The modern roundabout is a common intersection application which is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. As with any intersection, its selection and design requires balancing competing objectives (economics, safety, environmental concerns, operation, accessibility, land usage, aesthetics, etc.). This course is a summary of the geometric design process for today’s roundabouts. Participants will be given an in-depth look at the principles and potential trade-offs to be considered when selecting and designing roundabouts. By combining this course material with work experience and engineering judgment, the participant may produce plans beneficial to the traveling public.

At the conclusion of this course, the learner will:      

• Understand the history of early traffic circles and rotary intersections
• Be familiar with general design process for modern roundabouts
• Recognize the advantages and disadvantages of roundabouts
• Be familiar with basic geometric elements
• Know the various principles and objectives for roundabout design
• Be familiar with the design of single-lane roundabouts