Description:

Traffic circles are installed at small intersections to cut down speeding and improve pedestrian safety. They are smaller in size compared to traditional roundabouts yet serve similar purposes.  Circles can be concrete or fully landscaped which beautifies the intersection and adds to neighborhood livability. They are effective where large vehicle traffic is not a major concern but speeds, volumes, and safety are problems.

Advantages:

•    Reduces the number of points where vehicles can cross paths and eliminates the potential for right-angle and head-on crashes.

•    Reduces operating speeds at the intersection.

•    Yield-controlled design means fewer stops, less delay, shorter queues.

•    Enhances street aesthetic.

Disadvantages:

•    Higher design and construction costs.

•    May impact on-street parking nearby.

•    Requires supplemental signage and striping.

•    Landscaping requires continuous maintenance.

•    May impact emergency vehicle access.

•    Not recommended at locations with significant horizontal or vertical curvature.

•    Not recommended on streets with heavy truck traffic.

Suitable:

•    Two-lane intersections with low left turning volume and low heavy truck usage.

•    Locations with elevated accident rates.