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Roundabouts
FHWA-SA-10-006
Foreword
This technical summary is designed as a reference for State and local transportation officials, Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) Division Safety Engineers, and other professionals involved in the design, selection, and
implementation of roundabouts. Its purpose is to provide an overview of safety considerations in the design,
implementation, and operation of roundabout intersections in urban, suburban, and rural environments where
design considerations can vary as a function of land uses, travel speeds, volumes of traffic by mode (e.g., car,
pedestrian, or bicycle), and many other variables.
This technical summary explores the characteristics of modern roundabouts while reinforcing the need to
apply a principles-based approach to design. It provides readers with an overview of the key considerations
for planning, analysis, and design of single-lane and multilane roundabouts. Section 1 of this document
summarizes the characteristics of roundabouts. Section 2 presents benefits of roundabout intersections
compared to traditional signalized and/or stop-controlled intersections. Sections 3-6 provide an overview of
user, location, operational and design considerations respectively.
The information presented in this summary outlines the principles described in the FHWA document
Roundabouts: An Informational Guide [1] and the forthcoming 2nd Edition [2] of that document (hereafter
referred to as the Roundabout Guide), which is in progress at the time of this writing and due to be published in
2010. Specific considerations for mini-roundabouts are summarized in a separate FHWA document titled Mini-
Roundabouts Technical Summary [3]. Figures are from the Roundabout Guide unless otherwise noted.
This publication does not supersede any publication; and is a Final version.
Notice
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
3.2 Pedestrians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.3 Bicycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6.8 Landscaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Section 7: Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Section 8: References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
iv FHWA | Roundabouts
Introduction
Modern roundabouts are a type of intersection characterized by a generally circular shape, yield
control on entry, and geometric features that create a low-speed environment. Modern roundabouts
have been demonstrated to provide a number of safety, operational, and other benefits when
compared to other types of intersections. On projects that construct new or improved intersections,
the modern roundabout should be examined as an alternative. This technical summary explores the
characteristics of modern roundabouts while reinforcing the need to apply a principles-based ap-
proach to design. It provides readers with an overview of the key considerations for planning, analy-
sis, and design of single-lane and multilane roundabouts.
The information presented in this summary outlines published in 2010. Specific considerations for mini-
the principles described in the FHWA document roundabouts are summarized in a separate FHWA
Roundabouts: An Informational Guide [1] and the document titled Mini-Roundabouts Technical Summary
forthcoming 2nd Edition [2] of that document (hereafter [3]. Figures are from the Roundabout Guide unless
referred to as the Roundabout Guide), which is in otherwise noted.
progress at the time of this writing and due to be
FHWA | Roundabouts 1
2 FHWA | Roundabouts
Section 1: Characteristics of Roundabouts
Circular intersection forms have been part of the transportation system in the United States for over
a century. Their widespread usage decreased after the mid-1950s, as rotary intersections began
experiencing problems with congestion and safety. However, the advantages of the modern round-
about, including modified and improved design features, have now been recognized and put to the
test in the United States. There are now estimated to be well over a thousand roundabouts in the
United States and tens of thousands worldwide, with the number estimated to be increasing in the
United States each year.
A modern roundabout has the following distinguishing Appropriate geometric curvature to encourage slow travel
characteristics and design features: speeds through the intersection.
No need to
change lanes
to exit
Counterclockwise
circulation Yield signs
at entries
FHWA | Roundabouts 3
Roundabouts have been classified into three basic or design issues: mini-roundabouts, single-lane
categories according to size and number of lanes roundabouts, and multilane roundabouts1. These are
to facilitate discussion of specific performance summarized in Table1.
Modern roundabouts are different from other types of the country, and they are typically larger than most
of circular intersections in use in some parts of the neighborhood traffic calming circles. Further discussion
United States. Roundabouts are typically smaller than can be found in the Roundabout Guide.
the large, high-speed rotaries still in use in some parts
Traffic Safety Numerous studies have shown Operational Performance When operating
significant safety improvements at intersections converted within their capacity, roundabouts typically have lower
from conventional forms to roundabouts. The physical overall delay than signalized and all-way stop-controlled
shape of roundabouts eliminate crossing conflicts that intersections. The delay reduction is often most significant
are present at conventional intersections, thus reducing during non-peak traffic periods. These performance
the total number of potential conflict points and the most benefits can often result in reduced lane requirements
severe of those conflict points. The most comprehensive between intersections. When used at the terminals of
and recent study showed overall reductions of 35 percent freeway interchanges, roundabouts can often reduce
in total crashes and 76 percent in injury crashes [4]. Severe, lane requirements for bridges over or under the freeway,
incapacitating injuries and fatalities are rare, with one thus substantially reducing construction costs. However,
study reporting 89-percent reduction in these types of as yield-controlled intersections, roundabouts do not
crashes [5] and another reporting 100-percent reduction in provide priority to specific users such as trains, transit, or
fatalities [6]. emergency vehicles.
4 FHWA | Roundabouts
Environmental Factors Roundabouts often provide Aesthetics The central island and splitter islands
environmental benefits by reducing vehicle delay and the offer the opportunity to provide attractive entries
number and duration of stops compared with signalized or centerpieces to communities through use of
or all-way stop-controlled alternatives. Even when there landscaping, monuments, and art, provided that they
are heavy volumes, vehicles continue to advance slowly are appropriate for the speed environment in which the
in moving queues rather than coming to a complete stop. roundabout is located.
This can reduce noise and air quality impacts and fuel
consumption significantly by reducing the number of Land Use Roundabouts can provide a transition
acceleration/deceleration cycles and the time spent idling. area between high-speed rural and low-speed urban
environments. They can also be used to demarcate
Access Management Because roundabouts commercial areas from residential areas.
can facilitate U-turns, they can be a key element of a
comprehensive access management strategy to reduce Ongoing Operations and Maintenance A
or eliminate left-turn movements at driveways between roundabout typically has lower operating and maintenance
major intersections. costs than a traffic signal due to the lack of technical
hardware, signal timing equipment, and electricity needs.
Traffic Calming Roundabouts can have traffic calming Roundabouts also provide substantial cost savings to
effects on streets by reducing vehicle speeds using society due to the reduction in crashes, particularly fatal
geometric design rather than relying solely on traffic and injury crashes, over their service life. As a result, the
control devices. overall life cycle costs of a roundabout can be significantly
less than that of a signalized intersection.
Pedestrian Safety Due to the reduction of vehicle
speeds in and around the intersection, roundabouts can Approach Roadway Width A roundabout may
improve pedestrian crossing opportunities. Additionally, reduce the amount of widening needed on the approach
the splitter island refuge area provides the ability for roadways in comparison to alternative intersection
pedestrians to focus on one traffic stream at a time while forms. While signalized or stop-controlled intersections
crossing. However, pedestrians with visual impairments can require adding lengthy left-turn and/or right-turn
may not receive the same level of information at a lanes, a roundabout may enable maintaining a narrower
roundabout as at a typical signalized intersection, and cross section in advance of the intersection. However,
they may require additional treatments, such as pedestrian roundabouts usually require more space for the circulatory
signalization. Specific design treatments for enhancing roadway, central island, and sidewalks than the typically
accessibility for visually impaired pedestrians are receiving rectangular space inside traditional intersections.
continued study[7]. Therefore, roundabouts often have greater right-of-way
needs at the intersection quadrants compared with other
intersection forms.
3.1 Motorists Allowing more time to make decisions, act, and react;
Research indicates roundabouts address some of Reducing the number of directions in which a driver needs
the problems drivers experience in dealing with to watch for conflicting traffic; and
intersections. One of the key design features of a
Reducing the need to judge gaps in fast traffic accurately.
roundabout is the geometric shape of the roundabout
that causes all traffic to slow down as it enters the Attention should be paid to the layout of signs and
intersection. Roundabouts can enhance the safety for pavement markings to make them clear, visible, and
drivers, including older drivers, by:
FHWA | Roundabouts 5
unambiguous to all users, including older drivers. Trucks 3.3 Bicycles
and other large vehicles can be accommodated at a
roundabout with proper attention to design. Further Bicyclists have a broad range of skills and experiences,
details on design vehicles are provided later in this and roundabouts are typically designed to
technical summary. accommodate that wide range. Bicyclists should be
provided similar options to negotiate roundabouts
as they have at conventional intersections, where
3.2 Pedestrians they navigate either as motor vehicles or pedestrians
Pedestrians are accommodated at pedestrian crosswalks depending on the size of the intersection, traffic
around the perimeter of the roundabout. By providing volumes, their experience level, and other factors.
space to pause on the splitter island, pedestrians can Bicyclists are often comfortable riding through single-
consider one direction of conflicting traffic at a time, lane roundabouts in low-volume environments in
which simplifies the task of crossing the street. The low the travel lane with motor vehicles, as speeds are
vehicular speeds through a roundabout also allow more comparable and potential conflicts are low. At larger
time for drivers and pedestrians to react to one another or busier roundabouts, many cyclists may be more
and to reduce the consequences of error. As a result, few comfortable and safer using ramps connecting to a
crashes involving pedestrians have been reported at sidewalk or multiuse path around the perimeter of the
roundabouts [4]. roundabout as a pedestrian.
The sound of circulating traffic masks the audible cues that On emergency response routes, the delay for the
blind pedestrians use to identify the appropriate time to relevant movements at a planned roundabout should
enter the crosswalk (both detecting a gap and detecting be compared with alternative intersection types and
that a vehicle has yielded). control. As with conventional intersections, motorists
should be educated not to enter a roundabout when an
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that all new emergency vehicle is approaching on another leg. Once
and modified intersections, including roundabouts, entered, they should clear out of the circulatory roadway
be accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. if possible, facilitating queue clearance in front of the
Further discussion on treatments can be found later in emergency vehicle.
this technical summary and in the Roundabout Guide.
6 FHWA | Roundabouts
Section 4: Location Considerations
In the planning process for a new or improved intersection where a traffic signal or stop control is
under consideration, a modern roundabout should likewise receive serious consideration as an alter-
native. This begins with understanding the site characteristics and determining a preliminary con-
figuration. There are a number of locations where roundabouts are commonly found to be advan-
tageous and a number of situations that may adversely affect their feasibility. As with any decision
regarding intersection treatments, care should be taken to understand the particular benefits and
trade-offs for each project site. This section outlines some location considerations to help determine
whether a roundabout is a feasible intersection alternative.
FHWA | Roundabouts 7
rural, high-crash locations, even those with
high-speed approaches (greater than 55 mph).
Commercial developments
Physical complications such as right-of-way delay to all traffic entering the intersection, including the
limitations, utility conflicts, environmental constraints, major street.
drainage problems, intersection skew, grades or
unfavorable topography, etc, that make it politically or Heavy pedestrian or bicycle movements in conflict with
economically infeasible to construct a roundabout. high traffic volumes that might require supplemental traffic
control (e.g., signals).
Proximity of generators of significant traffic that might
have difficulty negotiating the roundabout, such as Intersections located on arterial streets within a
high volumes of trucks or oversized vehicles (sometimes coordinated signal network. In these situations, the level
called superloads). of service on the arterial might be better with a signalized
intersection incorporated into the system.
Proximity of other conditions that would require pre-
emption, such as at-grade rail crossings, drawbridges, etc. The existence of one or more of these conditions may or
may not preclude installing a roundabout. Roundabouts
Proximity of bottlenecks that would routinely back have, in fact, been built at locations that exhibit one
up traffic into the roundabout, such as over-capacity or more of the conditions listed above. To address
signals, etc. The successful operation of a roundabout these conditions, additional analysis, design work, and/
depends on generally unimpeded flow on the circulatory or coordination with affected parties may be needed
roadway. If traffic on the circulatory roadway comes to a to resolve conflicts and help in the decision-making
halt, roundabout operation is impeded. In comparison, process. In some cases, the conditions identified above
other control types may be able to serve some cannot be overcome, and another intersection type may
movements under these circumstances. be more suitable.
8 FHWA | Roundabouts
Section 5: Operational Analysis
A basic question that needs to be answered at the planning level is how many entering and circulat-
ing lanes a roundabout would require to serve the traffic demand. The number of lanes affects not
only the capacity of the roundabout, but also the size of the roundabout footprint. Figure 5 presents
ranges of average annual daily traffic (AADT) volumes to identify scenarios under which one-lane
and two-lane roundabouts may perform adequately. These ranges represent total entering volume
thresholds where a one-lane or two-lane roundabout should operate acceptably and ranges of
volumes over which more detailed analysis is required. This procedure is offered as a simple, conser-
vative method for estimating roundabout lane requirements.
25,000
sized roundabouts (e.g., one lane for part of Single-lane roundabout may be
sufficient (additional analysis
the circulatory roadway, and two lanes at 20,000
needed)
other parts within the same roundabout), 15,000
Single-lane roundabout Double-lane roundabout
roundabouts with peak-period metering, and 10,000 likely to operate likely to operate
acceptably acceptably
three-lane roundabouts have been successful 5,000
in some locations. 0
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
The 2010 Highway Capacity Manual (HCM)[8] Left-Turn Percentage
scenarios. The lower curve can be used to two-lane entry against two conflicting lanes
800
calculate the capacity of a one-lane entry to Capacity of left lane of two-lane entry
against two conflicting lanes
a one-lane roundabout, or either lane of a 600
two-lane entry conflicted by one circulating
lane. For a roundabout with two circulatory 400
Capacity of one-lane or either lane of two-
lane entry against one conflicting lane
lanes, the two curves representing the left
200
and right entry lanes should be used. As an
example, for a given circulatory flow rate of 0
Dashed regression extrapolated beyond the data
600 passenger cars per hour (pc/h) across 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800 2,000
Conflicting Flow Rate (pc/h)
two lanes, the left lane of a two-lane entry
would have a capacity of approximately 720 Figure 6: Capacity of Single-Lane and Multilane Entries
pc/h, and the right lane of a two-lane entry Source: 2010 HCM [8]
FHWA | Roundabouts 9
would have a capacity of approximately 740 pc/h. More may be capable of analyzing situations beyond
detail, including sample calculations of roundabout the methodologies presented in the 2010 HCM or
volumes, conversion of vehicles per hour (veh/h) to Roundabout Guide; refer to these documents for
passenger cars per hour (pc/h), lane use, capacity, and further discussion. Regardless of the analytical tools
performance measures, can be found in the 2010 HCM. used, it is critical to understand that each model
and analysis method makes certain operational
Different methods of analysis are available and are in and performance assumptions. Along with an
common use for a variety of applications, including understanding of the inherent imprecision of traffic
software programs with specific roundabout analysis forecasting, this makes the application of engineering
procedures and simulation models. These models judgment crucial in the analytical process.
This design balance is further influenced by physical, A design that meets the needs of pedestrians and
environmental, economic, and political constraints and bicyclists; and
opportunities, which further increases the variability
from site to site. For example, a roundabout that is Appropriate sight distance and visibility.
built to its ultimate configuration on opening day may
Since roundabouts are applied in many different
have different design characteristics from one that is
situations and under differing site specific conditions,
initially built in an interim configuration (e.g., a single-
each roundabout design requires distinctive design
lane roundabout converted later to a double-lane
choices. The general nature of the roundabout design
roundabout), and the techniques for those conversions
process is an iterative one. Minor adjustments in
can vary (e.g., adding lanes to the outside versus
geometric design attributes can result in significant
the inside). For these reasons, roundabout design
effects on the operational and safety performance of
techniques are difficult to standardize, and there is
the roundabout. Also, many of the individual design
rarely only one correct or even best way to design a
components interact with each other, and therefore
roundabout.
considering the roundabout design in whole (the
Fundamentally, roundabout design involves achieving outcome of the design) is more important than focusing
the following key objectives: on the isolated components. Because of this iterative
process, it may be advantageous to prepare initial
Slow entry speeds and consistent speeds through the layout drawings to a hand-sketch level of detail and
roundabout by using deflection; investigate the compatibility of the design principles
presented below before further design effort is invested.
The appropriate number of lanes and lane The optimal position of the roundabout may not be
assignment to achieve adequate capacity, lane volume established until geometrics are roughly investigated for
balance, and continuity of lanes through the roundabout; various location options.
Smooth channelization that is intuitive to drivers and The key design parameters and methods for checking
results in vehicles naturally using the intended lanes; designs are summarized in the remainder of this section.
Adequate accommodation for the design vehicles;
10 FHWA | Roundabouts
6.1 Horizontal Design To determine the theoretical speed of each movement,
the fastest path allowed by the geometry is drawn.
Three of the key considerations that affect horizontal This is the smoothest, flattest path possible for a single
design of roundabouts include design speed, path vehicle given the absence of any other traffic and given
alignment, and design vehicle. These in turn influence that the driver ignores all lane markings, traverses
the size of the roundabout and the design of the central the entry, and travels around the central island and
island and splitter islands. This section highlights these through the exit. Usually the fastest possible path is
considerations and design details. the through movement, but in some cases it may be a
right turn movement. Figure 7 and Figure 8 illustrate the
6.1.1 Design Speed construction of the fastest vehicle paths at a single-lane
roundabout and at a multilane roundabout, respectively.
Achieving appropriate vehicular speeds
entering and traveling through the
roundabout is a critical design objective
as it has profound impacts on safety.
A well-designed roundabout reduces
vehicle speeds upon entry and achieves
consistency in the relative speeds between
conflicting traffic streams by requiring
vehicles to negotiate the roundabout along
a curved path.
The recommended design speed of a Figure 7: Fastest Vehicle Path Through a Single-Lane Roundabout
roundabout is primarily a function of the
number of lanes rather than the design
speed of the intersecting roadways. The
design speed of a roundabout is defined
by the theoretical speed that drivers
could achieve through the roundabout
if taking the fastest path through the
roundabout without regard to lane line
striping, if present. In practice, actual
speeds through the roundabout will be
less than these theoretical values, as drivers
will be decelerating into the roundabout,
yielding to other users, and staying within
their lanes (for multilane roundabouts).
For single-lane roundabouts, typical
maximum theoretical entering speeds
of 20 to 25 mph are recommended; for
multilane roundabouts, typical maximum
theoretical entering speeds of 25 to 30 mph Figure 8: Fastest Vehicle Path Through a Multilane Roundabout
are recommended. This design technique
ensures that speeds observed in practice
will fall within a reasonable range.
FHWA | Roundabouts 11
Figure 9 provides an example of a right-turn
path. Dimensions are provided to show how the
centerline of the vehicular path is drawn relative
to control points (e.g., curbs). The theoretical
speeds estimated from these paths are checked
against the target design speed for the type of
roundabout (single-lane versus multilane) to
determine if the geometry produces reasonable
speeds.
25
Speed (mph)
12 FHWA | Roundabouts
and acceleration out of the roundabout
than by the radius of the exit path. More
information on calculating exit speeds can
be found in the Roundabout Guide [2]. It is
important to understand the relative trade-
FHWA | Roundabouts 13
crossing the path of the exiting vehicles. This
can create conflicts at the exit point between
exiting and circulating vehicles, as shown in
Figure14.
14 FHWA | Roundabouts
For multilane roundabouts, there are
different philosophies regarding the extent
to which trucks need to stay in their lane
throughout their movement; these are
discussed further in the Roundabout Guide.
6.1.4 Size
* Assumes 90-degree angles between entries and no more than four legs.
FHWA | Roundabouts 15
Photo: Skagit County Public Works Department (used with permission)
6.1.5 Central Island
16 FHWA | Roundabouts
provide refuge for pedestrians, including
those using wheelchairs, pushing a stroller,
or walking a bicycle.
FHWA | Roundabouts 17
bicycle ramps rather than at the bottom as
is the practice with pedestrian ramps.
18 FHWA | Roundabouts
Detailed design guidelines for evaluating intersection 6.5 Vertical Design
sight distance are provided in the Roundabout Guide.
As a general practice, a cross slope of 2 percent away
Stopping sight distance should be provided at every from the central island should be used for the circulatory
point within a roundabout and on each entering and roadway on single-lane roundabouts. This technique of
exiting approach, as illustrated in Figure 21. The required sloping outward is recommended because it:
distance is based on speed, as determined from the
fastest path speed checks, and can be calculated using Promotes safety by raising the height of the central island
AASHTO guidelines. and improving its visibility;
As shown in Figure 20 and Figure 21, sight distance Promotes lower circulating speeds;
needs may limit the height of landscaping and objects
Minimizes breaks in the cross slopes of the entrance and
around the outer edge of the central island. In general, it
exit lanes; and
is recommended to provide no more than the minimum
required intersection sight distance on each approach. Drains surface water to the outside of the roundabout.
Excessive intersection sight distance can lead to higher
vehicle speeds that may reduce the safety of the Figure 22 displays a typical section for a single-lane
intersection. roundabout with a truck apron. Where truck aprons are
used, the slope of the apron should generally be 1 to
FHWA | Roundabouts 19
2 percent; greater slopes may increase the
likelihood of loss-of-load incidents. Examples
of traversable curb details can be found in
the Roundabout Guide.
20 FHWA | Roundabouts
6.6.1 Pavement Markings In general, lane-use arrows should be used at
roundabout approaches with exclusive turn lanes
Typical pavement markings for roundabouts delineate and at other multilane roundabouts where lane-use
the entries, exits, and the circulatory roadway, providing arrows will improve lane use by drivers. There are four
guidance for pedestrians and vehicle operators. Example different options for the design of lane-use arrows on the
markings for single-lane and multilane roundabouts are approach to roundabouts as shown in Figure 25. Normal
shown in Figure 23. Pedestrian crossing markings (shown lane-use arrows may be used with or without an oval
in the figure) and yield line markings (not shown) may symbolizing the central island. Alternatively, the fish-
be used at any roundabout. Bicycle lanes within the hook arrows shown on the right, which also contain
circulatory roadway are prohibited. an optional oval symbolizing the central island, may be
As shown in Figure 23, solid white lane lines are
recommended on multilane approaches and departures
to discourage lane changes in these areas. Multilane
roundabouts should also have lane line markings
FHWA | Roundabouts 21
used. In choosing a lane-use arrow design,
designers should consider the general A - Normal arrows B - Fish-hook arrows
(Optional)
OR
(Optional) (Optional)
(Optional)
(Optional)
(Optional)
(Optional)
OR OR OR
(Optional)
(Optional)
22 FHWA | Roundabouts
be used in all rural locations and in urban/
suburban areas where appropriate. Additional
examples can be found in the MUTCD.
6.7 Lighting
Roundabouts, including their pedestrian
crossing areas and bicycle design features,
should be conspicuous and visible to
approaching drivers. The overall illumination
of the roundabout should be based on local
and national guidelines for street lighting. The
Design Guide for Roundabout Lighting [12],
published by the Illuminating Engineering
Society (IES), is the primary resource that
should be consulted in completing a
lighting plan for all roundabout types.
Local illumination standards should also be
considered when establishing the illumination
at the roundabout to ensure that the lighting
is consistent. The Roundabout Guide provides
a more detailed summary of lighting principles
and guidelines.
6.8 Landscaping
Landscaping of roundabouts plays an
important role in improving the aesthetics
Figure 27: Example Exit and Advance Diagrammatic Guide Signs
of an area, as shown in Figure 28. However,
landscaping has a number of functional
purposes:
FHWA | Roundabouts 23
the more notable considerations are described below: Evacuation routes Roundabouts have been located
on evacuation routes and have had flow reversed as
Right-turn bypass lanes Roundabouts can needed to facilitate evacuation.
employ right-turn bypass lanes similar to those used at
conventional intersections. Bypass lanes are designed Bus stops Bus stops can be provided on either the
either to yield to exiting traffic or to form an additional entry or exit side of a roundabout. Bus stops should not
lane next to exiting traffic (which may then merge into the be provided within the circulatory roadway. Pedestrian
exiting traffic). access to and from the bus stop, including the location
of the bus stop relative to the nearest crosswalk, should
Access management Driveways in the vicinity be carefully considered.
of roundabouts may experience restrictions in access
similar to those in the vicinity of signalized intersections. Refer to the Roundabout Guide for additional
Roundabouts may offer the opportunity to include information on these and other topics.
driveways as a curb cut or a fully developed approach with
splitter islands depending on the volume characteristics
and other factors.
24 FHWA | Roundabouts
Section 7: Costs
Construction costs for roundabouts vary widely, from tens of thousands of dollars for minor retrofits
of small intersections using existing curb lines, existing pavement, and no landscaping to millions
of dollars for major reconstruction of large intersections with significant earthwork, structures, and
landscaping. Right-of-way costs also vary widely depending on impact area and land uses. As a
result, a case-by-case evaluation of construction costs is needed for a reasonable assessment.
A benefit-cost analysis may be useful in alternatives signal hardware to power, maintain, and keep current
analysis, as it recognizes that not all of the benefits in terms of signal timing. Finally, while many factors
and costs of an alternative can be quantified by influence the potential service life of a roundabout
pure construction costs. The safety, operational, (types of construction materials, weather conditions,
and environmental benefits of roundabouts can be traffic conditions, growth in the area, etc.), roundabouts
quantified and compared to the initial construction can often serve for longer periods of time between
and ongoing maintenance cost over the life cycle major upgrades (repaving, reconstruction, etc.) than
of the roundabout. While initial construction costs comparable signalized intersections. More detail on
might be higher for a roundabout in a retrofit situation estimating lifecycle benefits and costs can be found in
(they are often comparable in new installations), the the Roundabout Guide.
roundabouts ongoing maintenance is often cheaper
than for signalized intersections, as there is typically no
FHWA | Roundabouts 25
Section 8: References
1. Robinson, B. W., L. Rodegerdts, W. Scarbrough, W. Kittelson, R. Troutbeck, W. Brilon, L. Bondzio, K. Courage, M.
Kyte, J. Mason, A. Flannery, E. Myers, J. Bunker, and G. Jacquemart. Roundabouts: An Informational Guide. Report
FHWA-RD-00-067. FHWA, U.S. Department of Transportation, June 2000.
2. Rodegerdts, L. A., et al. Roundabouts: An Informational Guide, 2nd Edition. National Cooperative Highway Research
Program Project 03-65A. Transportation Research Board, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C. Work in
progress; estimated publication 2010.
4. Rodegerdts, L., M Blogg, E. Wemple, E. Myers, M. Kyte, M. Dixon, G. List, A. Flannery, R. Troutbeck, W. Brilon, N. Wu,
B. Persaud, C. Lyon, D. Harkey, D. Carter. Roundabouts in the United States. National Cooperative Highway Research
Program Report 572. Transportation Research Board, National Academies of Science, Washington, D.C., 2007.
5. Persaud, B. N., R. A. Retting, P. E. Garder, and D. Lord. Crash Reductions Following Installation of Roundabouts in the
United States. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Arlington, Virginia, March 2000.
6. Cunningham, R. B. Marylands Roundabouts: Accident Experience and Economic Evaluation. Traffic Development
& Support Division, Office of Traffic and Safety, State Highway Administration, Maryland Department of
Transportation, March 2007.
7. Hughes, Ronald G., et al. NCHRP 03-78A: Crossing Solutions at Roundabouts and Channelized Turn Lanes for
Pedestrians with Vision Disabilities. Transportation Research Board, National Academies of Science, Washington, D.C.
Work in progress, estimated publication 2010.
8. Transportation Research Board. Highway Capacity Manual. Transportation Research Board, National Academies of
Science, Washington, D.C. Work in progress, estimated publication 2010.
9. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). A Policy on Geometric Design of
Highways and Streets. AASHTO, Washington, D.C., 2004.
10. Kittelson & Associates, Inc. and TranSystems Corporation. Kansas Roundabout Guide: A Supplement to FHWAs
Roundabouts: An Informational Guide. Kansas Department of Transportation, Topeka, Kansas, October 2003.
11. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. FHWA, Washington, D.C., 2009.
12. Illuminating Engineering Society. Design Guide for Roundabout Lighting. Publication IES DG-19-08. Illuminating
Engineering Society of North America, New York, February 2008.
26 FHWA | Roundabouts
For More Information
Ed Rice
Intersection Safety Team Leader,
FHWA Office of Safety
202.366.9064
ed.rice@dot.gov
http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection