Do roundabouts require more space than traditional intersections?
Roundabouts do not necessarily require more space than traditional intersections. Geometric design details vary from site to site and must take into account traffic volumes, land use, topography, and other factors. Because they can process traffic more efficiently than traffic signals and stop signs, roundabouts typically require fewer traffic lanes to accommodate the same amount of traffic. In some cases, roundabouts can require more space than stop signs or traffic signals at the actual intersection to accommodate the central island and circulating lanes, but approaches to roundabouts typically require fewer traffic lanes and less right-of-way than those at traditional intersections. The following example from Asheville, North Carolina, illustrates that roundabout dimensions can be compatible with those of traditional intersections.

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1. What is a roundabout?
2. How do roundabouts differ from older traffic circles and rotaries?
3. How do roundabouts affect safety?
4. What are the features of a good roundabout designs?
5. What are the common types of crashes at roundabouts? What can be done to prevent them?
6. How do roundabouts affect traffic flow?
7. Are there other benefits?
8. Can roundabouts accommodate larger vehicles?
9. How do roundabouts affect older drivers?
10. Are roundabouts safe for pedestrians?
11. Do drivers favor roundabouts?
12. What are the impediments to building roundabouts?
13. How common are roundabouts in the United States?
14. Do roundabouts require more space than traditional intersections?
15. What are appropriate locations for roundabouts?
16. What types of intersections may not be good candidates for roundabouts?