The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has completed a new roundabout at the intersection of US 191 and state routes 75 and 78 in southeastern Arizona. The intersection, known locally as Three Way, is located between Safford and Clifton.
Previously, a traffic signal controlled the intersection. ADOT states that the roundabout is intended to improve safety and reduce congestion at this location. According to the agency, modern roundabouts are effective in lowering the number of crashes that result in injuries or fatalities by slowing down vehicles, improving visibility, and decreasing potential points of conflict between vehicles.
“Vehicles in a roundabout have the right of way, and other drivers are required by law to yield to traffic approaching from the left. Wait for a gap in traffic, then carefully proceed into the roundabout,” ADOT said in its announcement.
State law requires drivers to yield to large trucks when navigating roundabouts on state highways and local roads. Large trucks—defined as those with a total length of at least 40 feet or width of 10 feet or more—are permitted by law to deviate from travel lanes if necessary while passing through a roundabout.
ADOT says this project aligns with its Strategic Highway Safety Plan, which was developed with input from both state and local partners. The plan focuses on reducing serious crashes across Arizona’s roadways.
Construction began in 2024. In addition to building the roundabout, improvements were made to drainage systems and signage at the site. During construction, ADOT used flagging operations and limited workdays to Mondays through Thursdays in order to keep traffic moving and minimize delays for drivers.
Further details about this project can be found on ADOT’s website under Southeast District projects (https://azdot.gov/projects), while information about modern roundabouts is available at azdot.gov/roundabouts (https://azdot.gov/roundabouts).
