Franklin County Engineer's Office

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Dean C. Ringle, P.E., P.S. County Engineer

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Roundabout User Guide

We want everyone to feel confident and secure as they travel the modern roundabouts located in Franklin County.

To help the public become more familiar with how to drive a roundabout, we've created this user guide that shows the various traffic patterns, rules, and general instructions that we hope everyone will follow.

What is a modern roundabout?

A modern roundabout is a one-way circular intersection with yield control of all entering traffic. Vehicles circulate counter-clockwise at speeds around 20 M.P.H.

Lane use is very similar to a typical four-way intersection except for a slight circular adjustment.

 
MORPC Instructional Videos: Full Length (left) and Abbreviated (right)  

What are the rules for driving through a modern roundabout?

Slow down

• Get in the correct lane before entering the roundabout:

Use the right lane for right turn and through movements (same as a conventional intersection).

Use the left lane for through and left turn movements (same as a conventional intersection).

Use the left lane for U turn movements.

Look for and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk before entering the roundabout.

Yield to all circulating traffic when entering the roundabout.

• Circulate counter-clockwise, following the one-way traffic pattern.

Do not change lanes within the roundabout.

Look for and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk upon exiting the roundabout.

Typical intersection compared to a modern roundabout

Why build a modern roundabout instead of a typical intersection?

Modern roundabouts are safer than traditional intersections, which have more conflict points and operate at higher speeds.

Studies have shown that roundabouts provide nearly a 75 percent reduction in injury accidents since the circular layout dramatically reduces the likeliness of head-on or broadside collisions.

What are some of the other benefits of modern roundabouts?

• Sight distance is dramatically improved giving motorists more time to judge and react to traffic.

• Shorter and better-planned crosswalks are located away from the busy intersection.

• There is a reduction in pollution and fuel use since traffic is always moving.

• Slower speeds and fewer stops and starts result in less traffic noise.

• There are no expensive traffic signals to install or maintain.

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Maintained by the Franklin County Engineer's Office - Updated on October 26, 2011