IMPROVED MULTI-LANE ROUNDABOUT DESIGNS FOR ALL ROAD USERS

The purpose of this paper is to report some findings of a recently completed two-year research project for New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA), two of the projects five main topics being: 1. which is the safer design for a main road intersection - traffic signals or a multi-lane roundabout? This research demonstrates that roundabouts are significantly safer overall, and a nationwide 'roundabout first' policy is being recommended for adoption on this basis. In practice this could mean that road controlling authorities would have to justify an alternative form of intersection control if a roundabout is a feasible option at a particular location. 2. How should pedestrians be safely catered for at a multi-lane roundabout? Pedestrian safety and amenity can be a motivating factor to install traffic signals in urban areas, but this research demonstrates that with appropriate facilities and adequate speed control pedestrians can be safely catered for at a roundabout. Preliminary guidelines have also been developed to assist traffic engineers design safe pedestrian crossing facilities at roundabouts.