Town of Thatcher Completes First-Ever Roundabout in Graham and Greenlee Counties - Mitigating a Confusing and Dangerous 5-Way Intersection.

By Heath H. Brown, PE, Engineer, Town of Thatcher

At the direction of Mayor Bob Rivera, the Thatcher Town Council and Town Manager Terry Hinton, the Town of Thatcher has recently completed a modern neighborhood roundabout, the first roundabout ever constructed in Graham and Greenlee Counties.

The roundabout was constructed at a five-way intersection in a neighborhood that had a history of traffic congestion, accidents and confusion. The Intersection of Hoopes Ave., Golf Course Rd., and Robinson Ave. is the gateway into the Daley Estates neighborhood with over 500 homes. Prior to the roundabout, the intersection had stop signs on three legs, with the other street being free-flow. In addition, the speed limit lowered from 45 mph to 25 mph very near the intersection area, which resulted in high rates of speed through the intersection.

The roundabout was designed to control the direction and speed of traffic, reducing speeds to approximately15 mph, thereby reducing the risk of serious injury collisions. The roundabout features a center island with raised curb bump-outs and directional islands at each leg, as well as a truck apron to accommodate larger vehicles, such as semi-trailers, busses, or vehicles towing trailers. Care was also taken to not impede the access to the existing convenience store on the north-west corner, while providing a safe route for vehicles entering and exiting the store.

Construction of the roundabout began the latter part of March 2017 and was completed in August 2017. The cost of the project was $320,000 and completely funded by the Town of Thatcher. The survey and design of the roundabout was completed entirely by the Town's Engineering Department. Safety, durability, and cost were the main criteria in considering design aspects and options, as well as completing a project that improved the attractiveness of the area. The decision to use concrete in the roundabout traveled-way was made to provide a surface that will hold up much longer than asphalt.

The new roundabout now successfully handles the five legs of traffic, slowing down vehicles and allowing drivers to traverse the intersection in a safe manner. The design also creates a safer path for pedestrians by reducing the street crossing distances, slowing vehicles, and providing clear direction.

"It was built in the name of safety," Mayor Bob Rivera said. "Vehicles were entering the intersection at 45 miles per hour, not obeying the posted 25 miles per hour, therefore leading to severe accidents, and resident's concern about the safety of the intersection."

The Town of Thatcher is enjoying a safer and more orderly intersection with the construction of the roundabout. Safety being the main focus of the roundabout, much thought was also given to the landscaping details, to bring a modern and clean look to this neighborhood that is well appreciated by residents. Local landscape designer Jaelynne Palmer completed the design of the center island landscaping pro bono, and did a wonderful job. Overhead power lines were also placed underground in an effort to enhance the aesthetics of the area.

If you would like more details or information on Thatcher's successful roundabout project, please feel free to contact:

Heath H. Brown, PE
Town Engineer
3700 W. Main St.
Thatcher, AZ 85552
928-424-2242 hbrown@thatcher.az.gov