Roundabouts

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Video Source: Federal Highway Administration

What are Roundabouts?

Roundabouts are circular-shaped intersections engineered to maximize safety and reduce traffic congestion. Traffic studies indicate that roundabouts reduce fatal and injury crashes, ease traffic congestion, and reduce energy costs.

Benefits of roundabouts include:

  • Optimize traffic flow
  • Slower vehicle speeds
  • Better aesthetics
  • Improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • Decrease fatal and injury crashes
  • Reduce noise pollution
  • Less maintenance
  • Electricity-free operation

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New and Upcoming Roundabouts in McKinney

The City of McKinney has numerous single-lane roundabouts and plans to incorporate multi-lane roundabouts into the roadway network in the future. 

Interactive map of roundabouts in McKinney and surrounding areas.. 

Under Construction

  • Ridge Rd. and Wilmeth Rd. - Multi-lane Opening Summer 2023

  • Wilmeth Rd. and Lake Forest Dr. - Multi-lane

  • Wilmeth Rd. and Taylor Burk Dr. - Multi-lane

  • Wilmeth Rd. and Hardin Blvd. - Multi-lane

  • Louisiana St. and Greenville Rd. - Single-lane

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Tips for Drivers

Navigating a Roundabout

  1. When approaching a roundabout, slow down and choose the proper lane for your desired exit.
  2. Yield to all traffic already circulating inside the roundabout on your left before entering the roundabout.
  3. Enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in the circulating traffic.
  4. Stay in your lane. Do not change lanes inside the roundabout.
  5. When you are near your exit, use your right turn signal to show your intent and stay within your lane as you exit the roundabout.

Key Things to Remember!

  • Do not enter a roundabout when an emergency vehicle is approaching. Move to the right and stop to allow it to pass.
  • If you are already inside the roundabout when an emergency vehicle approaches, clear the roundabout to allow the emergency vehicle to pass.
  • Assume semi-trucks need all available space. Do not attempt to pass inside the roundabout.
  • Slow down and watch out for pedestrians.
  • Look for traffic signs, they will help you navigate the roundabout.
  • Choose a lane and stick with it, do not change lanes inside the roundabout.

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Roundabout Signage

Yellow, diamond-shaped sign with black arrows pointing counter-clockwise along a circle and 15 mph
Roundabout ahead, slow down
Two white, rectangular signs with arrows indicating direction of trafficLane designation signs near the entry to a roundabout show the correct lane to be in to exit the appropriate destination leg
Traditional white and red Yield signYield to all traffic in the roundabout
Yellow, diamond-shaped sign with black silhouetted illustration of person walkingPedestrian crossing
White, rectangular sign with black chevrons pointing to the rightRoundabout traffic travels one-way

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Tips for Bicyclists & Pedestrians

Navigating a Roundabout as a Pedestrian or Bicyclist

Bicyclists

  • Bicyclists using a travel lane shall follow the same rules as a vehicular driver. Maintain a good pace and travel in the middle of the lane for the best visibility.
  • Bicyclists using a pedestrian facility should dismount at the first ramp and walk their bicycle following the same rules as a pedestrian.

Pedestrians

  • Only cross at a marked crosswalk.
  • Do not cross to the center island within the roundabout.
  • Look towards approaching traffic and make eye contact to show your intent of crossing.
  • Only cross when there is a big enough gap in traffic or all approaching vehicles are yielding.

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  1. Why are roundabouts being utilized more at intersections?
  2. How is the size of a roundabout determined?
  3. Can a roundabout handle the same traffic volume as a signalized intersection?
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Resources

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