(Over the course of the week, the Natchitoches Parish Journal is republishing some of its most memorable stories from the past year … some of our readers favorites).
Since its late-2024 debut, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s new $4.4 million turbo roundabout at the intersection of LA 6 and LA 504 has begun to deliver on its promise of improved traffic flow and safety—but not without some learning curves.
The two-lane roundabout was introduced to streamline access near I-49 and to help reduce congestion and accidents by eliminating conflict points inherent in traditional intersections. It also offered energy and maintenance savings over traffic signal-controlled crossings.
Since opening, however, drivers have occasionally misused the design—most notably attempting to change lanes between the raised lane dividers inside the circle. DOTD is making adjustments to the geometry of the lane dividers to prevent weaving into adjacent lanes.
Another challenge has surfaced: some motorists have been turning hard left into the inside lane like they would in a standard roundabout. This maneuver often led them to “jump” the curb due to the turbo roundabout design, which doesn’t allow a full loop. In this design, entering the inside lane naturally shifts traffic outward rather than looping back continuously. To reduce confusion, DOTD crews will be reapplying clear roadway legends and striping to guide drivers into the proper lane.
DOTD says this adjustment phase is typical when a new traffic pattern is introduced. The turbo design—seen in Europe and now working to expand in Louisiana—offers greater capacity and significantly improved safety compared to standard multi-lane roundabouts by reducing conflict points and lane-changing opportunities.
By revisiting apron geometry, lane markings, and traffic guidance, DOTD hopes to better assist drivers through the roundabout and ensure it operates as intended.
