Image
image
image
image

Home  •  RAB Guide

Lee Rd at US-23Navigating Roundabouts

A modern roundabout is a circular, unsignalized intersection where entering traffic yields to motorists circulating counterclockwise around a central island. Presently, there are three single and one double modern roundabouts operating in Livingston County.

The Road Commission has plans to construct additional modern roundabouts within Livingston County over the next several years. Since this alternative intersection is relatively new to Michigan and many drivers are unfamiliar with the "road rules" of modern roundabouts, the Livingston County Road Commission hopes the following information will assist the motoring public in navigating a modern roundabout.

 

Roundabout Navigation Image 1

Diagram of a modern roundabout courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Transportation

If you are a motorist approaching a modern roundabout intersection:

 

Image 2When approaching a roundabout, slow down. For multi-lane roundabouts, look for roadside signs and pavement markings to guide you into the appropriate lane. It is important that you be in the correct lane prior to entering the roundabout.


 

Image 3Always stay to the right of the splitter island (either painted or raised). Splitter islands are used to divide directional traffic on the approach to the roundabout.


Image 4

Be cautious of pedestrians as you approach the crosswalk.


 

Image 5As you approach the yield line, look to your left before entering the roundabout. Vehicles within the roundabout have the right-of-way. Enter the roundabout and merge into the traffic flow once an adequate gap is available.


Image 6

All movement within the roundabout circulates counterclockwise. Never turn left into the roundabout from the yield line.


Image 7

When traveling within the roundabout, only stop to avoid a collision. You have the right-of-way over entering traffic.


Image 8

When approaching the roundabout, avoid traveling at a speed greater than the posted advisory speed.


Image 9

When circulating within a multilane roundabout, avoid changing lanes.


Image 10

Give special consideration to trucks, trailers and other large vehicles within a roundabout. Avoid passing or driving adjacent to larger vehicles within a roundabout. Large vehicles need more than one lane to circulate the roundabout.


Image 11

Sometimes you will encounter a cyclist traveling within the roundabout. Use caution, be courteous, and share the road.


 

Image 12Continue through the roundabout until you reach your exit. Use your turn signal when exiting.


Image 4

As you exit the roundabout, be aware of pedestrians crossing the roadway.


Image 13

If an emergency vehicle approaches the roundabout...

Directly behind you just prior to you entering the roundabout (single lane approach); Enter the roundabout and travel to your exit. After exiting the roundabout, immediately maneuver your vehicle to the right side of the road to allow the emergency vehicle to pass you. Do not stop in the roundabout.

On another approach prior to you entering the roundabout; Wait for the emergency vehicle to enter and exit the roundabout before proceeding with your maneuver.

While you are circulating within the roundabout; Exit the roundabout and immediately maneuver your vehicle to the right side of the road to allow the emergency vehicle to pass you. Do not stop in the roundabout.

If you are a cyclist approaching a modern roundabout intersection:

  • If you are comfortable riding in traffic, take the lane and circulate like you are a vehicle, making sure you yield to traffic in the circle when entering.

  • Ride at the speed of the circular roadway to discourage cars from passing you.

  • When you exit the roundabout, use your right hand signal.

  • If you are unsure about using the roundabout, dismount and walk your bike as a pedestrian at the designated crosswalks.

Roundabout Navigation Image 15

Images courtesy of Ken Sides

If you decide to enter the roundabout, try to travel at or near the same speed as motorists within the roundabout, and ride in the center of the lane as shown in the left image. Upon exiting, resume your trip within the bike lane if one is present.

If you are a pedestrian approaching a modern roundabout intersection:

  • Stay on the designated walkways at all times.

  • Cross only at the designated crosswalks.

  • Never cross to the central island.

  • Watch for cars; you have the right-of-way, but your best protection is your own attention.

  • Cross the crosswalk one lane at a time, using the splitter island as a refuge area before crossing the next lane.

Roundabout Navigation Image 16

Left Image courtesy of Mike Ronkin

Guide Signs

Guide signs provide drivers with navigational information. There are two types of guide signs you may encounter when approaching a modern roundabout:

Advanced Destination Guide Signs

These signs are typically placed in advance of the intersection to orient drivers with the layout of the roundabout. Road names, cardinal directions (north, south, east, west), route markers, points of destination, and general service symbols may be found on these signs.

Roundabout Navigation Image 17 lee rd

Example of advanced destination guide signs

Exit Guide Signs

Exit guide signs, located within the splitter island close to the circulating roadway, may be used to designate the destination of each exit from the roundabout.

Roundabout Navigation Image 18

Examples of exit guide signs

 
Contact us for more info


image


image
image