VDOT News - Salem

SALEM – The new roundabout at the intersection of Route 311 and Route 419 in Roanoke County at Hanging Rock is expected to open to traffic on the afternoon of Friday, July 15.  Prior to the detour being removed, flaggers will control traffic at the intersection to install pavement markings.

Drivers should be aware of the following tips to use a roundabout.

• Pay attention to signs and pavement markings.
• Yield to vehicles already in the circle as they approach from the left and merge when safe.
• Navigate the circle at a slow, steady pace, and do not stop once in the roundabout.
• Use turn signals correctly to not confuse other drivers.
• Be aware of the speed and position of nearby road users.

Once the new roundabout is open to traffic, motorists should continue to expect periodic nighttime lane closures, and flaggers controlling traffic around the intersection. Additional paving and pavement marking will be scheduled in the months ahead. The project is expected to be completed this fall.

Roundabouts enhance safety, improve traffic flow and cost less to maintain when compared to a traditional intersection. For more information about roundabouts, visit Innovative Intersections and Interchanges - Info | Virginia Department of Transportation (virginiadot.org).

The construction contract for the roundabout project is valued at approximately $2.4 million.  E.C. Pace from Roanoke is the contractor.

Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.