Oklahoma City's First Double Roundabout, "The Peanut"

If you’ve driven through Midtown lately, you may have noticed something new where NW 10th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, and Virginia Avenue all come together. That three-way tangle of arterial streets is now home to Oklahoma City’s very first double roundabout, affectionately nicknamed “The Peanut” for its distinctive shape.

At Abel Law Firm, we spend a lot of time seeing the consequences of car accidents, so seeing updates that are designed to make Oklahoma roads safer for the people who drive on them can be a breath of fresh air. We wanted to take a moment to celebrate this project, walk through how it works, and remind everyone to be patient with each other while we all get the hang of it.

The Benefits of Roundabout Intersections

Traditional intersections rely on signals and stop signs to manage traffic moving in every direction, which creates a lot of what engineers call “conflict points” — spots where vehicles crossing paths at speed can collide. Roundabouts are designed to solve that problem. By keeping traffic moving in one continuous, slower-speed flow, they cut down dramatically on the kind of high-speed, right-angle crashes that tend to cause the most serious injuries.

City officials have said the goal of The Peanut is to slow vehicle speeds, reduce conflict points, and create a safer, more efficient experience for everyone using the intersection, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Nationally, roundabouts have a strong track record. Studies from federal transportation researchers have found they can reduce fatal and injury crashes by well over half compared to standard signalized intersections.

It should also make the daily commute a little smoother. Because traffic keeps moving instead of stopping and starting at a light, double roundabouts like this one can cut down on delays and unnecessary idling at what used to be one of the busier intersections in the area.

How to Navigate a Double Roundabout

A double roundabout is exactly what it sounds like: two connected circular intersections instead of one, which is what gives The Peanut its shape. That means there’s a little more to think through than a standard single roundabout, but the core rules are the same. Here’s a rundown:

• Slow down as you approach. Don’t wait until you’re on top of it. Start easing off the gas well before you reach either circle.
• Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Vehicles already circulating always have the right of way. Wait for a safe gap before entering.
• Pick your lane before you get there. Because this is a double roundabout with two connected circles, choosing the correct lane in advance matters even more than usual. Watch the pavement markings and signage to know which lane will get you where you’re going.
• Don’t stop once you’re inside the circle unless it’s necessary to avoid a collision. Keep moving through at a steady, low speed.
• Signal when you exit. Just like changing lanes on the highway, a turn signal lets other drivers (and pedestrians waiting to cross) know your next move.
• Watch for pedestrians and cyclists at every crossing. The Peanut is designed to make the intersection safer for everyone, not just people in cars.

If you’re not sure which lane to be in, it’s always better to slow down and take an extra pass around than to make a last-second, unsafe lane change.

A Little Grace Goes a Long Way

Any time a community introduces a new kind of traffic pattern, there’s an adjustment period. People are going to hesitate. People are going to pick the wrong lane. Someone, somewhere, is going to sit at the yield line a beat too long trying to figure out which circle to enter first. That’s normal, and it’s expected — even the City of Oklahoma City has encouraged drivers to be patient with themselves and with each other as everyone learns the new layout.

Our ask is simple: give your fellow drivers some grace. Leave a little extra following distance. Don’t lay on the horn if someone hesitates at the yield sign. Slow down, stay alert, and remember that everyone on the road right now, including you, is learning something new together. That patience is exactly what will make this safety upgrade succeed.

We’re Here If You Need Us

Even the best-designed intersection can’t eliminate every risk, and accidents can still happen. If you or someone you love is ever involved in a car accident in Oklahoma City, Abel Law Firm is here to help you understand your rights and get the support you need.