Santa Cruz County has installed its first roundabout in Rio Rico and the reason is to alleviate traffic.
One of the busiest intersections in Rio Rico at the intersection of W Frontage Road and Peck Canyon, hundreds of people pass by and many of them are going to school.
The Santa Cruz County Public Works Department says before, there was only one stop sign for cars coming off Interstate 19.
Now, with this roundabout their goal is to increase the flow of traffic, especially during rush hour.
The entire project cost about $60,000 and also included new turn lanes and sidewalks.
The county says as long as drivers follow the rules of the roundabout and get used to driving through it, they see no problem leaving it there permanently.
How to Drive Around Modern Roundabouts
As you enter a roundabout, remember two key points:
- Never merge. The right of way is observed at the yield sign. Motorists already in the roundabout have the right of way. You must slow down or stop to yield to traffic approaching from the left. Wait for a gap in traffic, then carefully proceed into the roundabout.
- Go SLOW:
- Slow down to 15-25 mph when entering.
- Let vehicles already circulating go ahead.
- Obey all one-way signs.
- Watch for pedestrians, bicyclists, emergency vehicles and large vehicles.
For more information on roundabouts, visit AZDOT.GOV.
