A roundabout is a circular intersection where traffic flows in a counterclockwise direction around a center island. Although they may look similar, roundabouts are not traffic circles or rotaries which may have stop signs, traffic signals, and higher speeds. Roundabouts allow traffic to flow through the intersection freely at slower speeds than the roadway. Drivers entering the roundabout yield to traffic inside the roundabout and adjust their speed to fit into gaps between vehicles.
Roundabouts are also safer than traditional 4-way stops because they eliminate the left turn across oncoming traffic and basically eliminate head on and right-angle (or T-bone) collisions. Pedestrians are safer too. They cross shorter distances in front of slower moving traffic flowing in one direction. Because there are no signals to install, power, or maintain, roundabouts can cost less than traditional 4-way intersections with traffic lights. The environment likes roundabouts too. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing with the green center island, but their free-flowing movements reduce vehicle idle times which reduce vehicle emissions.
Watch the videos below to see how traffic flows through a roundabout and click a few of the links below for more information on roundabouts and how they can benefit the community.
For more information on Roundabouts, watch the following videos:
Note: The videos above are for informational purposes only and not related to the Pete’s Highway project.