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Roundabout
What is a modern Roundabout?
A modern roundabout is an intersection having one-way circulation
around a center island where entering traffic must yield the right-of-way
to circulating traffic.
For Vehicles Approaching a Roundabout
A driver should use the same caution as approaching any yield sign.
Drivers must be prepared to stop and wait for a sufficient gap in
the circulating traffic before entering the roundabout.
Vehicles already inside the circulatory roadway have the right-of-way
over vehicles entering the circulation roadway.
Use the following precautions when driving a roundabout:
- Slow down
(most roundabouts can be safely traveled at about 15 miles per
hour (25 Km/hr).
- Yield
to pedestrains.
- If you
want to turn left, stay left; If you want to turn right: stay
right.
- Yield
to vehicles already in the roundabout.
- Once
in the roundabout you have the right-of-way.
- Signal
before exiting and yield to pedestrains.
Signaling
at a Roundabout
All the normal rules of the road apply. It is very important to
be courteous and signal your intentions as you approach and drive
through the roundabout.
Through Movement
No Signal is required for through movement,
it would
be courteous to signal right at your exit.
Right Turn Movement
Signal a right turn on the approach
and
while in the roundabout.
Left or U-Turn Movement
Signal a left turn on the approach and while
in the
roundabout, signal right at your exit.
For Pedestrians
- Cross
only at designated crossing locations.
- Watch
for cars; you have the right-of-way but drivers may not be paying
enough attention.
- The
roundabout has a splitter island that can serve a refuge island,
which allows you to cross the street one direction of traffic
at a time.
- Do not
cross over to the Center Island in the roundabout.
For Bicyclists
- If you
are comfortable riding in traffic, take the lane and circulate
like you are in a vehicle. However, as with motorists you must
wait at the yield line for a sufficient gap in the circulating
traffic before entering the roundabout.
- If you
are unsure about using the roundabout, dismount and walk your
bike as a pedestrian at the designated crosswalks.
Truck Apron
This is an outer portion of the central island of the roundabout
that can be driven on. It is designed to allow large trucks, busses
and emergency vehicles to maneuver around the circulating roadway.
No other vehicles should drive on the apron.
For further information on the city of Kennewick’s Modern
Roundabouts contact:
Traffic Engineering
City of Kennewick
P.O. Box 6108
Kennewick, WA 99336-0108
You may also find additional information on roundabouts by contacting
the following web sites:
"Roundabouts: An Information Guide" published by the Federal
Highway Administration:
http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/00068.htm
Oregon Department of Transportation:
http://www.odot.state.or.us/techserv/engineer/pdu/Roundabout.htm
Kittelson and Associates, Inc.:
http://roundabouts.kittelson.com/
Parsons Brinckerhoff:
http://www.roundabouts.com/
Washington State Department of Transportation items of local interest::
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/SR240TriCitiesAddLanes
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