California Department of Transportation’s State Route 25/156 Turbo Roundabout

The SR 25/156 Turbo Roundabout, a $14.9 million Caltrans project, replaced a high-accident signalized intersection in California, improving safety and traffic flow. Located on State Roue (SR) 25, a key route to Silicon Valley, and SR 156, crucial for goods movement, the old intersection had twice the accident rate of similar sites. The new turbo roundabout, designed to fit the sharp angle of the intersection, reduces broadside collisions and keeps traffic moving efficiently for both commuters and freight. Despite a slight increase in minor crashes as drivers adapted, severe accidents dropped significantly, with research showing roundabouts can reduce fatal and injury crashes by 78 percent. The roundabout also reduced traffic delays from over 30 seconds to 12 seconds per vehicle, improving efficiency and cutting emissions. The project, funded primarily by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, was completed in just 26 months, creating 28 local jobs. Strong public outreach, including bilingual videos, helped keep the community informed. The $9.3 million in savings will be reinvested into other projects in San Benito County, further benefiting the region.