For decades, the closest anyone in metro Atlanta came to a roundabout while driving was hearing the Yes song “Roundabout” on the radio. Times have changed, and roundabouts are becoming a helpful solution to traffic headaches across the nation.
To address bottlenecks at Idlewood Road intersections with Sarr Parkway and Fellowship Road, the City of Tucker is replacing traffic lights with roundabouts. Both projects are designed to reduce backups, improve sidewalks and make trips safer for families, commuters and delivery drivers.
As a four-way intersection, the roundabout at the Idlewood Road and Fellowship Road will be the larger of the two, with wider islands for pedestrians and more sidewalk development in all four directions. Both intersections will include pedestrian push buttons connected to solar-powered crossing lights.
At Sarr Parkway, a 2023 City study estimated an average delay of about 63 seconds per vehicle during the afternoon rush. That includes waiting in the backup before reaching the light, and some vehicles wait longer. At a roundabout, instead of waiting for the next green light, drivers yield to traffic already in the circle and enter when a safe gap opens.
Idlewood Road roundabouts at the Sarr Parkway and Fellowship Road intersections. Select for a larger view.
Reducing intersection delays should help ease school-hour backups near Tucker Middle School on Idlewood Road and Stone Mountain Middle School on Sarr Parkway, which is also in the City of Tucker.
In addition to reducing delays from stop-and-go traffic, including delays from those who become distracted while waiting for a light to change, roundabouts also result in fewer accidents.
Nationally, for intersections where roundabouts replace traffic lights, the Federal Highway Administration cites research showing 48% fewer crashes overall and 78% fewer crashes involving injury or death. This enables first responders to spend their limited time and specialized skills elsewhere.
For businesses in both the Tucker-Northlake CID and the Tucker Summit CID, fewer stops and shorter backups can mean easier access for customers, employees and deliveries.
The Tucker Summit CID’s freight study identified tight turns at Sarr Parkway as a problem for trucks and buses. The new design provides more turning room, including a paved area around the center island that truck wheels can roll over. This will help trucks serving local businesses turn more safely.
The $2.47 million construction contract covers both roundabouts. The City’s schedule calls for a total construction period of 18 to 24 months, with Sarr Parkway scheduled to be finished first. Lane closures are scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To help visualize the coming changes, watch the City’s morning and afternoon traffic simulations. Check the project page for updates.