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Roundabouts are much smaller than rotaries and thus operate at safe, slower speeds. Around the world roundabouts are proving to be safer than signalized intersections.
In 2009, County Council approved construction of a single lane roundabout at the County Road 2/County Road 4 intersection between Napanee and Odessa.
Because of the history of severe accidents at this intersection, a safety study was undertaken. The study recommended the installation of a roundabout as the best method of improving safety at this location by reducing the number and severity of collisions.
AECOM acted as design consultants. The roundabout requires entering traffic to yield the right-of-way to traffic already in the roundabout. This keeps the traffic in the roundabout constantly moving and eliminates unnecessary stopping during periods of low traffic.
How does putting a big circle in the middle of the road make it safer?
Around the world roundabouts are proving to be much safer than signalized intersections. Statistics show that roundabouts reduce fatal and injury collisions by as much as 76% in the United States, 75% in Australia, and 86% in Great Britain. Roundabouts are safer because of slower speeds and a reduced number of conflict points – spots where vehicles may collide with each other or with pedestrians.
Are roundabouts appropriate everywhere?
No. The choice of using a roundabout versus a traffic signal or Stop signs is a case-by-case decision. The County evaluates each intersection individually to determine what traffic control configuration is most appropriate.
Can tractor trailers, big trucks and emergency vehicles fit around the centre island?
The roundabout has been designed to accommodate large vehicles. The centre island has a concrete apron that large vehicles can use.
What about snow removal at roundabouts?
Many communities that receive frequent snowfall have installed roundabouts, including Hamilton, ON; Kemptville, ON; Waterloo, ON; Calgary, AB; Howard (Green Bay), Wisconsin; Montpellier, Vermont; and Vail, Colorado.
All have indicated that while there is some initial adjustment for snowplow crews, roundabouts present no problems for snow removal. New York State DOT has a video on its website that shows a plow operator clearing a roundabout (link to https://www.nysdot.gov/portal/page/portal/main/roundabouts )
Where else in Canada are roundabouts being used?
Where can I get more information on roundabouts in general?
Informational brochure for single-lane roundabouts
Includes FAQ, an excellent video, links and educational text.
It includes videos, pictures, and educational text
Includes videos including a snow plow clearing the roundabout, pictures and educational text on a variety of projects.
Includes pdf files of pictures and educational text.
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