Loop Roads

General Description:

Loop Roads are typically one-way routes that begin and end at the same location.  They are usually intended for sightseeing purposes.  Any existing road can be transformed into a loop road with the addition of appropriate signs and pavement markings.

Effects of Solution:

¨ Increase Passenger Throughput

þ Increase Roadway Capacity (Increases capacity through reduced conflicts)

þ Manage System Efficiency (Minimizes vehicle conflicts)

¨ Reduce Local Demand

One-way loops may increase capacity because of the reduced conflicts between opposing traffic and maximizes efficiency of the facility. 

Examples of Implementation and Contacts:

Red Rock Canyon – BLM

Dave Wolf, Manager, RRCNCA

Grand Teton National Park

Cam Hugie, Facilities Manager, Grand Teton National Park

Mel R. Denton, Buffalo Fork Subdistrict Chief Ranger, Grand Teton National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Karen P. Wade, Superintendent, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Shawn Benge, Principal Planner, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Badlands National Park

Harley Seybold, Administration, Badlands National Park

Constance Lemos, Management, Badlands National Park

Cost/Financial Information:

The costs for creating a one-way loop vary depending on the existing facilities.  Simple conversions of two-way routes may only involve striping and resigning costs (see the Pavement Striping Techniques and Improved Traffic Control Devices fact sheets).  New facilities will be much more expensive, see the New Highways and Routes fact sheet.

Additional Resources:

A Toolbox for Alleviating Traffic Congestion and Enhancing Mobility, available for order at: http://www.ite.org/bookstore/index.asp

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