I-69 Ohio River Crossing officials say that the full configuration of all three Second Street roundabouts opened Saturday.
With that, officials urge caution the first few days as drivers acclimate to the new configuration. Instead of driving in a single lane with only orange barrels beside a vehicle, drivers will now be navigating the roundabouts with another vehicle beside it, said Mindy Peterson, the spokesperson for I-69 ORX.
Peterson also said drivers need to be aware of larger vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, and give them extra space while driving through the roundabouts.
Red brick concrete surface encircles the center of the roundabouts is called a truck apron, Peterson said. It is there for trucks to get through the roundabouts, she said. She warned drivers not to be alarmed if large trucks or vehicles use that extra space while driving the roundabouts.
Peterson said the top tip for driving the roundabouts is to move into the needed lane before entering the corridor. For example, taking the right lane will allow a driver to go straight or to take an exit to the right. Taking a left lane will allow a driver to go straight, turn left or make a full U-turn where allowed on the roundabouts, she said.
“If (drivers) know where they’re going before entering the corridor, they’re going to be more confident,” she said.
(See tips and decision points below)
Another tip Peterson mentioned is to never change lanes while in a roundabout.
Additionally, at about the same time Saturday, the on/off exit from U.S. 41 to Ky. 2084 will be closed. Drivers will not be able to exit onto Ky. 2084 from U.S. 41, nor will they be able to get onto U.S. 41 from Ky. 2084, Peterson said.
Finally, Peterson reminded drivers in the eastern portion of the county that construction on a similar roundabout configuration will begin on U.S. 60 near Tscharner Road has begun and traffic shifts will be coming soon.
