Intersections

Roundabouts

A roundabout is a circular intersection which allows for the free flow of traffic in one direction around a centre island.

Roundabouts are engineered to minimize the risk of severe collisions.

Unlike traditional intersections, where vehicles often collide at right angles or head-on, roundabouts force drivers to navigate in a circular pattern, reducing the likelihood of serious collisions. Traffic flow is also improved and there are fewer delays because drivers yield rather than stop at a red light. Less starting and stopping also reduces vehicle noise and fuel emissions.

These intersection designs are gaining traction throughout North America due to the benefits they provide.

Benefits

• Fewer conflict points: Roundabouts have fewer points where vehicles can collide compared to traditional intersections. This is because traffic flows in a single direction, reducing the potential for head-on and T-bone collisions.
• Reduced speeds: The circular design of roundabouts naturally forces vehicles to slow down, minimizing the impact of any collisions that occur.
• Improved traffic flow: Roundabouts can help to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion and save time which can also contribute to fewer collisions.
• Elimination of traffic lights: Unlike traditional intersections, roundabouts do not require traffic signals. This means there are fewer opportunities for drivers to become distracted or make mistakes as well as less time waiting.
• Environmental: Reduced pollution, noise and fuel consumption Roundabouts generally take less land than traditional intersections as they don't require turning lanes.

Roundabouts are built to provide extra room for large trucks. Mountable truck aprons in the centre of the roundabout serve as an overrun area for longer vehicles that require more turning area and have been designed to support the weight of these large trucks.

While roundabouts are generally safer than traditional intersections, it's important to note collisions can still happen. To ensure maximum safety, drivers must always yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Learn more about navigating these intersections from SGI.

Reduced Collision U-Turn (RCUT)

Reduced Collision U-Turn (RCUT) intersections are a cost-effective way to improve safety at busy highway intersections when traffic volumes do not support an overpass. These intersections are new to Canada, but they have been extensively built in the United States. The US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration has listed the RCUT as a proven safety measure in reducing severe accidents at intersections.

Saskatchewan’s first RCUT was built at the intersection of Highway 16 and the Dalmeny Road. The intersection was converted from a two-way stop-controlled crossing to a Reduced Collision U-Turn.

Highway 16 is part of the national highway system and is a key transportation connection between Dalmeny and the City of Saskatoon. The Dalmeny Access Road is a commuter route as well as an over-dimensional truck bypass route.

RCUT intersection improvements reduce severe collisions resulting from right-angle (T-bone) collisions.

How does it work?

• No left turn onto highway.
• Right turn onto highway and U-turn at median opening.
• Never cross all lanes of traffic.
• Helps simplify decision-making for drivers and reduce the potential for serious collisions.

Why does it work?

• Drivers are required to make a safer right turn and then make a U-turn away from the intersection, eliminating the possibility of a severe right-angle collision.
• Drivers focus on one direction of traffic at a time, enhancing their safety.
• Drivers don’t need to wait for a gap in both directions to cross the highway.

Benefits

• Reduce serious and fatal collisions.
• Reduce wait times during peak traffic.
• Large and over-dimension vehicles can navigate the RCUT.
• Acceleration and deceleration lanes like those encountered across Saskatchewan and Canada.