Construction starts on modular roundabout “quick build”

California Construction News staff writer

The City of San Diego will start construction this week on a new type of “quick build” modular roundabout on Florida Dr. near Morley Field.

Roundabouts were included in the city’s climate action plan, as a way to reduce vehicle emissions in neighborhoods. The new modular-style roundabout is constructed using recycled materials, with this project reusing over 350,000 one-gallon milk jugs.

Advocates say these “quick-build” roundabouts installed with paint and plastic barriers drilled into the street, are a faster and cheaper way to improve traffic safety. Materials for the temporary roundabout cost about $200,000 and can be installed in-house by city employees rather than outside contractors.

The Florida Drive project materials were donated to the city by the Federal Highway Administration, which is studying their effectiveness.

Two traditional roundabouts have been built since the city’s 2015 Climate Action Plan set a goal of building 15 by 2020. The goal in the updated climate plan is 13 roundabouts by 2030 and another 20 by 2035.

Construction is scheduled to begin on a roundabout at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Loring Street in March 2023, at a cost of $2.9 million.

Work will include installation of a roundabout and truck apron, raised splitter islands with passageways, curb extensions, curb and gutter, sidewalk, curb ramps, proprietary BMP, continental crosswalks, driveways, PCC pavement, and striping and signing at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Loring Street. New RCP storm drain pipe, curb inlets, and cleanouts will be installed near the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Loring Street.