Have a freakin' roundabout
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From: South Bay, CA & South Sound, WA (Dual Resident)
Have a freakin' roundabout
So I've been meaning to post this up for some time...but some weeks ago Mo & I took the 320th/317th carpool exit off of southbound I-5 on my way to take him to work...
SURPRISE - they have a roundabout there to control traffic flow.
But then on the way to his work I go east on 320th, take a right at the old Capital One call center building and hit the second roundabout of the day as I head towards Weyerhaeuser Way.
Then on Weyerhaeuser Way I hit 2 more roundabouts.
I figured I might as well keep going and I took the 33rd Place exit off Roundabout #4 to hit the one next to the Northlake Ridge development.
Then I dropped him off at work...FIVE roundabouts in Federal Way.
But wait...there's more...they put one in the parking lot for the new Fatburger/Jamba Juice/Starbucks off Hwy 18/Enchanted Pkwy.
That's SIX. And these aren't stupid roundabouts like in Seattle or Tacoma but instead are multi-flow large ones.
Is Federal Way getting rid of lights in favor of these now? Anyone know of any others in the area? They are thinking of putting one here in Lakeland and Mo is ticked about it because he thinks that it slows traffic more than stop lights...thoughts?
SURPRISE - they have a roundabout there to control traffic flow.
But then on the way to his work I go east on 320th, take a right at the old Capital One call center building and hit the second roundabout of the day as I head towards Weyerhaeuser Way.
Then on Weyerhaeuser Way I hit 2 more roundabouts.
I figured I might as well keep going and I took the 33rd Place exit off Roundabout #4 to hit the one next to the Northlake Ridge development.
Then I dropped him off at work...FIVE roundabouts in Federal Way.
But wait...there's more...they put one in the parking lot for the new Fatburger/Jamba Juice/Starbucks off Hwy 18/Enchanted Pkwy.
That's SIX. And these aren't stupid roundabouts like in Seattle or Tacoma but instead are multi-flow large ones.
Is Federal Way getting rid of lights in favor of these now? Anyone know of any others in the area? They are thinking of putting one here in Lakeland and Mo is ticked about it because he thinks that it slows traffic more than stop lights...thoughts?
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From: Team Sharpie
I've seen roundabouts popping up around here too (KS). I agree with dugzillaxb about people not knowing how to use them properly. I do not however hate them, a large (when empty) is a lot of fun....it's like your own personal skid-pad 
. I have been repremanded by the cops for arsing around on 'em though, no ticket just a "don't do that."
. I have been repremanded by the cops for arsing around on 'em though, no ticket just a "don't do that."
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Heres WSDOT's list of roundabouts and what cities are using them
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/rou...ashingtons.htm
Seattle neighborhood "rouabouts" are not roundabouts they are traffic calming islands
so what is a roundabout??
What is a roundabout?
A roundabout is a circular intersection where traffic flows around a center island. Roundabouts are safe, efficient and less costly. Since vehicles entering the roundabout are required to yield to traffic in the circle, more vehicles can move through the intersection with less delay. The unique one-way design of roundabouts also accommodates the turning radius of large vehicles, like semi-trucks and buses.
How to drive a roundabout
As a driver approaches a roundabout, there will be a YIELD sign. The driver should slow down, watch for pedestrians and bicyclists and be prepared to stop if necessary.
When the driver enters, he/she yields to circulating traffic on the left, but does not stop if the way is clear.
The roundabout will have ONE WAY signs mounted in the center island. They help guide traffic and indicate that the driver must stay to the right of the center island.
Upon passing the street prior to the desired exit, the driver should turn on his/her right turn signal and watch for pedestrians and bicyclists as he/she exits.
Traveling around the central island completes left turns.
Driving a Multi-lane roundabout
Get in the correct lane early. Observe pavement markings and signs (For example: Use the right lane to turn at the first right or go straight. Use the left lane to go straight, make a left turn, or make a U-turn).
Give large trucks (with long trailers) room to take up both lanes as they approach, circulate and exit the roundabout.
Yield to ALL traffic already in the roundabout, even if you're only entering the right lane (or outside lane) of the roundabout.
Never pass or change lanes in the roundabout.
When exiting from the inside lane, check the lane next to you and your blind spot to make sure the outside lane is clear. Use your turn signal to let other drivers know that you are exiting.
See how to drive a roundabout.
Graphic illustration depicting traffic flow through a roundabout on State Route 203 near Duvall
The elements that constitute a roundabout are:
Yielded entry – cars entering must wait for a gap in the circulating traffic before entering the roundabout
Islands separate the entry from the circular roadway
Designated crossing area for pedestrians
Designed to be driven at speeds of 15 – 20 miles per hour
Single or multiple lanes
Roundabouts are not traffic circles or traffic calming islands
A roundabout is not the same as the older-style rotary traffic circle like those found in some East Coast and European cities. The main difference between older style traffic circles and roundabouts is in how traffic enters the circle and which vehicle has the right-of-way. With roundabouts, drivers wishing to enter must yield to vehicles already in the circle. With many of the older traffic circles, drivers inside the circle must yield to the vehicles entering the circle. Traffic circles quickly clogged up and came to a standstill when and if many vehicles entered at the same time.
Aerial view of an older traffic circle.
Roundabouts also differ from traffic calming islands in several ways. These small traffic circles are often used to slow traffic speeds in residential neighborhoods and reduce accidents. In addition, the raised center islands are not designed to accommodate large vehicles and left-turning traffic, which often take the turn in front of the circles.
A local neighborhood traffic calming island.
Roundabouts are designed to accommodate all types of traffic
Large trucks
Roundabouts are designed to handle fire trucks, buses and various sizes of emergency vehicles, as well as truck and trailer combinations. The center island of all single-lane roundabouts is built with a gradually sloped and flat curb, called a truck apron. This apron makes it easier for long vehicles to make the turns as demonstrated in the photo below:
Truck and trailer combination moving through a roundabout with rear wheels
crossing over the truck apron.
Where there are multiple lanes of entry and two or more lanes of circulating traffic, the roundabout is designed with the idea that trucks will use both lanes to travel through the roundabout as smoothly as possible. A truck approaching a roundabout may straddle both lanes, similar to making a “wide right turn” at a standard intersection, provided the driver has determined it is safe to move into the adjacent lane and has signaled their intentions. When a driver of a car or small truck approaches a roundabout where a large truck has stopped to yield to circulating traffic, they should drop back behind the truck as it completes its movement through the roundabout and when exiting. The video clip below demonstrates the truck movement through a two-lane roundabout:
Semi truck moving through roundabout (Windows Media 758 kb)
Semi truck moving through roundabout (RealVideo 380 kb)
Pedestrians
Pedestrians may find traveling through a roundabout just as safe as through an intersection with a signal, if not safer. This is due to the fact that vehicles are moving at a slower rate of speed and pedestrians need only to cross one direction of traffic at a time. Cars are required to yield to pedestrians in the area marked for pedestrian crossings.
Photograph courtesy of Reid Middleton, Inc.
Bicycles
A bicyclist can travel through the roundabout as a pedestrian, or in the circular roadway with motorized vehicles. Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists when riding on the roadway. Inexperienced riders may choose to walk their bicycles and use the pedestrian crosswalks to get through the roundabout. Some roundabout designs have a ramp onto the sidewalk, which makes it easier for bicyclists to use.
Emergency Vehicles
When an emergency vehicle approaches an intersection, most drivers get out of the intersection as quickly as possible and pull to the side. A roundabout is really no different. If an emergency vehicle enters the roundabout with lights or sirens on while you are in the circle, continue to your intended exit and then pull over to the side of the road. If you are approaching a roundabout, pull over if there is room for the emergency vehicle to get by; otherwise, continue through the roundabout and pull over after you’ve exited the roundabout.
More information
Links and resources to roundabout information and photos from Kansas State University.
Roundabout Benefits
Roundabout Benefits
Improve safety
A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates roundabouts reduce crashes by 75 percent at intersections where stop signs or signals were previously used for traffic control. There are several reasons why roundabouts are safe:
Less potential for serious crashes – since vehicles all travel around the center island in the same direction, head-on and left-hand turn (T-bone) collisions are eliminated.
Low travel speeds – because drivers must yield to traffic before entering a roundabout, they naturally slow down. The few collisions that occur in roundabouts are typically minor with few injuries, since they occur at low speeds of 15 – 20 miles per hour.
No red lights to run – roundabouts are designed to keep traffic flowing without requiring vehicles to stop, so the incentive for drivers to speed up to make it through a yellow or red light is removed.
Reduce delay and improve traffic flow
Contrary to many peoples’ perceptions, roundabouts actually move traffic through an intersection faster, and with less congestion on approaching roads. Roundabouts promote a continuous flow of traffic. Unlike intersections with traffic signals, you don’t have to wait for a green light at a roundabout to get through the intersection. Traffic is not required to stop – only yield – so the intersection can handle more traffic in the same amount of time.
Studies by Kansas State University http://www.ksu.edu/roundabouts/ have measured traffic flow at intersections before and after conversion to roundabouts. In each case, installing a roundabout led to a 20 percent reduction in delays. The proportion of vehicles that had to stop – just long enough for a gap in traffic – was also reduced.
Save money
The cost difference between building a roundabout and a traffic signal is comparable. A roundabout may need more property within the actual intersection, but takes up less space on the streets approaching the roundabout. Roundabouts usually require less overall property to build than a signal with turn lanes because traffic doesn’t have to line up and wait for a green light. In addition to reducing congestion and increasing safety, roundabouts eliminate hardware, maintenance and electrical costs associated with traffic signals, which can amount to approximately $5,000 per year. In addition, many communities are favorable to the aesthetics of a well-designed and landscaped roundabout.
Good locations for roundabouts
Roundabouts are safe and efficient, but they are not the ideal solution for every intersection. We look at several numerous factors when deciding to build a roundabout at a specific intersection. Engineers consider these characteristics when determining the best solution for a particular intersection:
Accident history – data about the number of accidents, type of crash, speeds, and other contributing factors are analyzed.
Intersection operation – the level of current and projected travel delay being experienced, and backups on each leg of the intersection.
Types of vehicles using the intersection – we look at the different kinds of vehicles that use the intersection. This is especially important for intersections frequently used by large trucks.
Cost – this includes the societal cost of accidents, right-of-way (land purchase) requirements, and long-term maintenance needs.
Public Opinion of Roundabouts
Do you feel anxious at the thought of driving a roundabout? If so, you’re not alone. While most drivers get that ‘deer in the headlights’ look initially, studies show after drivers use roundabouts, they like them.
After driving roundabouts, the number of people who favor them more than doubles. A survey (pdf 226 kb) on drivers’ views of roundabouts before and after construction conducted by The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety illustrates public opinion. Before construction, the number of drivers who were in favor of roundabouts was only 31 percent, and those strongly opposed was 41 percent.
The reasons most cited for concern were fear of the unknown: People initially prefer traffic signals and stop signs until they realize roundabouts allow them through the intersection safely without having to stop. Other concerns about safety and possibly being confused about where to go also dissipate with use.
In follow-up surveys, done after the roundabout was installed and drivers had a chance to use them, those who favored roundabouts increased to 63 percent and those strongly opposed dropped to 15 percent.
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/rou...ashingtons.htm
Seattle neighborhood "rouabouts" are not roundabouts they are traffic calming islands
so what is a roundabout??
What is a roundabout?
A roundabout is a circular intersection where traffic flows around a center island. Roundabouts are safe, efficient and less costly. Since vehicles entering the roundabout are required to yield to traffic in the circle, more vehicles can move through the intersection with less delay. The unique one-way design of roundabouts also accommodates the turning radius of large vehicles, like semi-trucks and buses.
How to drive a roundabout
As a driver approaches a roundabout, there will be a YIELD sign. The driver should slow down, watch for pedestrians and bicyclists and be prepared to stop if necessary.
When the driver enters, he/she yields to circulating traffic on the left, but does not stop if the way is clear.
The roundabout will have ONE WAY signs mounted in the center island. They help guide traffic and indicate that the driver must stay to the right of the center island.
Upon passing the street prior to the desired exit, the driver should turn on his/her right turn signal and watch for pedestrians and bicyclists as he/she exits.
Traveling around the central island completes left turns.
Driving a Multi-lane roundabout
Get in the correct lane early. Observe pavement markings and signs (For example: Use the right lane to turn at the first right or go straight. Use the left lane to go straight, make a left turn, or make a U-turn).
Give large trucks (with long trailers) room to take up both lanes as they approach, circulate and exit the roundabout.
Yield to ALL traffic already in the roundabout, even if you're only entering the right lane (or outside lane) of the roundabout.
Never pass or change lanes in the roundabout.
When exiting from the inside lane, check the lane next to you and your blind spot to make sure the outside lane is clear. Use your turn signal to let other drivers know that you are exiting.
See how to drive a roundabout.
Graphic illustration depicting traffic flow through a roundabout on State Route 203 near Duvall
The elements that constitute a roundabout are:
Yielded entry – cars entering must wait for a gap in the circulating traffic before entering the roundabout
Islands separate the entry from the circular roadway
Designated crossing area for pedestrians
Designed to be driven at speeds of 15 – 20 miles per hour
Single or multiple lanes
Roundabouts are not traffic circles or traffic calming islands
A roundabout is not the same as the older-style rotary traffic circle like those found in some East Coast and European cities. The main difference between older style traffic circles and roundabouts is in how traffic enters the circle and which vehicle has the right-of-way. With roundabouts, drivers wishing to enter must yield to vehicles already in the circle. With many of the older traffic circles, drivers inside the circle must yield to the vehicles entering the circle. Traffic circles quickly clogged up and came to a standstill when and if many vehicles entered at the same time.
Aerial view of an older traffic circle.
Roundabouts also differ from traffic calming islands in several ways. These small traffic circles are often used to slow traffic speeds in residential neighborhoods and reduce accidents. In addition, the raised center islands are not designed to accommodate large vehicles and left-turning traffic, which often take the turn in front of the circles.
A local neighborhood traffic calming island.
Roundabouts are designed to accommodate all types of traffic
Large trucks
Roundabouts are designed to handle fire trucks, buses and various sizes of emergency vehicles, as well as truck and trailer combinations. The center island of all single-lane roundabouts is built with a gradually sloped and flat curb, called a truck apron. This apron makes it easier for long vehicles to make the turns as demonstrated in the photo below:
Truck and trailer combination moving through a roundabout with rear wheels
crossing over the truck apron.
Where there are multiple lanes of entry and two or more lanes of circulating traffic, the roundabout is designed with the idea that trucks will use both lanes to travel through the roundabout as smoothly as possible. A truck approaching a roundabout may straddle both lanes, similar to making a “wide right turn” at a standard intersection, provided the driver has determined it is safe to move into the adjacent lane and has signaled their intentions. When a driver of a car or small truck approaches a roundabout where a large truck has stopped to yield to circulating traffic, they should drop back behind the truck as it completes its movement through the roundabout and when exiting. The video clip below demonstrates the truck movement through a two-lane roundabout:
Semi truck moving through roundabout (Windows Media 758 kb)
Semi truck moving through roundabout (RealVideo 380 kb)
Pedestrians
Pedestrians may find traveling through a roundabout just as safe as through an intersection with a signal, if not safer. This is due to the fact that vehicles are moving at a slower rate of speed and pedestrians need only to cross one direction of traffic at a time. Cars are required to yield to pedestrians in the area marked for pedestrian crossings.
Photograph courtesy of Reid Middleton, Inc.
Bicycles
A bicyclist can travel through the roundabout as a pedestrian, or in the circular roadway with motorized vehicles. Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists when riding on the roadway. Inexperienced riders may choose to walk their bicycles and use the pedestrian crosswalks to get through the roundabout. Some roundabout designs have a ramp onto the sidewalk, which makes it easier for bicyclists to use.
Emergency Vehicles
When an emergency vehicle approaches an intersection, most drivers get out of the intersection as quickly as possible and pull to the side. A roundabout is really no different. If an emergency vehicle enters the roundabout with lights or sirens on while you are in the circle, continue to your intended exit and then pull over to the side of the road. If you are approaching a roundabout, pull over if there is room for the emergency vehicle to get by; otherwise, continue through the roundabout and pull over after you’ve exited the roundabout.
More information
Links and resources to roundabout information and photos from Kansas State University.
Roundabout Benefits
Roundabout Benefits
Improve safety
A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates roundabouts reduce crashes by 75 percent at intersections where stop signs or signals were previously used for traffic control. There are several reasons why roundabouts are safe:
Less potential for serious crashes – since vehicles all travel around the center island in the same direction, head-on and left-hand turn (T-bone) collisions are eliminated.
Low travel speeds – because drivers must yield to traffic before entering a roundabout, they naturally slow down. The few collisions that occur in roundabouts are typically minor with few injuries, since they occur at low speeds of 15 – 20 miles per hour.
No red lights to run – roundabouts are designed to keep traffic flowing without requiring vehicles to stop, so the incentive for drivers to speed up to make it through a yellow or red light is removed.
Reduce delay and improve traffic flow
Contrary to many peoples’ perceptions, roundabouts actually move traffic through an intersection faster, and with less congestion on approaching roads. Roundabouts promote a continuous flow of traffic. Unlike intersections with traffic signals, you don’t have to wait for a green light at a roundabout to get through the intersection. Traffic is not required to stop – only yield – so the intersection can handle more traffic in the same amount of time.
Studies by Kansas State University http://www.ksu.edu/roundabouts/ have measured traffic flow at intersections before and after conversion to roundabouts. In each case, installing a roundabout led to a 20 percent reduction in delays. The proportion of vehicles that had to stop – just long enough for a gap in traffic – was also reduced.
Save money
The cost difference between building a roundabout and a traffic signal is comparable. A roundabout may need more property within the actual intersection, but takes up less space on the streets approaching the roundabout. Roundabouts usually require less overall property to build than a signal with turn lanes because traffic doesn’t have to line up and wait for a green light. In addition to reducing congestion and increasing safety, roundabouts eliminate hardware, maintenance and electrical costs associated with traffic signals, which can amount to approximately $5,000 per year. In addition, many communities are favorable to the aesthetics of a well-designed and landscaped roundabout.
Good locations for roundabouts
Roundabouts are safe and efficient, but they are not the ideal solution for every intersection. We look at several numerous factors when deciding to build a roundabout at a specific intersection. Engineers consider these characteristics when determining the best solution for a particular intersection:
Accident history – data about the number of accidents, type of crash, speeds, and other contributing factors are analyzed.
Intersection operation – the level of current and projected travel delay being experienced, and backups on each leg of the intersection.
Types of vehicles using the intersection – we look at the different kinds of vehicles that use the intersection. This is especially important for intersections frequently used by large trucks.
Cost – this includes the societal cost of accidents, right-of-way (land purchase) requirements, and long-term maintenance needs.
Public Opinion of Roundabouts
Do you feel anxious at the thought of driving a roundabout? If so, you’re not alone. While most drivers get that ‘deer in the headlights’ look initially, studies show after drivers use roundabouts, they like them.
After driving roundabouts, the number of people who favor them more than doubles. A survey (pdf 226 kb) on drivers’ views of roundabouts before and after construction conducted by The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety illustrates public opinion. Before construction, the number of drivers who were in favor of roundabouts was only 31 percent, and those strongly opposed was 41 percent.
The reasons most cited for concern were fear of the unknown: People initially prefer traffic signals and stop signs until they realize roundabouts allow them through the intersection safely without having to stop. Other concerns about safety and possibly being confused about where to go also dissipate with use.
In follow-up surveys, done after the roundabout was installed and drivers had a chance to use them, those who favored roundabouts increased to 63 percent and those strongly opposed dropped to 15 percent.
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From: Skagit County WA
I came upon a roundabout in the middle of downtown Sedro-Woolley around a Christmas tree last night!! It was kind of confusing but I guess it worked. There's also one near the Swinomish Casino and another in LaConner. People grumbled but it seems like traffic flows along as long as yielding takes place.
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From: Kirkland
I like roundabouts personally. I think that they will need to start better communicating how to use them with the public and especially in drivers ed courses. I know that the first few times I came to a multiple lane roundabout last year that I had no idea how to use it. I like the feeling of being able to go without stopping.
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From: Club Daily Driven
Come to DC sometime where roundabouts make no sense, have traffic signals, many tourists driving who have never used one before. Those things at least in DC don't cause accidents per say cause most people have no friggan clue of what is going on. In my case I take the metro if I am going into DC. Boston has decent roundabouts except everyone speeds around them and if you are an outoftowner you're going to get run over. One of the local malls has several small ones that aren't too bad, but to be honest I hate them cause people driving in them around here don't deal with them everyday. It's kinda like driving around when you are outta town, check your speedo sometime, you'll see you're going half of what the speed limit is lol.
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Dougzilla... on our cable access channel, they'd show instructions on how to use the new roundabout in Arlington, lol.
CoreyAnn, I'm so glad N Snohomish county hasn't gone roundabout crazy. There's one that I rarely have to use, out in Marysville but it's a wimpy one laner (I think).
CoreyAnn, I'm so glad N Snohomish county hasn't gone roundabout crazy. There's one that I rarely have to use, out in Marysville but it's a wimpy one laner (I think).
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From: South Bay, CA & South Sound, WA (Dual Resident)
Originally Posted by CelicaGirlGT94
I like roundabouts personally. I think that they will need to start better communicating how to use them with the public and especially in drivers ed courses. I know that the first few times I came to a multiple lane roundabout last year that I had no idea how to use it. I like the feeling of being able to go without stopping.
We currently have an 8 lane stop-sign intersection. It works well because we don't have much traffic but there is a traffic flow of "california" stoppers that one must contend with when trying to enter the intersection. But now with the new elementary school opening this has become a problem and a traffic jam after school every day. And after people have been waiting for the stop signs for 20-30 minutes they tend to take the intersection even more dangerously than normal (even with the child ped crossing). I have seen so many near accidents.
The City of Auburn is going to put in either a stoplighted intersection or a roundabout and was looking to residents of the neighborhood for input. I would prefer a roundabout because it is more esthetically pleasing and doesn't make our neighborhood look "junky". Also my theory is that it'll stop the Bonney Lake people who cut through Lakeland to get to Auburn/Hwy 18 because it'll slow them down more than the current stop sign system.
Mo thinks that it'll cause more problems than a lighted intersection does...
He points out that if traffic is flowing into the circle from one specific incoming feeder, that it could make it hard for other feeders to yield into the roundabout and that it might back up those particular feeders.
THANKS NATALIE for the info though. I'm pro-roundabout and I'm going to go to the HOA meeting with what you provided. Mo is anti-roundabout but too bad
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From: South Bay, CA & South Sound, WA (Dual Resident)
Originally Posted by Racinkid13
I love roundabouts. But my passengers really dont.
I had a friend who took one of the Weyerhaeuser roundabouts strong...without warning her passenger. Needless to say 3 Starbucks coffees in the carpets on on passenger's lap...not a pleasant picture.
Mo likes to take the roundabouts hard too! Once he almost made me sick going around and around and around again!!!
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From: Marysville, WA
Originally Posted by Racinkid13
Ive been known to go round 12 or more times. depending on who yells out "im gonna be sick!" first.
Yeah I can't believe all the cities that have decided to put in roundabouts in the past year or so. Seems like its the new "in" thing to spend road money on.
Fine in the box, minor PITA in a 40' bus.
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I hate them, we have this one particular one here in Long Beach and people don't know how to drive in it, I'm sure there is probably one accident a week. people dont use their turn signals like the sign specifically says to use them! And people ALWAYS cut me off in them then they get the horn!! I try to avoid it but it cuts a lot of time off.
I try to avoid it but it cuts a lot of time off.
