U.S. Route 160 and Route EE Intersection Safety Improvements in Christian

How will the new intersection be different from the existing intersection?

A roundabout, with more of an oval shape, will be installed at this intersection. The roundabout will include a truck apron to help trucks and trailers navigate the roundabout and will allow for longer vehicles to easily navigate the intersection.

What is the purpose of this intersection improvement?

The purpose of this project is to remove signals on high-speed routes, such as U.S. Route 160, and to improve the safety of this intersection and minimize or eliminate the crashes on the northeast intersection.  As the agency responsible for the safe operation of these roadways, it is our responsibility to provide a solution that addresses the problem and provides lasting benefits to the system. 

Will the U.S. Route 160, Christian County Route EE, and Mulberry Road intersection be closed during construction?

The U.S. Route 160, Christian County Route EE, and Mulberry Road intersection will NOT be closed during construction of the roundabout.  However, there may be temporary short closures to allow the contractor to tie in the routes new access to the roundabout.

Why was a roundabout chosen for this intersection?

The purpose of this project is to remove signals on high-speed routes, such as U.S. Route 160, and to improve the safety of this intersection and minimize or eliminate the crashes on the northeast intersection.  A roundabout is the best solution for this location.  The configuration of a roundabout forces traffic to slow down and eliminates right angle crashes by directing all traffic in the same direction.  At the same time, roundabouts allow for a smooth flow of traffic and eliminate the unnecessary delays experienced at signals.

We have roundabouts throughout our 21-county district that are functioning well and providing the safety and traffic flow benefits we anticipated.  Other high-speed (55 mph or greater) locations include U.S. 60 and Route 43 near Seneca, Route 96 and Route 171 north of Carl Junction, Route 96 and Route 43 near Webb City, U.S. 166 at Downstream Casino, three locations along U.S. 160 in Willard and Route M at Repmo Drive (Republic High School).  We also have numerous locations on roadways with posted speeds below 55 mph, including urban areas and interstate interchanges.  These roundabouts are designed specific to each location, with some locations serving more truck traffic than others, but they all provide improved safety and traffic flow.

All the national studies and data show roundabouts to be the safer improvement.  Before and after studies based on multiple locations throughout the U.S. show that converting two-way stop-controlled intersections to a roundabout lead to an 82% reduction in fatal and injury crashes. Our experience with roundabouts in our own district has also shown that to be true. 

Isn’t the speed of Route 160 too fast for a roundabout?

We have roundabouts throughout our 21-county district that are functioning well and providing the safety and traffic flow benefits we anticipated.  Roundabouts at high-speed (55 mph or greater) locations include U.S. 60 and Route 43 near Seneca, Route 96 and Route 171 north of Carl Junction, Route 96 and Route 43 near Webb City, U.S. 166 at Downstream Casino, three locations along U.S. 160 in Willard and Route M at Repmo Drive (Republic High School). These roundabouts are designed specific to each location, with some locations serving more truck traffic than others, but they all provide improved safety and traffic flow.

Can 5th Wheelers, RV’s and boats use a roundabout?

Each roundabout is designed specific to each location, with some locations serving more specific types of traffic than others, but roundabouts provide improved safety and traffic flow for all types of vehicles, including recreational vehicles. Special design considerations are used when we know that we’ll have larger vehicles and truck with trailer combinations utilizing these intersections. One example is transversable truck aprons around the center island to allow the larger vehicles to off-track, if needed, while maintaining slower speeds for typical passenger vehicles as they travel through the roundabout.