Roundabout Set to be Built at the Garden Valley-Melrose Intersection in 2026

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is moving forward with plans to construct a partial multilane roundabout at the intersection of Garden Valley Road and Melrose Road, located approximately half a mile northwest of Roseburg city limits. The project, currently in the design phase, aims to address safety concerns at this high-speed rural intersection that has experienced several serious crashes in recent years. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with an estimated total cost of $9 million. ODOT considered two options for improving safety at this location: installing traffic signals or constructing a roundabout. After careful evaluation, the department determined that a partial multilane roundabout would be the most effective solution for reducing crash severity at this rural high-speed intersection. The new roundabout is expected to deliver multiple benefits to the community. Beyond reducing the number and severity of crashes, the design will naturally encourage drivers to slow down through the intersection while improving safety particularly for beginner and elderly drivers. Unlike traditional traffic signals, the roundabout will continue to provide traffic control during power outages and require less maintenance, resulting in lower operational costs for the county. Additional advantages include increased traffic capacity and improved environmental impact. Since vehicles won't need to stop completely at signals or stop signs, the roundabout will help reduce both fuel consumption and vehicle emissions. This design also eliminates delays typically associated with waiting at traditional traffic control devices.