Why Roundabouts?

Roundabouts are becoming a more common solution to manage traffic at road intersections.

Roundabouts have several advantages over signalized intersections. Studies have shown that roundabouts are safer than signalized intersections. They also allow more traffic to flow through them. They accommodate both pedestrians and bicycles.

• Roundabouts reduce overall collisions by 39% and reduce fatal crashes by 90%.

The City of Crystal Lake has two roundabouts along Congress Parkway at Exchange Drive and Federal Drive.

How to Safely Navigate a Roundabout  

This handout shows how to navigate through a roundabout. You may also watch the below video.

Operational Benefits of the Roundabout  

• Roundabouts increase traffic capacity between 30 to 50% .
• Roundabouts reduce vehicle delays by 89%. 
• Roundabouts reduce vehicle emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
• This exhibit shows that most vehicle types, including large trucks, can navigate roundabouts.
• Please see this handout for more information on the operational benefits of roundabouts. 

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodations

• In roundabouts, crosswalks are set back from the intersection, which means drivers focus on the crossing and not other vehicles.
• Vehicles have lower speeds entering and leaving the roundabout, which leads to better yielding rates. 
• Please see this handout and brochure for more information.