John Tuohy

john.tuohy@indystar.com

Speedway officials expect a big learning curve for drivers using the town's first roundabout.

So they're offering to send them to school.

The town will host a free "Roundabout Driving Academy" at Speedway High School, 5357 W. 25th St., from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Speedway Redevelopment Commission Executive Director Scott Harris said drivers will get to navigate a mock-up of the type of roundabout being built at 16th Street, Main Street and Crawfordsville Road.

Harris said residents have expressed concern that roundabouts are confusing and the course is intended to familiarize drivers with how to proceed.

"This is so their first encounter with it won't be so intense," Harris said.

The drivers will be in golf carts "so they don't have to worry about ruining their own cars," he said.

The $15 million circular intersection is scheduled to open Nov. 18 and will be two lanes — but big enough to handle semitrailer trucks and fire engines — with room to expand to three lanes. A ribbon-cutting was scheduled for Nov. 17.

Call Star reporter John Tuohy at 444-6418 and follow on Twitter @john_tuohy.