HSIP: Nordale Road / Peede Road Roundabout
IRIS # NFHWY00948, Federal Project # Pending

Nordale Road / Peede Road Roundabout project location

Intro

We are designing a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Nordale Road and Peede Road with the goal of improving safety and reducing crashes. For intersections like this one, a roundabout is a safer and more efficient solution than a 4-way stop or traffic signal.

Project Schedule

The project team is currently working on preliminary design concepts and environmental documentation. Currently there are no ROW impacts anticipated for this project. We expect this roundabout will be constructed in 2028.

Purpose

Nordale Road serves as the only connection across the Chena River from Badger Road to Chena Hot Springs Road. Peede Road, meanwhile, is a commonly used short cut from Badger Road to Nordale Road and the two-way stop controlled intersection of Peede Road and Nordale Road has accumulated a history of vehicle crashes. The purpose of this project is to improve safety and reduce crashes at this intersection. The decision to move forward with the design of a roundabout at this location was based on the documented safety benefits of roundabouts. This project is federally funded through our Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP).

Why a roundabout?

Based on available data, the most common type of vehicle crash at this intersection is Angle-T-Bone, which commonly happens because side street traffic runs the stop sign or does not correctly gauge gaps in oncoming traffic.

The Federal Highway Administration and the State of Alaska have a “Roundabouts First” policy that requires us to consider a roundabout before other potential solutions like a traffic signal. We determined that a roundabout at this intersection will improve safety and reduce crashes and crash severity.

Why are roundabouts safer than a signal or stop sign?

Fewer opportunities for crashes: In a traditional four-way intersection, there are more points where vehicle paths conflict with each other. For example, a vehicle turning left could be in conflict with on-coming traffic. In a roundabout, there are fewer opportunities for conflict because vehicles are flowing in the same direction around the roundabout.

Less-severe crashes: The types of crashes that occur in a traditional four-way intersection include high-speed t-bone and head-on crashes that are more likely to be serious. Crashes that occur in roundabouts tend to happen at slower speeds and be side-angle crashes, which are typically less severe.

Rules of the roundabout

Unsure what you’re supposed to do when approaching a roundabout? Here are four simple steps:

1. Slow down: Reduce your speed as you approach the roundabout and watch for pedestrians in the crosswalks.
2. Yield: As you approach the roundabout, look to your left and yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Traffic inside the roundabout always has the right-of-way.
3. Enter when there is a gap: You do not need to come to a full stop if you can enter safely without stopping.
4. Signal when exiting: Turning your right blinker on when you are exiting is a courtesy to other drivers, but not a legal requirement.

Visit our roundabouts website to learn more.