The New York State Department of Transportation

The New York State Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that major construction has been completed on the roundabout at routes 20 and 60 in the village of Fredonia.

As part of this project, a new two-lane roundabout, designed to accommodate large trucks, was constructed at the existing signalized intersection. In addition, raised medians were constructed at three approaches, including the east and west approaches on Route 20, and the north approach on Route 60.

“From the beginning, this project had a goal of enhancing the safety, capacity and mobility of the intersection of East Main Street and Bennett Road for the thousands of motorists, pedestrians and cyclists who use it every day,” said state DOT commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. “Transportation projects are often transformative for communities and the end result of this project is the transformation of a busy intersection into a modern, more efficient crossing which will have long-term benefits for the entire community.”

The raised medians and new roundabout at the intersection of East Main Street and Bennett Road will reduce the frequency and severity of crashes involving left-turns into commercial driveways at the approaches to the intersection. The completed project will also help maintain the flow of traffic by requiring vehicles to enter and exit the driveways with right turn movements only. In addition, the upgraded sidewalks and curb ramps will provide additional mobility and connectivity for pedestrians, making this a safer facility for all users.

A roundabout is engineered to maximize safety and minimize congestion. In addition, with the installation of a roundabout, often there is a decrease in the severity of crashes, which typically occur at a slower speed. Traffic flows more freely through roundabouts than at traditional intersections, cutting congestion and commute time. Reduced vehicle idling time means fewer fuel emissions and improved air quality. Roundabouts eliminate the need for electricity-powered traffic signals, provide a more walkable community, and an aesthetically pleasing landscape.

State Sen. George Borrello said, “With the completion of this project, important safety and efficiency upgrades should improve traffic conditions in and around that intersection. The path forward for this project involved many local voices and differing views and my thanks go out to those residents and businesses who shared their input. Community participation was important in this project and helped produce a better end result. My thanks go out to the Commissioner and team at DOT for their efforts and their continuing dedication to a strong and safe transportation network in New York State.”