Roundabouts in the St. Cloud Metro Area
A modern roundabout is a circular intersection in which traffic flows counter-clockwise around a center island.
photo courtesy of Mn/DOT
Roundabouts will become commonplace in the future, with their
simple design, ease of use, reduction in serious vehicle crashes and
reduced long-term maintenance costs.
As a new traffic control device, motorists need to understand how to properly navigate roundabouts with their vehicles.
First, there are some new signs associated with roundabouts:
| The advance warning sign is a unique design with the circular arrows.This sign will be placed in advance of each roundabout. |  |
The next sign viewed by the motorist will be the roundabout lane
designation sign. This sign directs the motorist to which lane he / she
should be in when approaching the roundabout. A single lane roundabout allows the motorist to make all maneuvers from a single lane. |  |
| |
| A multi-lane roundabout will direct the motorist to be in a particular
lane prior to entering and when exiting the roundabout. Do not change
lanes while in the roundabout. |  |
The last and most important sign at the roundabout is the YIELD sign. | |
| The
YIELD sign is not new or exclusive to a roundabout. However, the
motorist entering a roundabout must yield to the vehicles already in
the roundabout. This is one of the most important features of a
roundabout to make it both safe and efficient. |  |
How to Navigate a Roundabout
Approaching the Roundabout
Be aware that a roundabout is near when the roundabout advance warning sign comes into view.
Reduce Vehicle Speed
Roundabouts are typically designed for 15 MPH.
Lane Shift
Move to the proper lane when approaching the roundabout. Use the lane designation sign to determine the appropriate lane for navigating the roundabout.
Yield to Pedestrians
Pedestrians typically cross the street in advance of the roundabout in a separate pedestrian crossing zone.Yield and watch for pedestrians near roundabouts.
Yield to other vehicles
Yield when entering the roundabout to other vehicles already in the roundabout.
Enter the roundabout
Enter the roundabout in the appropriate lane once a gap in vehicles becomes available.
Right turns only
Make only right turns when entering or exiting a roundabout.
Do not stop
Once in the roundabout,continue to circulate counter-clockwise until the appropriate exit point is reached.
Exiting
Exit at the appropriate location in the roundabout. Pavement markings will assist the
motorist when and where to exit multi-lane roundabouts.
Summary
Roundabouts are very simple to maneuver and will seem quite natural as motorists become
more accustomed to them.
Roundabouts will also reduce delay typically created by many other traffic control devices, especially during light to moderate traffic volumes.
Roundabouts are used extensively throughout the world as a traffic control device and will
become more popular in the U.S., due to the many benefits they can provide for safety and efficiency for the motorist.
More Information
For further roundabout information and simulations,go to:
www.dot.state.mn.us/roundabouts/
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/popular-topics/roundabouts/roundabouts.htm
www.dot.state.wi.us/safety/motorist/roaddesign/roundabouts/av/roundabout.swf
Visit our Community area to watch Rules of the Road. This 9-minute video explains more about how to navigate a roundabout.
Video courtesy Washington DOT and the City of Lacy, Washington