‘Modular Roundabouts’ Offer Quick-Build Traffic Safety Solution

A new type of modular roundabout installed in Ashland, Nebraska costs less than half as much as traditional roundabouts and can be installed in less time.

As Ben Thorpe reports in Equipment World, “NDOT's new modular roundabout in Ashland won the "Best Use of Technology and Innovation, Small Project" in the 2024 America's Transportation Awards. The project converted a two-way stop with a roundabout installed in pieces over the existing pavement.”

The roundabout’s manufacturer, ZKxKZ, has installed 15 roundabouts in five states so far. According to ZKxKZ vice president Adam Lanik, “Our primary objective is basically to reduce cost and reduce the time to install. That's what we continue to do to this day, leveraging this quick-build approach. It may sound like a temporary solution, and it can be used in that fashion, but this is designed for a permanent solution.” The roundabouts are designed to last 10 to 15 years and can bear weight up to 80,000 pounds.

While Lanik doesn’t expect his roundabouts to replace permanent installations, the quick-build approach can help cities introduce roundabouts to residents at a lower cost.