less carbon released from exhaust.
• Better fuel economy: Drivers use less gas when not constantly idling.
• Stormwater benefits: Central islands can help manage runoff, filter pollutants, and reduce flooding risks.

Oxford’s natural beauty is part of its charm. Roundabouts enhance it—not harm it.

6. Busting the Myths About Roundabouts

Despite all the benefits, many Oxford residents still feel uneasy about roundabouts. That’s understandable—change always brings questions. Let’s take the most common concerns and set the record straight.

Myth 1: “Roundabouts are confusing.”

Reality: The learning curve is real—but short. Roundabouts follow simple rules:

• Yield to traffic already in the circle.
• Signal when exiting.
• Enter when there’s a safe gap.

Studies show that drivers adapt within a few uses. Cities like Carmel, Indiana (with over 140 roundabouts) have shown how even residents initially opposed to roundabouts become advocates after using them.

We have recorded videos on how to get around our roundabouts. Please check out our YouTube page to see those videos. Still have more questions, please send us an email at oxms@oxms.net.

Myth 2: “They’re dangerous for pedestrians and bikers.”

Reality: Roundabouts are safer for pedestrians than traditional intersections because:

• Vehicles are moving slower.
• Pedestrians cross one direction of traffic at a time.
• There’s a “refuge island” in the center for waiting safely.

Oxford cyclists also benefit—roundabouts reduce the number of conflict points where cars and bikes intersect.

Myth 3: “They don’t work in the South.”

Reality: Roundabouts have been successfully installed across the South, including Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Oxford isn’t unique in this area.

Myth 4: “Emergency vehicles and semis can’t get through.”

Reality: Roundabouts are designed for large fire trucks, ambulances, and buses. They include wide turn radii and mountable aprons that allow oversized vehicles to maneuver easily. In fact, emergency responders prefer roundabouts because there are no red lights to get stuck behind.

Myth 5: “They cost too much.”

Reality: Roundabouts may cost slightly more to build upfront, but they pay for themselves in:

• Reduced crash costs.
• Lower maintenance.
• Zero electricity usage.
• Longer lifespan than signalized intersections.

For Oxford’s budget, they are a smart long-term investment.

Myth 6: “They cause backups.”

Reality: When properly designed, roundabouts actually move more cars with less delay. If Oxford installs roundabouts at strategic locations—especially near campus, schools, and major arteries—drivers will experience less congestion, not more. Again, you can expect delays during construction. We hate this as much as you do, but we hope this is temporary for all of us.

7. Why Roundabouts Are a Smart Move for Oxford

In summary, roundabouts are:

• ✅ Safer for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists
• ✅ Faster and more efficient than traffic signals
• ✅ Cheaper over time with fewer maintenance needs
• ✅ Scalable for Oxford’s future growth
• ✅ Greener, reducing emissions and fuel use
• ✅ Visually appealing, with beautification opportunities
• ✅ Proven, with thousands already successful in the U.S.

Oxford deserves infrastructure that matches its ambition—a blend of tradition and forward thinking. Roundabouts do just that. Let’s not wait until traffic and crash numbers force us to act. Let’s lead now, with smarter, safer streets for every Oxonian.

Roundabouts in Oxford: Resident Q&A

🛣️ GENERAL UNDERSTANDING

Q: What exactly is a roundabout?
A: A roundabout is a circular intersection where traffic flows counterclockwise around a central island. Instead of traffic signals or stop signs, drivers yield at entry, enter when clear, and exit at their desired street.

Q: How is a roundabout different from a 4-way stop or traffic light?
A: Unlike intersections where drivers stop and wait, roundabouts allow continuous movement. You only yield if traffic is approaching, reducing delays and crashes.

Q: Why is Oxford considering roundabouts now?
A: Oxford is growing. Roundabouts help reduce crashes, manage higher traffic volumes, and improve long-term infrastructure without constant signal maintenance.

🚦 SAFETY

Q: Are roundabouts really safer?
A: Yes. The Federal Highway Administration reports roundabouts reduce:

• Fatal crashes by up to 90%
• Injury crashes by 76%
• Overall crashes by 37%

Q: Why are they safer than signals or stop signs?
A: They slow vehicles to 15–25 mph and eliminate dangerous left turns and t-bone collisions. Fewer conflict points = fewer chances to crash.

Q: Are roundabouts safe for pedestrians and children?
A: Yes. Pedestrians cross shorter distances, only deal with traffic from one direction at a time, and benefit from slower vehicle speeds.

Q: What about older drivers—will they be confused?
A: Not likely. Older drivers often find them safer once they’re familiar. Education campaigns, signage, and practice help build confidence.

Q: Are roundabouts safe at night or in foggy conditions?
A: Yes. Slower speeds and continuous flow make them safer in low visibility. Reflective signage and lighting help guide drivers.

🚗 TRAFFIC FLOW & FUNCTION

Q: Will a roundabout actually reduce traffic congestion?
A: Yes. Roundabouts reduce delays by 20% to 89%. Vehicles don’t sit at red lights or stop signs unnecessarily, especially during off-peak hours.

Q: What if traffic is heavy on one road but light on the other?
A: Roundabouts help balance flow. Drivers yield, not stop, so minor roads can still merge efficiently.

Q: What if I miss my exit?
A: Just keep driving around the circle until your exit comes around again. There’s no penalty or danger in going around twice.

Q: How will roundabouts handle football weekends and game traffic?
A: Much better than stoplights. Since traffic doesn’t stop completely, roundabouts help move large volumes more efficiently without bottlenecks.

💰 COST & MAINTENANCE

Q: Are roundabouts more expensive to build?
A: Initial construction can be slightly more than a traffic signal, but over time roundabouts are cheaper:

• No electricity bills
• Fewer repairs
• No signals to maintain

Q: Will it save taxpayers money?
A: Yes. Over 20–30 years, roundabouts cost less than signals and reduce crash-related public costs (emergency response, cleanup, court fees, etc.).

Q: Who pays for them?
A: Typically a mix of city funds, state/federal transportation grants, and sometimes developer fees. They’re a long-term investment in public safety and traffic efficiency.

👮 EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Q: Can emergency vehicles use roundabouts?
A: Yes. They’re specifically designed with wide turning radii and mountable aprons for fire trucks, ambulances, and buses.

Q: Do roundabouts slow down emergency response times?
A: No. In fact, they can speed response times because emergency vehicles don’t have to wait at red lights or weave through congested traffic.

🧭 USABILITY & LEARNING

Q: What are the rules for using a roundabout?
A: Easy:

1. Slow down
2. Yield to traffic already in the circle
3. Enter when it’s safe
4. Signal when exiting
5. Never stop inside the roundabout

Q: What if people don’t know how to use them?
A: We want to provide public education: videos, signs, social posts, and demo diagrams. Most drivers adapt quickly—it becomes second nature.

Q: Will there be signs to help?
A: Absolutely. Modern roundabouts include clear signage and pavement markings to guide drivers. The learning curve is short.

Q: What if two cars enter at the same time?
A: The car already in the roundabout has the right-of-way. Drivers entering must yield, just like a yield sign anywhere else.

🏙️ OXFORD-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

Q: Will roundabouts hurt local businesses near intersections?
A: No. Studies show businesses near roundabouts often see more traffic due to smoother access and fewer delays.

Q: Can Oxford make them look nice?
A: Yes! Central islands can be landscaped or decorated with flowers, city signs, or public art—giving each neighborhood a unique identity.

👣 PEDESTRIANS, CYCLISTS, AND ACCESSIBILITY

Q: How do pedestrians cross safely?
A: Pedestrian crossings are set back from the circle, and pedestrians cross one direction at a time with slower-moving traffic.

Q: Are roundabouts ADA-compliant?
A: Yes. Tactile paving, audible signals, and curb ramps are installed to support users with disabilities.

Q: What about bicycles?
A: Cyclists can either ride with traffic or use shared-use paths around the roundabout. Both options are safer due to slower vehicle speeds and reduced conflict points.

🏗️ DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION

Q: How big is a roundabout? Will it fit in tight areas?
A: They come in all sizes. “Mini-roundabouts” can fit within existing intersections. Engineers design them to fit specific locations.

Q: How long does construction take?
A: Most roundabouts can be built in 3–6 months depending on weather, traffic impacts, and complexity. Oxford can phase projects to reduce disruption.

Q: Will construction disrupt traffic?
A: There may be temporary delays, but the city will post detours and updates. Once complete, the benefits will last for decades.

Q: Can they be used in neighborhoods too?
A: Yes. Small “mini-roundabouts” are great for calming traffic in residential areas, near schools, or around parks.

📊 PERFORMANCE & LONG-TERM VALUE

Q: How long do roundabouts last?
A: Many last 30+ years with minimal maintenance—longer than most traffic signals.

Q: What if traffic continues to grow—can roundabouts handle it?
A: Yes. Many roundabouts are designed to be expanded from one lane to two as traffic increases.

Q: Do they work well in rural areas?
A: Absolutely. Rural roundabouts can reduce high-speed crashes at country intersections where stop signs often fail to prevent deadly collisions.