New Owensboro Roundabout Construction Sparks Debate

The roundabout project at Old Hartford Road and Fairview Drive is back, and this time it’s really happening. For a while, it felt like the idea had quietly disappeared after first being talked about back in 2023. Many of us who travel through that intersection every day started to wonder if the project had been shelved for good. While I was on vacation last week, the announcement came that construction was officially moving forward. As of today, crews are getting started, which means slower speeds, traffic control, and plenty of patience will be needed at one of Owensboro’s busiest intersections over the next several months.

A Daily Drive for Many of Us

If you travel near Hillcrest Golf Course in Daviess County, chances are you’ve gone through this intersection more than a few times. I live in a nearby neighborhood and pass through it anywhere from two to four times a day. Over the years, I’ve seen just about everything here, from drivers blowing through red lights, people barely slowing down before turning right from Fairview Drive onto Old Hartford Road, and plenty of close calls. I try to keep my patience behind the wheel, but I’ll admit this intersection has tested that more than once. Have you seen this too?

Construction Officially Begins

According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, a contractor began construction today on the new roundabout at the intersection of KY 298 (Old Hartford Road), KY 3143 (Fairview Drive), and Foors Lane. The project is designed to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow through this heavily traveled corridor. For drivers who use this route during after-school hours or the afternoon commute, it’s already one of the busier spots in the area, especially with Daviess County High School nearby.

What Drivers Should Expect

Construction is planned in several phases, and traffic patterns will change along the way. During the first phase, drivers can expect occasional narrowed lanes and flaggers directing traffic around the intersection. Some nighttime lane closures may also happen while crews work. As the project moves into the second phase, Foors Lane on the south side of the intersection will be closed, and the area will temporarily operate as a three-way stop. In the final phase, Foors Lane will reopen while crews finish the roundabout, but motorists should be ready for changing traffic patterns until the project wraps up.

A Long Road Ahead

The construction timeline is expected to run through mid-November, meaning drivers will be navigating work zones, slower speeds, and occasional delays for the next several months. With the speed limit already reduced in the construction zone and flaggers helping manage traffic, it’s going to take a little extra time and patience to get through the area, especially during the busy after-school rush and evening drive home.

Learning the Roundabout Rules

For some drivers, roundabouts still take a little getting used to, especially younger drivers who may not have much experience with them yet. Honestly, I’ve always thought the roundabout at KY 56 and KY 81 West is a great place for new drivers to practice and get comfortable with how they work. If this new approach improves safety and keeps traffic moving more smoothly at Old Hartford and Fairview, it could be a welcome change for many daily commuters. For now, we just all need to practice patience! And, leave a little earlier for work.

Because roundabouts can be confusing when you're supposed to yield, enter, and exit, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Andrew Boyle have shared some tips to help us navigate.

SINGLE LANE ROUNDABOUT

Watch for the yellow “roundabout ahead” sign, then reduce your speed on approach.
Be on the lookout for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Look left, and if you see traffic in the roundabout, yield.
When you see a break in the traffic, you can safely enter the circle.
Drive around the roundabout until you get to your exit.
Use your turn signal, watch for other cars, and exit safely.

MULTI-LANE ROUNDABOUT

Watch for the yellow “roundabout ahead” sign and the white “lane choice” sign.
Be on the lookout for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Choose a lane before entering: use the right lane to turn right or go straight. To go left, straight, or make a U-turn, use the left lane.
Look left, and yield to traffic already in both lanes of the roundabout.
When you see a break in the traffic, you can safely enter.
Don’t make this common mistake by trying to go left from the right lane. Change lanes before safely exiting the roundabout.

MORE TIPS

Do you think this roundabout will improve traffic, or make things worse?