By Jon Johnson
THREE WAY – Construction on a federally]-funded $6.5 million roundabout to replace the traditional stop-sign intersection connecting the Gila Valley with the Clifton/Morenci area as well as Duncan and New Mexico is on schedule for completion in Spring 2025.
The intersection of U.S. Highway 191 North, State Route 75, and State Route 78 – known as Three-Way is perhaps the ideal location for a roundabout, according to proponents.
The purpose of the project, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), is to enhance safety by improving sight distances and relieving traffic backups.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, studies have shown roundabouts to reduce injury crashes at intersections where they replaced stop signs or signals by 75 percent. The studies also showed a 90 percent reduction in fatality collisions and a 37 percent reduction in overall collisions.
Part of the reason for the less dangerous crashes is that vehicles slow down when entering a roundabout and due to its circular nature, head-on collisions are rarely seen.
Additionally, roundabouts do not require power like signals, eliminate hardware and electrical costs, and are much cheaper to maintain.
