The city of Conway plans to expand its network of roundabouts, aiming to improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion.

Six new roundabouts are set to be constructed, with one already underway at the intersection of Donaghey Avenue, Western Avenue and Caldwell Street. 

Bobby Kelly, the communications coordinator for the City of Conway, said the city has implemented roundabouts to improve traffic conditions without expanding roads or encroaching on private properties by adding more lanes. 

Kelly said this approach is particularly significant in residential areas, where expanding roads could negatively impact the community.

Dave Parker, the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s public information officer, said various studies have proven that roundabouts are safer than traditional intersections. 

One main reason is the significant reduction in conflict points or potential spots where collisions occur. 

Traditional intersections can have up to 32 conflict points, while roundabouts reduce that number to just eight. 

This drastic decrease minimizes the likelihood of severe crashes, which are more common in standard intersections. 

In a roundabout, crashes are typically side impacts rather than head-on collisions. 

Additionally, roundabouts provide a smoother traffic flow since drivers yield instead of coming to a complete stop, which also helps reduce congestion. 

From a maintenance perspective, roundabouts are more accessible and less costly than traditional stoplights.

“Once you get through that initial fear, if you will, of them, they do move things quicker and more safely. And that’s what ARDOT is all about,” Parker said.

The city has observed the positive impact of roundabouts in reducing congestion and major traffic accidents. 

Kelly said the feedback regarding roundabouts has been mainly positive, leading the city to continue its construction efforts.

“I think that the mayor said it best: ‘Yes, we’re obviously the city of colleges, but we also are the fastest growing city in the state of Arkansas, two consecutive years in a row, and we want to be able to have that growth while reducing traffic,’” Kelly said.

Kelly said public opinion has played a crucial role in determining the locations of the new roundabouts. Kelly highlighted that the public’s feedback in a survey significantly influenced the selection of locations, such as Salem Road and Meadowlake Road, which were not initially part of the city’s plans.

Furthermore, Conway is considering incorporating public art and landscaping in future roundabouts, drawing inspiration from the sculpture ‘Unity’ at Martin Luther King Jr. Square.

Parker said, “Conway has increased by 10 or 12 roundabouts in roughly seven or eight years. So, if you want to use that as any measuring stick, you could argue that Conway will have up to 50 roundabouts in the next ten years. They seem to be working. And we love that because, as I said earlier, they’re safer and better overall.”

Kelly said Conway will update the public on roundabout construction through various channels, including social media, its website, TV and newspaper interviews, digital message boards, and direct mail to nearby residents.

In the future, it plans to introduce mobile app notifications.