A planned roundabout at Park Road and Zeeb Road in Scio Township is moving into the design phase.

The intersection, just south of the Meijer on South Zeeb Road, is scheduled for a modern, single-lane roundabout in 2028. The Washtenaw County Road Commission has secured funding for the project through federal dollars and the Michigan Transportation Fund.

Before construction begins, drivers may see crews in the area for survey work and other field investigations. On May 4, a geotechnical consultant working for the road commission is expected to begin collecting pavement and soil samples at the intersection.

The road will remain open during that work, but drivers should expect delays from intermittent lane closures. The work is expected to take about five days, though the schedule could change because of weather.

Brent Schlack, WCRC’s director of engineering and county highway engineer, said the road commission looks at costs, benefits, safety and congestion when deciding whether a roundabout is the right fit for an intersection.

“We evaluate the intersection,” Schlack said. “It’s a good tool. It helps to reduce delay and reduces the severity of crashes.”

Schlack said roundabouts are designed to slow vehicles and reduce the types of crashes most likely to cause serious injuries, including T-bone crashes, which happen at a 90-degree angle.

“You get more glancing blows, and it reduces speeds,” Schlack said.

The Federal Highway Administration lists roundabouts as a proven safety countermeasure. The agency says roundabouts reduce vehicle speeds and conflict points, which can substantially reduce crashes that cause injuries or deaths. For signalized intersections converted to roundabouts, the agency cites a 78% reduction in fatal and injury crashes.

According to the road commission, Park Road and Zeeb Road was chosen because of ongoing traffic delays during peak travel times.

“Roundabouts offer notable enhancements in safety and traffic flow for all road users,” said Neeko Robison, WCRC project manager, in the project announcement. “Additionally, this project is expected to alleviate congestion and reduce vehicle idling at intersections.”

During construction in 2028, the intersection is expected to close for several weeks, with a detour posted. The road commission said it will provide advance notice before the closure and keep residents updated through the project website and other communication channels.

The road commission also plans to hold a virtual public information meeting so residents can learn more about the design, timeline and expected traffic impacts.

More information is available on WCRC’s Park Road at Zeeb Road roundabout project page.

Featured image: Zeeb Road faces south at Park Road in Scio Township, just south of the Meijer on South Zeeb Road. Image: Google Street View