Gros Venture Roundabout
Project Type
Urban Design, Dark Sky
Location
Grand Teton, WY
Year
2018
Team
Jacobs
Enhancing Safety While Preserving the Night Sky
Located in the pristine darkness of Grand Teton National Park, the Gros Ventre and State Highway 191 Roundabout posed a unique challenge: creating visibility and wayfinding for drivers without compromising the park’s Dark Sky values. Clanton & Associates designed an elegant lighting solution that subtly highlights the roundabout’s features while adhering to strict environmental standards.
o ensure driver safety, the roundabout’s central stone pylons are softly illuminated with low-intensity, 2200K graze luminaires, which are fully concealed to preserve the natural nightscape. Downward-aimed 2700K sign lights provide additional guidance by illuminating key roadway signage. All lighting is completely shielded, ensuring that only the intended features are visible, with no upward light emissions to protect the park’s night sky.
Equipped with dimming controls, the lighting levels can be finely tuned to balance functionality and minimal environmental impact. This design meets the Park Service’s rigorous Dark Sky requirements, ensuring minimal light pollution while making the roundabout safely and subtly identifiable for nighttime drivers. The result is a seamless integration of lighting that respects the surrounding natural environment and enhances the visitor experience.
