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Traffic Circle <br />Vertical Elements <br />Purpose <br />A traffic circle is a raised geometric control <br />island, frequently circular, in the center of an <br />intersection of local streets. Typically, traffic <br />circles would be about 20 feet in diameter. <br />Traffic traveling through the intersection must <br />avoid the island affecting the path and speed <br />of the traffic. <br />Source: Institute of Transportation Engineers <br />Traffic Calming: State of Practice <br />Effects <br />Volumes <br />Little or no effect. <br />Speed <br />May reduce speed at intersection. <br />Traffic Noise and Air <br />Little or no effect. <br />Traffic Safety <br />May decreases vehicle conflicts at intersection. <br />Advantages <br />• Reduces speed at intersection approach. <br />• Reduces vehicle conflicts at intersection. <br />• Provides equal access to intersection for all drivers. <br />• Does not restrict access to residents. <br />• Can be landscaped. <br />Disadvantages <br />• Some parking restrictions required. <br />• Local experience has found these devices to be ineffective. <br />• Can restrict access for trucks, buses and may increase emergency vehicle <br />response time. <br />• Winter Maintenance. <br />Problems Targeted <br />• Excessive speeds. <br />• Crash history at intersection. <br />Design <br />• A minimum of 30 feet of curbside parkingmust be prohibited at each <br />corner of the intersection. <br />•Unsuitable on MSA roads. <br /> <br />