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.
• Yield to pedestrians.
• 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 pedestrians.

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.

If you have any questions about Roundabouts, please contact the City of Spokane, Traffic Operations Division at (509) 232-8800.

You may also find additional information on roundabouts by contacting the following web sites:

Washington Department of Transportation:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/biz/trafficoperations/roundabout.htm

"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/Roundabouts/Rndbtindex.htm

Kittelson and Associates, Inc.:
http://roundabout.kittelson.com/

Parsons Brinckerhoff:
http://www.roundabouts.com/

HOME

---

This site will be updated as further information is developed and formatted for online access.

The information contained on these pages is compiled from various sources and is subject to constant revision. This material should be used for informational purposes only. Please refer to the Citizens Reference Guide or contact the street department directly for further information.

---

Please send any questions or concerns for the street department to:
Spokane Streets

To contact the Street Department, call (509) 232-8800 during normal working hours.

If you are in need of after hour assistance please contact us at (509) 625-7733.

or send correspondence to:
City of Spokane Street Department
901 N Nelson St.
Spokane WA 99202-3769

Any Questions or Suggestions on this web page please email us at: info@spokanestreets.org