As more and more roundabouts are installed people are starting to understand and accept them more as another form of intersection traffic control.   Fort Collins currently has two roundabouts at major intersections.  At appropriate locations roundabouts provide an alternative to standard traffic signals or all-way STOPs that can provide a safer, more efficient, economically advantageous, and environmentally friendly way to move traffic along the roadway system. In the following section you can learn more about why Traffic Operations considers roundabouts a viable option for traffic management.

Roundabouts can be safer than other forms of intersection control. At appropriate locations roundabouts have been found to:

• reduce conflict points;
• promote slower vehicle speeds through intersections;
• reduce the number of injury crashes.

Slower vehicle speeds mean:

• drivers have more time to judge and react to other cars or pedestrians;
• an advantageous situation for older and novice drivers;
• a safer situation for pedestrians.

Roundabouts can be more efficient than other forms of intersection control.  At appropriate locations roundabouts can:

• reduce delay,
• improve traffic flow for intersections that handle a high number of left turns,
• reduce the need for storage lanes, and
• reduce fuel consumption and air pollution.

Roundabouts can be cost-effective:

• no signal equipment to install and repair;
• savings estimated at about $5,000 per year in electricity and maintenance costs.