Q. I work at the Howard Complex in Cranston. Traffic proceeding north on Route 2 (New London Avenue) at the intersection of Howard Avenue wanting to turn right into the state complex is faced with four lane choices: one to turn left and three unmarked lanes north. The far right lane is usually used to turn right, but is not painted with a right-turn arrow, nor does it have a right-turn-only sign. Is there any reason it is not marked? Can this be done? If one car decides to go straight, the entire lane of traffic has to wait.

A. The northbound approach to the Route 2 (New London Avenue) and Howard Avenue intersection in Cranston was recently re-striped so that now the rightmost lane is a “right-turn only” lane. This work was performed in early August by the department. The long-term plan for this intersection is to install a two-lane roundabout in the next few years. This roundabout is still in the design stage.

A roundabout at this location would reduce the congestion that occurs during peak travel periods as well as improve the overall safety of the intersection. RIDOT’s current standard practice is to consider the installation of a roundabout at all intersections that are under design. Although they are not feasible at every intersection, they do work at many intersections that encounter a large volume of traffic throughout the day.

The function of a roundabout is to keep the traffic moving through the intersection, as opposed to a traffic signal where all the approaches must stop at any given time when the light is red. A roundabout is a traffic controlling device that reduces congestion and vehicle speed while improving traffic flow and significantly increasing safety for all users.

No ‘exit’

Q. When traveling on Route 95 north just before taking Exit 10 for Route 117 there is a small sign, just below a larger sign, that reads: “Kent County Court House 10.” The sign’s intent is, I believe, to notify the motorist that Exit 10 is for the court house, which in fact is true. But, people would be correct if they interpret the sign as meaning that the court house is 10 miles further down the Interstate. So, could RIDOT insert the word “Exit” before the number 10?

A. We agree with your thoughts and the sign on Route 95 north now reads Kent County Courthouse, Exit 10. The sign on Route 95 south was also changed and now reads Kent County Courthouse Exit 10B.

That sign is a supplemental guide sign, and according to the MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) should be used to provide information regarding destinations accessible from an interchange, other than places shown on the standard interchange signage (for example towns, villages, cities and major traffic generators).

Dana Alexander Nolfe, chief public affairs officer for the state Department of Transportation, has agreed to answer questions of general interest posed by Journal readers about state roads and other state transportation matters.

The DOT is responsible for the state’s transportation infrastructure, which includes highways, bridges, traffic signals and bikeways.

To ask a question that would also be of interest to other readers, send a letter to Ask RIDOT, Features Department, The Providence Journal, 75 Fountain St., Providence, RI 02902. You can also e-mail your question to projocars@projo.com. Please put “Question for the DOT” in the subject field.

Questions or complaints of a specific nature should be posed to the DOT directly and will not be answered in this column.