New Monroe roundabout aims to improve traffic flow

A new roundabout opened Monday in Monroe at routes 110 and 111 with the aim of combating traffic-flow issues at the intersection.
It's not yet fully paved, but police are at the scene today to implement the new traffic pattern.
Officials say the Department of Transportation began the $4.1 million project back in July 2012 in an effort to make the area safer for drivers. Police say there are several crashes a year at the site.
The DOT says it has converted five intersections throughout the state, and says that as of last year, 150 crashes and 100 injuries have been prevented.
Police hope drivers will be mindful of the new flow of traffic.
"People are going to have to realize that you must yield before entering the roundabout," says Monroe Police Capt. Keith White. "The people in the roundabout have the right of way."
Drivers are urged to slow down when approaching the roundabout. They need to look to their left upon reaching the yield sign, and make sure there's a large enough traffic gap before entering it.
Construction on the project is expected to be officially be completed by the fall. The project is being funded by the state and federal government.