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Roundabout variants win support from some PAC members but freight, capacity and FHWA approval remain hurdles
Summary
Several PAC members favored roundabout options—especially a larger roundabout that preserves Front Street access—but consultants and ODOT cautioned about long‑term capacity under the TSP forecast, oversized freight movements and the need for FHWA approval on access changes.
Kittleson presented multiple roundabout variants, from single‑lane ramp terminal roundabouts to dog‑bone/peanut shapes and a large corridor roundabout intended to keep Front Street movements. The consultant said roundabouts could provide circulation benefits but likely would still require overpass widening under long‑term forecasts.
"A roundabout might make some sense from a circulation standpoint, it also has its limitations, capacity limitations," said Matt Hugart. He noted roundabouts are less common on state interchanges and that large vehicles from the Port of Morrow may be harder to accommodate with compact roundabout geometry. ODOT’s Kelly Martin said federal approval is likely required for interchange access changes and cautioned the approval path would be challenging.
Several PAC members said they preferred the large roundabout option because it could preserve access to Front Street and allow u‑turn and circulation choices; others warned roundabouts might be obsolete in 10–20 years if growth outpaces capacity. The consultant said mixing and matching elements and further study at sketch level would be next steps if PAC identifies roundabout forms to pursue.
