Roundabouts
As the city grows, roundabouts are becoming more prevalent and will continue to play an integral role in managing traffic.
A roundabout is a type of circular intersection that has drivers travel counterclockwise around a centre island. There are no traffic signals or stop control in a roundabout. Instead, drivers entering the roundabout yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
What are the Benefits of Roundabouts?
- Safety:Roundabouts reduce vehicle-to-vehicle conflict points compared to a four-legged intersection from 32 to eight, and eliminate T-bone and head-on collisions, the most severe types of collisions. The design of roundabouts also results in decreased speeds through intersections which typically means fewer injuries and fatalities.
- Efficiency:Roundabouts can generally handle higher traffic volumes than other intersection types and offer reduced delay times when operating within their capacity. Because of this, they can reduce the lane requirements between intersections, so while the roundabout itself may have a larger footprint, the overall road corridor right-of-way is smaller and more efficient.
- Cost-saving:While the upfront construction costs are usually going to be higher on a roundabout compared to a stop-controlled or signalized intersection, roundabouts have a longer life expectancy and greater capacity with lower maintenance and operation costs. This can make a roundabout a more sustainable and cost-effective solution, which is further realized when considering safety and the reduced direct and societal costs associated with collisions.
- Environment:Roundabouts can be more environmentally friendly than other intersection treatments due to reduced vehicle delays and vehicles advancing slowly in a moving queue rather than regular periods of full stop experienced at traffic signals. This in turn may reduce fuel consumption and noise, while also improving air quality. Additionally, roundaboutsconsume less power than that required to operate a traffic signal system.
Where are Roundabouts Currently Located in St. Albert?
- Everitt Drive North and Ebony Way
- Coal Mine Road and Ebony Way
- St. Anne Street and St. Anne Promenade
- St. Anne Promenade and Tache Street
- Jensen Lakes Boulevard west of St. Albert Trail
- Jensen Lakes Boulevard and Jubilation Drive/Joyal Way
- Versailles Avenue and Villemagne Road
- Villeneuve Road and commercial access at Walmart
- Villeneuve Road and Dennison Drive/Jensen Gate
Roundabouts planned for construction in 2024 include:
- Hogan Road and Night Bloom Drive (first access into Nouveau - North Ridge Phase 2 -subdivision from Hogan Road)
- Township Road 540A (Giroux Road) and Range Road 260
- Range Road 260 and Chelles Wynd (first access into Cherot subdivision from Range Road 260)
A graphic representation on how to use a one lane roundabout
Navigating Roundabouts
Roundabouts can be intimidating for both new and experienced drivers, but they don’t have to be. The following 7 steps can help you safely navigate roundabouts as a motorist or cyclist:
- When approaching the roundabout, choose the correct lane that corresponds to your intended exit.
- Slow down as you approach the roundabout and be aware of crossing pedestrians.
- Looking left, yield to all traffic inside the roundabout regardless of lane and enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in traffic, travelling in a counterclockwise direction (to the right). For two-lane roundabouts, you should not enter the roundabout until there is a safe gap in both circular lanes, not just the lane you intend to enter.
- Maintain a safe speed, as indicated by the posted speed limit signs, through the roundabout.
- Never change lanes within the roundabout and practice defensive driving by being aware of other vehicles within the roundabout and alert to drivers entering and exiting.
- Signal for a right turn as you approach the desired exit while maintaining a safe speed and be aware of crossing pedestrians.
- Cyclists follow the same protocol as vehicles. It is recommended that inexperienced cyclists dismount and cross the roundabout as a pedestrian.
A graphic representation on how to use a two lane roundabout
Frequently Asked Questions
All drivers entering or exiting a roundabout should yield to pedestrians. When entering a roundabout, drivers should look left and must yield to vehicles already inside the circular lane(s). For two-lane roundabouts, you should not enter the roundabout until there is a safe gap in both circular lanes, not just the lane you intend to enter.
While travelling inside a two-lane roundabout, the outside lane yields to the inside lane. If you are driving in the outside circular lane, it is best to give yourself a bit of space behind a vehicle in the inside circular lane and pay attention to their exiting intentions.
Appropriate speed can vary depending on the size and shape of the roundabout, the location and road conditions. Follow the posted speed and reduce speeds as necessary for adverse weather and conditions such as snow or ice.
In a multi-lane roundabout, you should set your left signal upon entering, indicating you will continue to travel within the roundabout. Switch to your right signal when you pass the exit that is immediately before the exit you will use, which will let other drivers know you intend to exit.
In a single-lane roundabout, you do not need to use your left signal upon entering. Simply use your right signal when you pass the exit that is immediately before the exit you will use.
All vehicles inside the circular lane(s) have the right-of-way over vehicles waiting to enter. In a two-lane roundabout, the outside circular lane yields to the inside circular lane. Pedestrians looking to cross have right-of-way over all vehicles.
Pedestrians should treat a roundabout like any intersection or pedestrian crossing: pause, push or point and proceed. Be aware and activate any warning systems to alert drivers to your crossing. Do not cross the road until vehicles have stopped.
Do not pull over in the roundabout. Exit the roundabout and pull over to the right when it is safe to do so and let the emergency vehicle pass. It is never safe to pull over or park in a roundabout.
More Helpful Information
For more information on the status of roundabout construction, visit the City’s interactiveConstruction Projects Mapthat outlines construction projects planned for the year.
For more information about driving through a roundabout, please visit the links below:
Video length - 2:16
Source: Federal Highway AdministrationRelated Pages
Last edited: January 28, 2025