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TRAFFIC CIRCLE <br /> <br />CHAPTER <br /> <br />22 <br /> <br /> A traffic circle is a raised geometric control <br /> island, frequently Circular, in the center of an <br /> intersection of loc~ streets. A typical traffic <br /> circle would be about 20 feet in diameter. <br /> Traffic traveling tl'Wough the intersection must <br /> 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 /> section. The approach roadway widths <br /> should be 30 feet wide or wider. Frequently, <br /> the island is landscaped with iow growing <br /> shrubs and a tree. <br /> <br /> Effects <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 axe <br /> reduced so that the vehicles can avoid the <br /> traffic circle. This ~ especially true of left <br /> turning vehicles. SPeed in the middle of the <br /> block may increase!as some drivers try to <br /> make up for lost time. <br /> Traffic Noise, Air Q~zality and Energy Con- <br /> snmption. There is an 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. Dep~ending on the accident <br />patterns, a positive chaiage in accidents could <br />occur. If there are a number of right angle <br />accidents, a significant reduction w/il possibly <br />occur. This 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 <br />necessary obstruction and potential hazard. <br />There are a few complaints regarding noise, <br />air quality, or energy cbnsumption. 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 />January 1994 <br /> <br />/65 ,' <br /> <br /> <br />