Today, July 27, work on traffic management changes will begin at the intersection of T. Shevchenko and Vytenis streets, which will last until the end of the week. The four-way intersection controlled by traffic lights will be transformed into a small roundabout for safer traffic and convenient pedestrian movement. The roundabout is just one of the stages of the humanization of T. Shevchenko Street. The first works were started in 2021. in September, and their expected end is in 2023.
Continuing the humanization of Vilnius city streets, the aim is to make traffic here safe for all participants. Studies show that roundabouts have fewer conflict points where traffic flows can intersect.
"In a normal, regulated intersection, 32 conflict points are counted, while in a circle there are only 8. This is four times less chance of a traffic accident," explains Antonas Nikitins, chief engineer of the city of Vilnius.
Crossing a roundabout is much safer for pedestrians and cyclists as well - their movement also experiences fewer points of conflict, better visibility is ensured, the pedestrian always has priority over the driver when crossing the intersection.
When the traffic moves in a circle, the speed is effectively reduced within the boundaries of the intersection zone, since each driver finds himself on a side road and can enter the intersection only after making sure that the road is clear.
"The roundabout, with a similar flow distribution of traffic directions, is characterized by extremely good conductivity, traffic flows evenly and continuously. The principle of operation is the opposite at an intersection controlled by traffic lights, where the traffic must stop completely when the red light is on. Therefore, a slower speed at the approaches to the intersection does not only mean greater safety. In this case - and smoother movement on the streets", says A. Nikitinas.
The roundabout saves pedestrians crossing time, as they have a clear priority - drivers must pass pedestrians in all cases, when entering or exiting the traffic circle. T. Ševčenkos and Vytenio g. at the intersection, the average waiting time at the pedestrian crossing is currently 27 seconds, and after changing the way of organizing traffic, it will be reduced to just 2-3 seconds.
A more sustainable movement and a cleaner environment
It has been established that less carbon dioxide (CO2).
"Vilnius has already earned the title of the greenest city, and one of the reasons is the calm traffic streets, where unused road surfaces are allocated to the creation of additional green areas, the expansion of pedestrian paths, the street gaining a new meaning. For example, studies have confirmed that cars, when crossing a roundabout, emit 15-50 percent, depending on its size. less harmful exhaust gases than driving through an intersection controlled by traffic lights," says Edgaras Stankevičius, JUDU (company "Communication services") mobility expert.
Also, a roundabout can help up to 28 percent. reduce fuel consumption, since the intersection is crossed almost without stopping - unlike in a traffic light-regulated intersection, where cars have to come to a complete stop when the red signal lights up.
In humanized streets, a lot of attention is also paid to greenery. Studies have confirmed that the presence of greenery improves the quality of life in the city and positively affects a person's emotional and psychological state. In hot weather, it has excellent cooling function in time, low noise, dust generation, and also contributes to CO2 reduction in the city.
The street humanization model is also used by other European cities. In quiet traffic zones, which are one of the humanization solutions, cars usually move at 20-30 km/h. speed, cyclists or scooter enthusiasts can also move in the same traffic with cars, which provides a wider network for harmonious mobility, since separate paths are not required.
Good foreign experiences show that reducing the speed by about 10 percent reduces congestion and increases traffic throughput. In addition, people living near busy, polluted streets are less socially active - such streets are unattractive, and their humanization promotes the creation of communities.
After the reconstruction, T. Ševčenkos street will be fully renovated: parking will be optimized in the formed "pockets", and pedestrians will be able to comfortably access the footpaths, entrances to the courtyards will be improved, new additional places will be installed for more street greening - the planting of greenery, to which we will contribute one more this autumn residents will also be invited to the planting.
