“Communities
across New York State have benefited from the construction of roundabouts,
which improve intersection safety and reduce vehicle emissions including carbon
dioxide,” Acting Commissioner Karas said. “As with all our
transportation improvement projects, roundabouts support Governor Cuomo’s effort
to boost local economies by providing quick, convenient access to area
businesses.”
NYSDOT’s
Southern Tier region includes Allegany, Steuben, Chemung, Schuyler and Yates
counties.
A
roundabout is a circular intersection without traffic signals, which is
engineered to maximize safety and minimize congestion. Traffic travels
counterclockwise with ramps for incoming traffic to yield.
Roundabouts
see a decrease in the severity of crashes, which typically occur at a slow
speed and include side swipes and fender-benders, greatly reducing the chance
of deadly head-on or T-bone crashes.
Traffic
flows more freely through roundabouts than at traditional intersections,
cutting congestion and commute time. Reduced vehicle idling time means fewer
fuel emissions and improved air quality. Roundabouts eliminate the need for
electricity-powered traffic signals, provide a more walkable community, and an
aesthetically pleasing landscape.
In
the Southern Tier, there are 4 roundabouts on state roads.
Drivers
are reminded:
- Watch
traffic signs and pavement markings to determine the correct lane to be in
before entering the roundabout. Once inside the roundabout do not change
lanes.
- Use
the left lane to make left turns and use the right lane to make right
turns. Follow signs and markings to determine which lane(s) go straight.
- Traffic
in the roundabout has the right-of-way.
- Vehicles
wishing to enter should yield at the yield line and look for oncoming
traffic on their left.
- Enter
the roundabout when there is an adequate gap in the circulating traffic
flow.
- Always
yield to pedestrians and keep crosswalks clear.
- Cars
and trucks should yield to bicycle traffic and not pass them.
- As you approach your exit, turn on your right turn signal.
Bicyclists
are permitted to ride within the roundabout and should follow the flow of
traffic, riding in the middle of the lane to prevent being passed or cut
off. Hand turning signals should be used. If bicyclists choose not
to ride in the roundabout, they should dismount prior to the intersection and
proceed as a pedestrian walking their bicycle, on the sidewalk if present.
Crosswalks
for pedestrians are generally just outside of the main flow of the roundabout’s
traffic. Walkers, runners, and dismounted bikers should always to look before
crossing and only cross one direction of traffic at a time. Never cross to the center
island.
