Citation

APWA Reporter 1998; 65(7): 25.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, American Public Works Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

New and improved versions of the old fashioned traffic circle are gaining acceptance among traffic planners looking for newer, less costly and safer ways to handle increasing traffic. Now called a "roundabout", this low-cost, high-capacity concept has been popular in Europe for decades but is only recently gaining acceptance in the U.S. Several elements define a modern roundabout including: flared and tapered add lanes; deflected entry lanes; yield-at-entry traffic regulations; and good visibility. All of these aspects tend to keep speeds down, avoid tie-ups, and increase efficiency of the intersection. One success story involving roundabouts is Vail, Colorado, where nine roundabouts are now in service in a space of nine miles.