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Have You Been Injured in the Saugatuck, Michigan Roundabout? You May Be Entitled to Compensation.
1. Why Was the Saugatuck Roundabout Built?
The roundabout located on Blue Star Highway in Saugatuck Township, Michigan, was “designed to “optimize” traffic, improve safety, and accommodate large trucks and emergency vehicles, officials said.”
Prior to the construction of the roundabout, the corner of Old Allegan Road and Blue Star Highway had been dubbed the “Crash Corner” due to the high volume of traffic-related incidents at the intersection. For example, in the first nine months of 2022, there were 7 wrecks at the corner.
A 2021 traffic study identified the need for enhanced safety measures at this intersection due to high seasonal traffic volumes and anticipated increases in pedestrian activity tied to a planned non-motorized path along Blue Star Highway.
The study specifically recommended a roundabout, which the Federal Highway Administration recognizes as a Proven Safety Countermeasure for its ability to reduce vehicle speeds, minimize conflict points, and lower the likelihood of serious crashes. Roundabouts allegedly improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists by offering more controlled crossing opportunities. As part of the project, an approximately 500-foot segment of non-motorized trail will be added on the west side of Blue Star Highway, along with a pedestrian crossing south of the intersection. A concrete landing pad will also be installed on the east side of the highway to support a future connection to the Township’s River Bluff Park.
Roundabouts are designed to slow down traffic without bringing it to a complete stop, ideally reducing T-bone and head-on crashes. They’ve been widely implemented across the state, with mixed results depending on location, signage, and public understanding.
2. When Was It Completed, and How Much Did It Cost?
Construction began in April of 2024 and the road re-opened in July of 2024. The total cost was approximately $1,500,000. The project included not just the roundabout structure itself but also updated signage, lane painting, and nearby sidewalk reconstruction.
The project was funded through an MDOT safety grant, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant and local matching funds from the Allegan County Road Commission and Saugatuck Township.
Despite the investment, the project has drawn criticism over whether it has truly improved safety or made the intersection more confusing.
3. Are Roundabouts Safer—or More Dangerous?
While studies show that roundabouts can reduce the number of fatal crashes by converting high-speed collisions into lower-speed side swipes or rear-enders, they are not without risks—especially near tourist-heavy areas like the city of Saugatuck and the city of Douglas.
Common dangers include:
– Drivers failing to yield upon entry
– Confusion about right-of-way
– Speeding through the roundabout
– Distracted or impaired driving
– Poor visibility or signage, particularly at night or in bad weather
4. How to Safely Navigate a Roundabout
If you’re unfamiliar with using a roundabout, here are some safety tips:
– Slow down as you approach. Watch for signs and yield lines.
– Yield to traffic already in the roundabout, coming from your left.
– Use your turn signal to indicate your exit.
– Never stop in the roundabout unless avoiding a collision.
– Watch for pedestrians and cyclists, especially when entering and exiting.
For a detailed MDOT video on how to use roundabouts, you can visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONacAiKXe-8
5. What Are Locals Saying About the Saugatuck Roundabout?
The roundabout has generated a lot of local buzz in the community, primarily due to various accidents that have occurred in or around it. The incidents in the traffic circle have become so common that some locals simply refuse to use it. Others have found more creative ways to make their concerns more public, including making t-shirts and coming up with clever nicknames for the roundabout.
The primary factors causing these incidents seem to be the high speed limits on Blue Star Highway and poor marking leading up to the roundabout. As a result, this leads to drivers not slowing down or not knowing that the roundabout is even there. Some drivers may simply not know how to use a roundabout. For example, many people seem to believe that north and south traffic is not required to yield to east and west vehicles – this is not the case.
Anyone who used the traffic circle during the winter of 2025 would have noticed frequent tire tracks through the snow and sand in the middle of the roundabout. The sidewalk in the middle of the roundabout is likewise, full of tread marks. This tends to show that many people are simply driving through the center of the roundabout. We have also seen some cars end up off the road entirely.
This trend is concerning, particularly in light of the roundabout’s new upgrade: a big statue in the middle of it. The statue is not finished yet, but its pedestal base has been recently completed. Many locals believe it is highly likely that it will be struck by a car by the end of Memorial Day weekend.
6. Injured in a Roundabout Crash? You May Have Legal Options
If you or a loved one were injured in a crash at the Saugatuck roundabout—or any other West Michigan traffic circle—you may be entitled to compensation. Driver distractions, poor signage, and right-of-way violations are not just frustrating; they can be dangerous and may be grounds for a personal injury claim.
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If you’ve been seriously injured in a roundabout, we can help. When it comes to serious injuries and serious compensation, Aaron Understands! We fight to recover the maximum compensation you deserve!