TxDOT will build a $4.5 million roundabout at the intersection of Texas 60 and FM 2668.
A roundabout is a circular intersection where drivers travel counterclockwise around a center island.
The roundabout will feature single lane approaches from all four sides of the intersection.
Construction is expected to begin in the first part of 2022 and estimated to last 15 months, depending on the weather.
“There will be roundabout signage posted, but no traffic lights at the intersection,” said Lucea’n Kuykendall, TxDOT – Yoakum District Public Information Officer.
“Modern roundabouts use yield signs rather than traffic lights to control vehicles entering the intersection.”
The roundabout is a direct result from Bay City Chamber of Commerce President Mitch Thames’ efforts to get an overpass built at the same intersection.
“We heard from TxDOT that that intersection was identified as ‘dangerous’ based on several years’ worth of accident data about five or six years ago,” said Thames.
“That prompted County Judge Nate McDonald and I to look for ways to make it safer. We wanted an overpass similar to Texas 71 in Austin and I’d hoped that TxDOT would be with us on it.”
Thames added that he did not know the specific statistics off hand.
“Historically, there have been several fatal and serious injury crashes at this intersection,” said Kuykendall, without providing numerical data.
“Analyzation of available crash data over the past five years concluded that several near misses, fatality and serious injury crashes are still occurring despite the implementation of previous safety improvements at this intersection and that a roundabout would significantly enhance intersection safety at this location.”
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