Construction of a single-lane roundabout is planned in 2027 at the intersection of Hwy 63/Hwy 247 and Olmsted Co. Rd. 12 in Olmsted County. A box culvert will also be replaced east of that intersection on Hwy 247.
This roundabout is being built to improve safety by addressing the existing and growing trend of right-angle crashes at the intersection, which has a high rate of right-angle crashes (72% of the crashes). Recent crash history shows that motorists entering or crossing Hwy 63 have difficulty selecting adequate gaps in the mainline traffic.
A wide variety of low-cost safety enhancements have been implemented at the intersection to improve safety, such as LED-enhanced stop signs, pavement markings and other advance warnings. However, even with these improvements, right-angle crashes at the intersection remain a distinctive crash trend and safety concern.
Benefits of a roundabout
Significantly reduces the risk of serious and fatal crashes
Roundabouts show an 86% decrease in fatal crashes and an 83% decrease in life-altering injury crashes
Allows drivers to get through the intersection more safely and in less time
Roundabouts handle high levels of traffic with less delay than most stop signs or signals
Slows traffic to make entering and exiting the area easier for all users
Entry curves in the approach will slow traffic entering
Navigating a roundabout
Roundabouts may be unfamiliar at first, but with practice, navigating them will get easier with each trip. Learn more about roundabouts.
Traffic impacts
Road closure and detours will be used during construction. More details will be developed and communicated prior to construction in 2027.
