Young, Peters Introduce Bill to Improve Traffic Safety, Expand Eligibility in Infrastructure Projects

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) introduced the Visionary Intersections Modernization Act , legislation to improve traffic safety and provide additional options for states and local communities seeking federal funding to construct roundabouts. The legislation would amend the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program to include the construction of roundabouts as an eligible use of funding. “Federal investments in infrastructure should prioritize safety and allow communities to best protect their residents,” said Senator Young . “Roundabouts have proven to be a safe and effective way to improve traffic flow and reduce serious accidents. In Indiana, communities like Carmel have demonstrated the benefits roundabouts can provide for drivers and pedestrians. Our bill will give communities across the country more choices when seeking federal funding for infrastructure projects.” “Roundabouts are proven to make our roads safer and more efficient,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan, commonsense bill would give communities in Michigan and across the country greater flexibility to invest in infrastructure upgrades, including roundabouts, that improve safety, ease congestion, and best meet the needs of residents.” Indiana has been a national leader in the use of roundabouts. Carmel has approximately 150 roundabouts, more than any other city in the United States. Since the city began constructing roundabouts in the late 1990s, accidents with injuries have declined approximately 80% and overall accidents by 40%. The legislation is supported by Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Traffic Safety Services Association, and the Safe Routes Partnership. U.S. Representatives Laura Gillen (D-NY) and Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Full text of the legislation can be found here .