PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — Once the new section extending the Mountain Parkway from Salyersville to Prestonsburg is complete, it will include a new transportation feature not yet seen in our region.

Plans announced Monday by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet call for the installation of a roundabout in front of Prestonsburg Elementary.

The highway will bypass the road in front of the school. Eastbound and westbound traffic will exit off of the highway onto a road that loops back under the parkway to get to Route 114. Route 114 will continue west from the school, but the road east will serve as an access road to the parkway.

Officials say roundabouts improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, reduce the risk of severe collisions, and lower vehicle emissions.