![]() ![]() "Traffic engineers and community planners are starting to recognize the mini-roundabout design as a low-cost solution for improving intersection capacity and safety without the need for acquiring additional right-of-way," says Monique Evans, director of the Office of Safety Research and Development (R&D) at the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Its defining feature is traversable central and splitter islands to accommodate large vehicles. As used here, a mini-roundabout refers to a single lane with an inscribed circular diameter between 50 and 90 feet (15 and 27 meters). ![]() Other countries have been designing and constructing mini-roundabouts since the 1970s, but very few of these intersections are found in the United States. ![]() One potential solution might be the mini-roundabout. This situation is changing, however, in many urban and suburban areas, where growing urbanization has resulted in traffic congestion and safety problems. An FHWA study looked at the performance and safety features of mini-roundabouts like this one.Īt many intersections in the United States, especially on roads that experience moderate congestion, traditional stop controls work well. This mini-roundabout in Maryland contains a painted splitter island, a common feature of the mini-roundabouts constructed in this State. An FHWA study offers recommendations for constructing mini-roundabouts to reduce congestion and improve safety at intersections throughout the United States. ![]()
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