By: Cody Nelson

University of Minnesota officials are experimenting with a roundabout at one of the most traveled intersections on campus.

Parking and Transportation Services installed a temporary roundabout at the intersection of Pillsbury Drive and Pleasant Street on Wednesday. PTS officials are monitoring the intersection to test the effectiveness of a permanent roundabout when buses go back to Washington Avenue Southeast after Central Corridor light rail construction is complete.

University Services Vice President Pam Wheelock urged travelers to “slow down and use caution” during the test, which will last until Aug. 21, in an email sent to students, faculty and staff on Monday.

PTS assistant director Sandy Cullen, one of the first officials to suggest the roundabout, said an all-way stop directed traffic at the intersection before light rail construction. The roundabout is one of several options PTS is considering for when the buses reroute.

Cameras were installed a week before the roundabout was put in place to monitor the intersection and give an estimate of average traffic delays, which will be compared with delays during the test.

PTS officials will also periodically monitor the intersection in person, Cullen said, and evaluate potential safety issues.

Cullen said she’s heard of roundabouts being used successfully on other college campuses, but none with traffic levels as high as the intersection being tested at the University.

For more on student, faculty and staff reactions to the roundabout, pick up Wednesday’s Minnesota Daily.