Garden Valley Road and Melrose Road Roundabout Project in the Works

Douglas County's $9M project will construct a partial multilane roundabout at Garden Valley and Melrose Road, reducing crash severity, improving traffic flow, and enhancing safety for all drivers at this high-risk intersection northwest of Roseburg.

Garden Valley Road and Melrose Road Roundabout Project in the Works
Garden Valley and Melrose Rd

Douglas County and ODOT records show a new project to enhance safety and traffic efficiency at the intersection of Garden Valley Road and Melrose Road, located about half a mile northwest of Roseburg. This intersection, currently a high-speed rural junction, has experienced multiple serious crashes in recent years. The project aims to address these safety concerns while improving overall traffic flow.


Project Overview

The proposed plan involves constructing a partial multilane roundabout at the intersection. This design has been chosen over other alternatives, such as traffic signals, due to its proven ability to reduce crash severity and improve traffic conditions in similar high-speed rural settings.

Purpose and Need
The project addresses the following critical concerns:

  • Reducing the number and severity of crashes at this high-speed intersection.
  • Improving safety for all road users, including beginner and elderly drivers.
  • Enhancing traffic flow and reducing delays compared to traditional stop signs or signals.

Construction is estimated to start in 2026. The project is currently in the Draft phase. Sources say the project is being funded by Douglas County; however, the Oregon Department of Transportation is overseeing the project.


Benefits of the Roundabout

The partial multilane roundabout is expected to provide numerous advantages, including:

  • Enhanced Safety: Roundabouts are shown to reduce the severity of crashes by minimizing high-impact collisions, such as T-bone or head-on crashes.
  • Speed Control: The design encourages drivers to slow down through the intersection, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
  • Environmental Impact: Vehicles move continuously through roundabouts, which decreases fuel consumption and pollution by minimizing idling times.
  • Operational Efficiency: Unlike traffic signals, roundabouts remain functional during power outages and require less maintenance, leading to lower operational costs.
  • Improved Traffic Flow: The roundabout design increases capacity, allowing vehicles to move efficiently through the intersection without the delays often associated with traffic signals.

Estimated Project Cost

The total estimated cost for the Garden Valley Road and Melrose Road Roundabout Project is $9,014,727. This investment will ensure long-term improvements in traffic safety and efficiency for the area.


Why a Roundabout?

While traffic signals were considered as an alternative solution, roundabouts were determined to be the superior option for this rural high-speed location. Studies have consistently demonstrated that roundabouts significantly reduce the severity of crashes compared to signalized intersections. Additionally, roundabouts are more cost-effective in terms of long-term maintenance and operation.


Roundabout Concerns

Opposition to the proposed roundabout at Garden Valley and Melrose Roads highlights several community concerns. Many residents are worried about the steep learning curve, particularly for elderly drivers, in an area where roundabouts are uncommon—there’s only one other roundabout in the entire city, located on Alameda Avenue.

Critics argue that the adjustment period for drivers, especially seniors, could cause confusion and increase traffic issues for the next 5 to 10 years. Additionally, concerns have been raised about whether adequate traffic studies were conducted, with some believing the roundabout could worsen traffic rather than improve it. The area sees frequent use by large vehicles, including log trucks, cement mixers, and rock-hauling trucks, leading to doubts about how such heavy equipment will navigate the design efficiently.


Location Details

The intersection is situated just northwest of Roseburg, where Garden Valley Road meets Melrose Road. This area has been identified as a high-priority location for traffic safety improvements due to its history of severe crashes and high-speed conditions.


Conclusion

The Garden Valley Road and Melrose Road Roundabout Project represents a significant step toward improving road safety and traffic flow in Douglas County. By addressing the risks associated with this rural high-speed intersection, the project aims to create a safer and more efficient roadway for residents and visitors alike.

Community members are encouraged to stay informed about the project as it progresses. Updates will be provided as construction timelines and further details are announced.

More information about the project can be found here.