A roundabout can also be called a traffic circle. It is a type of road junction or intersection designed to improve traffic flow and safety. Roundabouts are circular and have one or more lanes of traffic flowing around a central island.
Vehicles that enter the roundabout yield to the traffic circulate and merge into the flow when it is safe to do so.
The primary purpose of a roundabout is to replace traditional signalized intersections or stop signs. It reduces the need for vehicles to come to a complete stop. This helps to improve traffic efficiency and reduce congestion.
Roundabouts lower the risk of severe accidents compared to other types of intersections. They require lower speeds and have fewer conflict points.
Roundabouts vary in size. The larger ones accommodate higher traffic volumes and feature multiple lanes within the circular roadway.
They are found in various countries around the world and are popular for being a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional intersections.
These are the key features of a roundabout:
Yielding: Vehicles entering a roundabout must yield to the circulating traffic. This is typically indicated by yield signs or road markings.
Central Island: A raised or landscaped central island separates the circulating traffic from the entering and exiting traffic.
Counterclockwise Flow: Traffic within the roundabout moves in a counterclockwise direction around the central island.
Multiple Entry Lanes: Roundabouts can have one or more entry lanes, allowing for smoother traffic merging.
Exits: Vehicles exit the roundabout at their desired intersection by turning right or continuing straight, depending on the exit they need to take.
Roundabouts are categorized according to their design and traffic flow patterns. Different regions in a city or state have their own variations of these designs based on specific traffic requirements and available space.
Here are some common types of roundabouts:
Multi-Lane Roundabout
These roundabouts have multiple lanes within the circular roadway. They typically have more than one lane on the approach roads as well. Drivers need to choose the appropriate lane based on their desired exit.
Turbo Roundabouts
Also known as a “Hamburger Roundabout,” it features a raised central island with additional lanes between the entry and exit points. This design helps increase capacity and improve traffic flow.
Mini-Roundabouts
Smaller in size compared to standard roundabouts, mini-roundabouts are typically found in urban areas with limited space. They have a smaller central island and are designed to slow down traffic rather than handle high volumes.
Single-Lane Roundabouts
This is the most basic type of roundabout with a single circular lane around a central island. Vehicles must yield to traffic already in the roundabout before entering.
Roundabouts with Pedestrian Crossings
Some roundabouts include designated pedestrian crossings to ensure safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists. These crossings have zebra stripes or traffic signals.
Signalized Roundabouts
These roundabouts incorporate traffic signals at certain points to control the flow of traffic. Signals help to manage heavy traffic or complex intersections.
Roundabouts with Bicycle Lanes
Some roundabouts have bicycle lanes or shared paths. This allows cyclists to navigate the intersection safely.
Have you ever had issues navigating a roundabout before? Tell us where it happened and how you eventually navigated it.
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