| Abstract |
This presentation will provide an overview of some design treatments that can be applied at roundabouts to make them more safe and accessible for all users. The treatments, primarily intended for multi-lane roundabouts, are:
- Vane islands on entry to separate lanes and reduce vehicle speeds. In two example projects, the vane islands are initially right-turn channelization islands that will ultimately be used to separate through lanes once the roundabout entries are widened to three lanes.
- Rumble strips to reduce vehicle speeds and more effectively convey lane use. In an example project, the rumble strips are divide lanes at the roundabout entry, circulating road and exit.
- Raised crosswalks to reduce vehicle speeds. At two existing roundabouts, and a planned third roundabout, an innovative asymmetrical profile has been designed that have a standard approach ramp but more gentle departure ramp to better accommodate transit, winter maintenance and emergency vehicles.
- Enhanced pedestrian crossings using RRFBs with an audible message to inform users as to when the beacons are operating and increase accessibility. This treatment is recommended at pedestrian crossings by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) and the US MUTCD.
- A pedestrian underpass at a planned multi-lane roundabout that will handle very high pedestrian flows.
The first three treatments are focussed on further controlling vehicle speeds, which can be challenging at multi-lane roundabouts (especially at the exits, where drivers can cross lane lines to achieve a faster path), and increasing overall safety. The last two treatments are focussed on increasing pedestrian accessibility.
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