Module 1 A Nationally Emerging Practice

1
Module 1 A Nationally Emerging Practice
Roundabouts in the United States

• Introduction to Roundabouts

2
Traffic Engineering
Traffic engineering principles are well rooted in
history.
PHOTOGRAPHY SOURCE David Plazack
Sometime in the early 1800s traffic management
became an issue.
3
Intersections
Intersections have always been a primary concern
for transportation professionals.
As traffic volumes increase, configuration of the
intersection can be modified to accommodate
traffic.
4
Intersection Traffic Control
Early forms of intersection traffic control
required the presence of a human operator.
Traffic signals and pedestrian activated devices
have become the preferred method to manage
traffic through intersections.
5
Circular intersections
Circular intersections have been used in this
country in the past.
6
Roundabouts An alternative
The roundabout is yield controlled, traffic flows
with fewer stops.
Air quality also benefits when motorized traffic
is kept in motion.
7
Roundabout Rules of the Road
The rules for traveling through a roundabout are
easily explained and will eventually be included
in most state drivers manuals.
Special brochures also introduce these new
additions to the public.
8
The Future of the Modern Roundabout
As safety and environmental advantages become
recognized, roundabouts will be adopted by
transportation professionals just like other
technological advances.