In this clip from the latest edition of the Thinking Transportation Podcast from Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), the organization’s research engineer Amanda Austin talks about the key advantages of roundabouts over signalized intersections, both in terms of safety and durability. To hear the whole episode, which also includes input from TTI research engineer Marcus Brewer just log onto the Thinking Transportation homepage or find the podcast on your favorite streaming service.

For more information on TxDOT’s work in this area, see the department’s Innovative Intersections web page.

Guest info: Amanda Austin is the Roundabout & Alternative Intersection Design (RAID) Lead for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), aiming to cut intersection-related fatalities through innovative designs. After over 11 years of experience in Washington State focusing on roundabouts, she moved to Texas in 2019. There, she joined TxDOT’s Houston District APD group, overseeing schematic projects. Since 2023, Amanda has been using her roundabout expertise in the Design Division to advance the Road to Zero initiative.

Guest info: Marcus Brewer is a research engineer in TTI’s Roadway Design Program, where he has more than 25 years of experience in leading and supporting Texas and national research on roadway geometric design; roadway and roadside safety; traffic operations and traffic control devices; pedestrian safety and mobility; roundabouts; and intersection control. As part of his work at TTI and through his personal travels, Marcus has driven 40 of the 50 U.S. states and several other countries. A Kansas native, Marcus is also an avid college basketball fan.