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Roundabouts in Scottsdale

The City of Scottsdale began using circular intersections as an element of traffic calming projects in the mid 1980's. These designs were developed before generally accepted modern roundabout guidelines were published and have several shortcomings such as lack of splitter islands and central circles that were too small. More recent traffic calming projects, such as the project in the Tonalea neighborhood completed in 2003, also used roundabouts as intersection control and used improved designs that have been proven to be both safe and effective in reducing vehicle speeds on neighborhood streets.

The City is currently considering, on a case-by-case basis, the use of roundabouts on projects as alternatives to traffic signals. All City roundabout designs will follow the most current guidelines for roundabouts, including proper treatment of pedestrian crossings, bicycle lanes and signage.

  • In 2005 roundabouts will be constructed at 2 intersections in Scottsdale:
    1. 96th Street at Sweetwater Avenue
    2. 96th Street at Cholla Street
  • In 2006 roundabouts are presently proposed to be constructed at the following locations:
    1. Cactus Road at 100th Street, 104th Street and 108th Street
    2. Chaparral Road at 68th Street, 70th Place and Portales Commercial Drive

Why is Scottsdale installing roundabouts?
Roundabouts can reduce accidents and improve traffic flow at intersections. Cities that have implemented them have reported declines of as much as 75 percent in injury accidents. Roundabouts also can improve the flow of traffic at intersections when used in place of traditional four-way or all way stops. In addition, they function as safely and effectively as traffic signals.

 

Navigating Roundabouts


Motorists
  • Approach:  Reduce your speed to the posted advisory speed.  Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk;  THEY have the right-of-way.
  • Enter:  Yield to vehicles in the roundabout.  Wait for a gap in traffic and merge into traffic in the roundabout to the right.
  • Proceed:  Continue through the roundabout until you reach your street.
  • Avoid stopping in the roundabout.
  • Exit:  Signal, then exit the roundabout to your RIGHT.  Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Pedestrians

  • Approach:  At the designated pedestrian crosswalk, look LEFT.
  • Cross: Cross to the raised or painted splitter (see legend) or refuge island.
  • Look RIGHT. Finish crossing to the opposite sidewalk.