Rapid City could soon see its first roundabouts as city engineers look to improve traffic flow, reduce crashes, and lower long-term intersection maintenance costs.
City Engineer Roger Hall said several intersections have been studied over the past few years as potential roundabout locations, including St. Patrick Street and Elm Avenue, Kansas City Street and East Boulevard, Park Drive and Corral Drive, East North Street and Campbell Street, and the entrance to the city’s sports complex.
The proposal furthest along is at St. Patrick and Elm, where the city has applied for a Safe Streets for All grant. Another project under consideration is at Kansas City Street and East Boulevard, with design work potentially beginning in 2026 and construction as early as next year.
Traffic engineers say roundabouts keep vehicles moving, reduce delays, and eliminate many of the maintenance costs associated with traffic signals. While construction costs can exceed $1 million, signalized intersections can cost $8,000 to $10,000 annually to operate and maintain.
Officials also point to safety benefits, noting roundabouts can reduce serious crashes by about 80 percent while improving pedestrian safety through shorter crossing distances.
With no roundabouts currently in Rapid City, city leaders say public education will be part of any project. Hall said he hopes to see the city’s first roundabout constructed as soon as next year.
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