Abstract
Modern roundabouts have emerged as an increasingly popular design option for intersections throughout the United States (US), including California. Many states and cities are considering roundabouts as a viable alternative to other Traffic Control Devices (TCD’s) and complex freeway interchanges to improve safety and operational efficiency at intersections. This research project analyzed the traffic feasibility design study and relevant field data of the roundabout intersection at Sheldon and Waterman Road in Elk Grove, California to specifically address the performance issues related to roundabout design and operation. The results in this study provides an overall picture of the operational performance of Sheldon and Waterman Road roundabout. It was found that there were statistically significant reductions in delay, queuing and proportion stopped at the study site after the installation of a modern roundabout. However, most of the measures of effectiveness are worse than those predicted in traffic feasibility design study.