Police had to step in to help the city of Fayetteville on an intersection whose newly-introduced roundabout was supposed to alleviate traffic, not plug it up.
The city unveiled a new roundabout Wednesday on Futrall Drive just off of the interstate near Washington Regional Medical Center. City engineer Chris Brown warned that it may take some time for drivers to get used to the new intersection, and so far he seems to be right, according to the Fayetteville Police Department.
Police have had to station officers at the intersection because of driver confusion at the roundabout, said Sgt. Craig Stout.
The roundabout is meant to keep drivers going through the intersection without stopping if there is no traffic, but many cars are stopping regardless, creating long lines down the streets. Some drivers have attempted to illegally turn left onto the roundabout, leading the city to create one-way signs for the location in the middle of the roundabout’s first day, Stout said.
Despite the confusion, Stout there have not yet been any traffic accidents at the roundabout.
The roundabout will be one lane until its second lane is completed in the next 60 days, Brown said.
The roundabout is Fayetteville’s first, although engineers hope to open more in the area.
