Navigating the new Lexington Avenue roundabout

Many people view the opening day of the multilane roundabout on Lexington Avenue with hesitation.

It leaves many wondering: Exactly what is a multilane roundabout?

That question, of course, begs another: Might all the confusion cause more harm than good?

This graphic uses tips from MoDOT to illustrate how the new roundabout on Lexington Avenue is properly used.

Brian Holt, resident engineer with the Missouri Department of Transportation, said the idea can be confusing to those who have never seen or driven through a multilane roundabout, which opened Thursday, ahead of schedule.

"When we say it's multilane, that really just means certain sections of the roundabout have two lanes," he said.

Sections that have two lanes follow the alignment of Lexington, Holt said. So vehicles that want to access east or west Lexington Avenue may use the interior or exterior lanes within the roundabout. Drivers entering the roundabout who wish to turn onto Kingsway or Route W would use the interior lane, which goes all the way around the roundabout.

Holt said the roundabout was designed this way to accommodate the high traffic levels in the area.

"The multilane design allows traffic along Lexington to flow more freely through the roundabout," said Holt.

Overhead signs and pavement markings were placed on the approaches to help direct drivers, he added.

MoDOT also issued navigation tips in a handout on its website to help drivers get through the roundabout safely.

According to the MoDOT handout, drivers entering the roundabout should stay in one lane and not pass other vehicles. Motorists also should be aware that commercial and oversized vehicles sometimes may need both lanes and should not drive next to them.

The handout said commercial vehicles can navigate the structure "in nearly the same manner as a passenger vehicle." But to help larger trucks easily complete turns, it said they may need to use the "truck apron," which is the raised portion in the center of the roundabout. The truck apron allows the back wheels of a truck to ride up to assist in the turn.

The handout also explains the best way to handle the approach of an emergency vehicle. Drivers who have not yet entered the roundabout may pull over to the right lane, it said, but those already in the roundabout should continue through it and pull off onto the shoulder after exiting.

Vehicles already going through the roundabout should not stop to yield for vehicles waiting to enter, the handout said.

MoDOT will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the project's completion at 10 a.m. Sept. 24.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Lexington Avenue and Kingsway Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo.