Mini-Traffic Circles

Description
Raised, circular island placed within the middle of residential intersections, requiring vehicles to divert around them, potentially forcing drivers to slow down as they traverse around the circle. Drivers making left turns are directed to maneuver in a counter-clockwise direction, exiting the traffic circle by turning right onto the desired street. Unlike a roundabout, a traffic circle can involve stop signs and the driver is not required to yield to vehicles already engaged in the traffic circle.


Issues Addressed

  • Speeding and accidents (primary)
  • Cut-through traffic (secondary)


Applications

  • Local streets and local collectors.

Advantages 

  • Reduces vehicle speeds.
  • May effectively reduce collisions.
  • May discourage cut-through traffic.
  • Provides visual break in the street scape to reduce mid-block speeds.
  • Opportunity for landscaping and visual enhancements.


Disadvantages

  • Can impact emergency response.
  • Can cause bicycle/auto conflicts if restricted travel lanes.
  • Drivers may turn in front of circle.
  • Can cause the removal of on-street parking, depending on design.


Evaluation Considerations

  • For NTMP projects, street tree(s) in traffic circle are maintained by the city; any additional plants are maintained by residents.

Design/Installation Considerations

  • May require bulb-outs to discourage vehicles from turning left in front of traffic circle.

N. Clark @ Jardin in Los Altos


N. Clark, Los Altos


Mountain View, CA