Traffic is getting an upgrade in Ascension Parish. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is building three new roundabouts along Louisiana Highway 30, a key route connecting Gonzales to nearby industrial and residential areas.
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The first roundabout is already open, and the full project is expected to be complete by mid-2026. These new roundabouts sit near Gonzales and the I-10 ramps, where congestion has long been a challenge for local commuters and commercial drivers.
Louisiana’s Roundabout Boom
Across Louisiana, roundabouts are becoming a familiar sight. Since 2003, the state has built about 174 roundabouts, including several in and around Baton Rouge, Gonzales, Donaldsonville, and Prairieville.
In a public survey conducted after Sorrento’s roundabout opened:
- 85% of residents said there are fewer wrecks.
- 88% said traffic flows better.
- 90% said they’d welcome more roundabouts in their community.
These numbers show that drivers across Ascension Parish and the Greater Baton Rouge area are seeing real safety and efficiency benefits.
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Why Roundabouts Matter
Roundabouts are more than just circles in the road—they make Louisiana’s streets safer, smoother, and more efficient.
Fewer Crashes and Injuries
A Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) study found that roundabouts reduce fatal crashes by 90% and injury crashes by 75% compared to traditional intersections. Their circular design removes high-speed right-angle and head-on collisions, encouraging drivers to slow down and yield.
Smoother Traffic and Shorter Waits
According to the Transportation Research Board, converting intersections to roundabouts can cut driver delays by 20% to 89%. Because vehicles yield instead of stopping at red lights, traffic keeps moving steadily—even during peak travel times.
Less Pollution and Fuel Use
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that roundabouts lower vehicle emissions by 30% and save up to 34% in fuel use. Less idling and fewer hard stops mean cleaner air and better gas mileage for Louisiana drivers.
Safer for Pedestrians and Cyclists
The FHWA Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center reports that pedestrian crashes drop 40% at roundabouts. Crossings are shorter, and people only need to watch traffic coming from one direction.
Related: What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Louisiana?
Local Impact in Ascension and Nearby Cities
In Gonzales, the new LA 30 roundabouts will make commutes safer for residents and workers traveling to plants, schools, and shopping areas. Surveys already show improved traffic flow and fewer crashes in Sorrento.In Donaldsonville and Baton Rouge, additional roundabouts are helping reduce side-angle wrecks and long backups during rush hour.
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These improvements support Louisiana’s goal of reducing roadway injuries and keeping traffic moving smoothly across Ascension Parish and the Capital Region.
Final Thoughts
The new Ascension Parish roundabouts show how Louisiana is investing in safer, smarter roads for everyone. With more than 174 roundabouts statewide—and more in planning—drivers in Gonzales, Sorrento, Donaldsonville, and Baton Rouge are already seeing the difference.
Roundabouts save lives, reduce delays, and keep our communities connected. For Ascension Parish drivers, that means a safer and smoother ride ahead.
If you or someone you love is hurt in a car wreck, Call Corzo at (225) 999-1111 because help, respect, and justice are only one call away.