Oates Associates recently received an Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies – Illinois for the Poplar Street Reconstruction in Highland, Illinois

Poplar Street is the major north-south route within the City of Highland. While about a half-mile of this road was improved, the significant aspect of this project was construction of the first modern roundabout constructed in Southern Illinois.

Benefits of a roundabout intersection are numerous. Points of vehicle and pedestrian conflicts are reduced significantly, creating a safer intersection. Energy and maintenance costs are reduced by the elimination of traffic signals. Roundabouts improve air quality by reducing the time a vehicle is idling at the intersection because they are designed to allow a continuous traffic flow. In addition, a roundabout will improve the aesthetics of the intersection with green space and landscaping within a center island.