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TRAFFIC CIRCLE CHAPTER <br /> <br />22 <br /> <br />A traffic circle is a raised geometric control <br />island, frequently c~cular, in the center of an <br />intersection of local~streets. A typical traffic <br /> <br />I circle would be about 20 feet in diameter. <br /> Traffic traveling thrqugh the intersection must <br />I avoid the island. This affects the path and <br /> speed of the traffic. Traffic circles can be used <br /> with or without stop sign control of the inter- <br />i section. The approach roadway widths <br /> should be 30 feet wide or wider. Frequently, <br />I the island is landscaped with Iow growing <br /> shrubs and a tree. <br />I t ffec s <br /> <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br /> Volumes. The impact on the traffic volume is <br /> minimal. Some vehicles may be diverted to <br /> adjacent collector or arterial streets to avoid <br /> the islands. <br /> <br /> Speed. Speeds near the intersection are <br /> reduced so that the !vehicles can avoid the <br /> traffic circle. This is. especially true of left <br /> turrdng vehicl'es. Speed in the middle of the <br /> block may increase as some drivers try to <br /> make up for lost time~ <br /> <br />Traffic Noise, Air Quality and Energy Con- <br />sumption. There is a_n increase in noise and <br />energy consumption .from the deceleration <br />and acceleration of vehicles. Air quality is <br />.negatively affected as well. <br /> <br />Traffic Safety. Depelading on the accident <br />patterns, a positive change in accidents could <br />occur. If there are a number of right angle <br />accidents, a sigrdficmnt ireduction will possibly <br />occur. Ttgs is the result of a slowing of traffic <br />at the point of conflict. If there are few right <br /> <br /> angle accident or there is stop control at the <br /> intersection already, there will probably be <br /> little effect'on accidents. <br /> <br />Community Reaction. The reaction is mixed. <br />Some drivers express concern about an un- <br />necessary obstruct/on and potential hazard. <br />There are a few complaints regarding noise, <br />air quality, or energy consumption. Depend- <br />lng on the kind' of construction and landscap- <br />ing, the traffic 'circle can receive varying <br />opinions on their aesthetic value. Loss of <br />parking in areas of heavy parking can cause <br />complaints. The ability to maneuver around <br />the traffic circle before the streets are cleared <br />of snow can also cause complaints. <br /> <br /> Cost <br /> <br />The cost of a typical traffic circle with concrete <br />curb and gutter and landscaping can ap- <br />proach $5,000. <br /> <br />Neighborhood Traffic Control <br /> <br />January1994 <br /> <br /> <br />