According to the Federal Highway Administration, roundabouts are a common form of intersection control used throughout the world. In 1990 the first roundabout in the United States was built in Las Vegas, Nevada. Currently, there are about 800 roundabouts in the United States alone. The reason for the roundabout’s emerging popularity has to do with the multiple benefits that it can bring to a community.
As apposed to the signalized intersections that permeate our communities, roundabouts are safer, cheaper, and more aesthetically pleasing.
Roundabouts are circular intersections, but should not be confused with the traffic circle. 
Traffic circles were designed for high speed entry and high speed exit. Roundabouts are specifically tailored to for a design speed. For example, roundabouts on residential streets vary from 12 mph, on collector roads 15 to 18 mph, 18 to 23 mph on arterial roads, and 25 mph on high-speed rural roads.
In addition to calm traffic by reducing the speeds of automobiles, roundabouts also help prevent dangerous accidents. “Roundabouts achieve crash reductions of 50 to 90 percent when compared to woo and four-way stop control and signalized intersections.” When a motorist approaches a roundabout he or she is guided by a splitter island that directs them to slow down and bear to the right. As they cautiously cross the yield line, they enter the circle at an angle less than 90 degrees, which helps to prevent right angle crashes. Once in the roundabout itself the motorist is traveling at a safe speed and is able to placidly select his or her next path.
In addition to being safer than signalized intersections, roundabouts are also cheaper to maintain. In fact the maintenance cost is close to zero. Signals required electricity, tune ups, and replacement parts. Roundabouts require none of these expensive maintenance costs. Furthermore, roundabouts are not susceptible to blackouts.
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Roundabouts can be designed for different sizes, speeds and roadways.
(Left - Clearwater, Florida; Right - North Haven, New York) |
Lastly, roundabouts can add beauty to a community. Roundabouts may act as gateways or centers of communities, thus it is important that they can contribute aesthetically. First off, the roundabout does away with traffic signals that can impose on the natural environment. In addition, the center island inside the roundabout and the splitter islands can add this aesthetic value. The center island can be adorned with grasses and plants, or be crowned with memorable fountains. The splitter islands can be surfaced with stone or brick and be accented with grasses or low shrubbery.
It is paramount that we integrate roundabouts in our expanding communities. Roundabouts are important transportation technology that can better the design and quality of our communities. For more information visit these sites:
NYS DOT - Modern Roundabouts
Kansas State University - Roundabouts
The Modern Roundabouts Web Site
Modern Roundabouts - Alternate Street Design, P.A.
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