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Sean Oatman: Meet our Experts Series
Shaping paths for public safety and well-being
Earlier this summer, Sean Oatman, PE co-presented “Think Outside the Circle: Innovative Roundabout Design,” at conferences for the American Society of Highway Engineers and the Transportation Research Board. We chatted with Sean about his work in roundabout design, new developments in roundabouts, and how his role as an engineer aligns with his values.
Quick Facts
- Title: Transportation Project Manager
- Years in the Industry: 12
Merging professional services with personal values
Sean has managed a variety of transportation projects throughout his career, with a special interest in roundabout design and bicycle and pedestrian facilities. From trading ideas with peers to imparting his insights at conferences, Sean regularly shares and builds upon that expertise. His experiences reflect a passion for contributing to society and elevating the engineering profession.
Let’s talk about your path to civil engineering. How did you get interested in the profession?
I’ve always been an organized, solutions-oriented person who likes to figure out how things work, so I took some engineering drawing classes in high school. Funny enough, I didn’t enjoy them at first! But I’ve also always been drawn to a challenge, so I stuck with it. It helped that my neighbors were civil engineers who told me the profession was worthwhile and rewarding—and they were right. It's so fulfilling to see an idea turn into something tangible. Whether improving the safety of a roadway or helping create a new sidewalk or bike trail, our project teams are working for the good of the public. It’s a great feeling.
You mentioned improving safety. What are some ways you’ve achieved that through your projects at OHM Advisors?
Roundabouts cause people to slow down, and they reduce distracted driving, because drivers must think and pay attention when moving through them. Crash severity is exponentially reduced at roundabouts, when compared to other intersections. While they’re more common than ever before in the U.S., roundabouts are still a hot topic of conversation. I’ve had people tell me they get nervous when they get to a roundabout. I actually like hearing that! It’s a sign they’re being careful and paying attention.
I’ve had people tell me they get nervous when they get to a roundabout. I actually like hearing that! It’s a sign they’re being careful and paying attention.
Speaking of roundabouts, the Home Road/Lewis Center Road Turbo Roundabout in Delaware County, Ohio, recently received an ACEC Ohio Honor Award in the 2025 Engineering Excellence Awards. A “turbo roundabout” sounds interesting—tell us more about that.
While single-lane roundabouts are the most common, some intersections have higher traffic volumes and benefit from multi-lane roundabouts. One of the challenges of multi-lane roundabouts is that drivers are prone to switching lanes when they shouldn’t, which can increase minor crash frequency. That’s where the turbo design comes in. Drivers choose a lane before entering the roundabout, and once they’re in it, a raised lane divider prevents them from changing lanes inside the roundabout. The turbo roundabout concept was developed in the Netherlands, and the Home Road/Lewis Center roundabout is one of very few in the U.S. In the coming years, I think we’ll see more implementation of turbo roundabout design elements—and other unique roundabout shapes and types—when situations call for them. Whether it’s a circle, ellipse, or peanut-shaped roundabout, the ideal shape is what’s best for each community given the space available and ability to fulfill performance metrics.
One of the challenges of multi-lane roundabouts is that drivers are prone to switching lanes when they shouldn’t, which can increase minor crash frequency. That’s where the turbo design comes in. Drivers choose a lane before entering the roundabout, and once they’re in it, a raised lane divider prevents them from changing lanes inside the roundabout
What other trends or new developments are you seeing in roundabout design? How do you see it continuing to evolve?
We’re seeing more roundabouts in downtowns and urban areas. Communities are also taking advantage of the placemaking and beautification opportunities that roundabouts provide, with landscaping and art pieces in the center island. The way roundabouts and pedestrian facilities interact is critical, so raised crosswalks at roundabouts are also becoming more popular. The raised pavement increases pedestrian visibility while the gradual grade change further reduces vehicular speeds. My team is currently working on a project to install raised crosswalks on an existing roundabout.
I believe we’ll also see a trend in smaller, more right-sized roundabouts. It seems like, as a society, we’re getting away from the idea that the infrastructure always needs to become bigger. Instead, we're trying to improve the safety of our transportation network for all users within the existing right-of-way. Reducing a roundabout’s footprint helps enhance safety because it encourages slower speeds. In addition, the larger roundabouts get, the more construction costs can go up and the more right-of-way acquisition is required. The challenge is to incorporate the needs of the occasional large truck that might come through. We achieve that balance through an iterative design approach that combines stakeholder engagement, emerging visualization technologies, and good old-fashioned equations.
What is one takeaway you would share with decision makers who are preparing for a roundabout project in their community?
Prioritize clear communication with the public, particularly related to the purpose of the project and how it will affect them. At OHM Advisors, our visualization team can create three-dimensional renderings and videos from the user’s perspective, to help envision how they’ll experience the new infrastructure.
Prioritize clear communication with the public, particularly related to the purpose of the project and how it will affect them. At OHM Advisors, our visualization team can create three-dimensional renderings and videos from the user’s perspective, to help envision how they’ll experience the new infrastructure.
You have served in various leadership positions, including president of the Central Ohio Section of the American Society of Highway Engineers, and you volunteer for a lot of community initiatives. Why do you feel it’s important to engage in these ways?
Giving back to our communities is what humans are meant to do. When we’re all contributing to society, we’re making it better. In addition, the relationships I’ve formed through ASHE have been invaluable to my career. Everyone brings a different perspective and skillset, so we’re able to learn and benefit from each other’s experiences.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I prioritize wellbeing and taking care of myself so I can show up better for others. I like to read, exercise, meditate, learn, and go for walks in my Columbus neighborhood. I feel these personal interests synchronize with my daily work. By making roads safer and enhancing walkability and recreational opportunities, I’m contributing to the wellbeing of others. In that way, I see myself not just as an engineer, but as an advocate for healthy communities.
