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| Columbus Circle at Night Source: New York Time Lapse.com |
Columbus Circle was the very first traffic circle built in the United States in 1905 designed by American architect William Phelps Eno. As a traditional traffic circle, Columbus Circle's design predates smaller modern roundabouts that function without traffic lights. The Columbus Circle intersection has transitioned from difficult and crowded to a local destination. The fountains, artwork, and benches attract tourists, local lunching workers, and nearby residents for resting, picture-taking, and people-watching. The site has even been featured in movies.
Since the 1990s, modernized traffic circles and roundabouts have become increasingly popular in the US. Although the terms 'roundabout' and 'traffic circle' are often used interchangeably, there is a difference:
Since the 1990s, modernized traffic circles and roundabouts have become increasingly popular in the US. Although the terms 'roundabout' and 'traffic circle' are often used interchangeably, there is a difference:
- Roundabout - Traffic inside the circle has the right-of-way.
- Traffic Circle - Entering traffic has the right-of-way.
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| Older Traffic Circle Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety |
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| Modern Roundabout Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety |
Traffic Circle Benefits
Circular intersections can significantly improve traffic flow and safety. Studies have shown that in places where roundabouts have been installed, motor vehicle crashes have decreased by about 40%, significantly lowering the rate of related injuries. Less crashes can reduce vehicle delays, fuel consumption, and air pollution.
Interested? Read more at the US DOT website.The US Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration claims that today's well designed traffic circles are a proven life-saving roadway safety strategy, stating "Modern roundabouts are not only safer than traditional signalized and stop-controlled intersections...[R]oundabouts operate more efficiently, often have lower life cycle costs, and result in increased fuel efficiency."
Sources:
Federal Highway Administration. 2010. Roundabouts: an informational guide. National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP). Report no. 672. Washington, DC: Transportation Research Board.
Persaud, B.N.; Retting, R.A.; Garder, P.E.; and Lord, D. 2001. Safety effect of roundabout conversions in the United States: empirical Bayes observational before-after study. Transportation Research Record 1751:1-8.
Eisenman, S.; Josselyn, J.; List, G.; Persaud, B.; Lyon, C.; Robinson, B.; Blogg, M.; Waltman, E.; and Troutbeck, R. 2004. Operational and safety performance of modern roundabouts and other intersection types. Final Report, SPR Project C-01-47. Albany, NY: New York State Department of Transportation.
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