Topic outline

  • Roundabouts: Advantages and Suitability

    Credits: 5 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Under some circumstances, roundabouts offer many advantages over other intersection control options: fewer vehicle accidents, higher capacity, reduced maintenance costs, better appearance, and increased pedestrian safety. For example, in foreign countries where the use of roundabouts is well-established, traffic engineers almost always choose roundabouts in situations where U.S. engineers would choose all-way stop controls: all-way stop control is virtually nonexistent in these countries.

    This course provides information and guidance on roundabouts and is intended to help engineers and planners identify situations where roundabouts should be used and what kind of roundabout should be selected.

    The material contained in the course has been developed with input from transportation practitioners and researchers from around the world.

    Topics:

    • Defining physical features and key dimensions
    • Distinguishing roundabouts from other circular intersections
    • Multimodal considerations
    • Costs associated with roundabouts
    • Legal considerations
    • Public involvement and education in the use of roundabouts
    • Planning steps for implementing roundabouts
    • Determining number of entry lanes
    • Types of roundabouts from which to choose
    • Comparing operational performance of alternatives
    • Space requirements

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    Additional Reference Materials

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Publication Source: US DOT (Federal Highway Administration)


    Mark Rossow PhD, PE (retired)

    • Topic 1