POTENTIAL CONFLICTS

Reducing curb radii can create safer environments for pedestrians however, it can also create limitations for larger vehicles. Trucks, buses, emergency vehicles may have difficulty at narrow intersections with small curb radii which could cause conflicts with pedestrians. These large vehicles cannot make sharp turns and could result in these vehicles driving on the curb potentially damaging it or hitting pedestrians.

Cost

Low cost

Construction can range from $15,000 to $40,000 per corner depending on site conditions.

ROUND-A-BOUTS GOAL

Keep traffic flowing without the need for stopping at an intersection, while also reducing the number of potential collision points.

WHAT IS IT?

Round-a-bouts have proven to be safer than traditional stop sign or signal-controlled intersections. They are designed with characteristics that make a driver more aware and drive slower than at a traditional intersection. Round-a-bouts are designed with:

/ Channelized approached,

/ Yield control at all entries,

/ A counterclockwise circulation of all vehicles that enter the circle, and

/ Appropriate geometric curvature to encourage slower travel speeds through the intersection and are the center island.

With a round-a-bout, traffic is moving slower than it would through a standard intersection. It is physically is designed to make a driver slow down when approaching and entering the circular intersection. With this decrease in speed, round-a-bouts help maintain constant movement and traffic flow since there is less “stop and go” while driving through. The perception of a driver wanting to get through a traffic light is also eliminated because traffic lights are not present. The chances of a collision (specifically a T-bone collision) decreases because of the same movement through the intersection.

Though the installation of a round-a-bout might seem expensive, it is comparable to installing a digital traffic signal, but the upkeep and electrical costs are much less expensive.

Similar to round-a-bouts, traffic circles work in a similar way. The main differences are, the use of a stop sign versus yield signs at all entrances; and the angle of approach. Also, round-a-bouts can be one or multi-laned; traffic circles usually work best when they are one lane. Traffic circles are better for pedestrians and bicyclist crossing because during a stop, a driver is likely looking around at their surroundings. This increases awareness of the drivers to look for pedestrians or bicyclists as opposed to yielding to oncoming traffic that might already be in or entering the circle. There are two different mindsets when changing the type of signage at the entrance to the circular intersection.