Roundabouts

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The City of Port St. Lucie, following guidance from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), is actively promoting the installation of modern roundabouts throughout the City at strategic intersections. FDOT has also begun to increase their installation on the state highway system due to their proven safety and operational benefits.

The City currently has 20 roundabouts with 6 new proposed locations. Both existing and proposed locations are illustrated in a map below. Many motorists don’t realize their prevalence; there are over 300 roundabouts on local roads throughout the State. For many people, roundabouts are a new concept. This requires a tailored public involvement approach and a combined education and communications strategy. This site is designed to provide residents and visitors with the information and resources to help them understand and navigate roundabouts safely and efficiently.

What is a roundabout and how do I use it safely?

A roundabout is a one-way, circular intersection that uses signs to guide motorists around them. The basic operating principle of the roundabout is that traffic travels counterclockwise around a central island in the middle of the intersection and entering traffic must yield to the circulating traffic already within the roundabout.

The figure below identifies key components of a roundabout.

roundabout graphic

Benefits of roundabouts

Roundabouts are increasingly becoming more popular due to the benefits that they provide. These benefits include dramatic reductions in serious injury and fatality crashes as well as reductions in delay for road users. Benefits of modern roundabouts have been shown to occur in both urban and rural areas under a wide range of traffic conditions.

The Federal Highway Administration designated roundabouts as one of nine proven safety counter measures. Roundabouts provide a number of benefits as described below:

Safety

  • Fewer crashes, 90% fewer fatalities and 75% fewer injuries
  • Fewer severe crashes
  • 10 to 40% fewer pedestrian/bicycle crashes
  • Roundabouts are safer for beginner and elderly drivers
  • Can be used in multiple road intersections

Time Savings

30 to 50% increase in traffic capacity for intersection, less delay waiting at stops and signals

Environmentally Friendly

  • Reduces pollution (from cars not waiting at traffic signals), reduces noise, reduces fuel consumption
  • Roundabout islands can be landscaped with native plants and trees
  • Roundabouts generally take less land than traditional intersections as they don't require turning lanes

Saves Money

  • Without traffic signals, no cost for traffic signals and yearly maintenance
  • Intersection still operates in power outages, no need for police to direct traffic
  • Roundabouts can help improve sales at nearby businesses across the country as more people can walk or easily drive to locations compared to traditional intersections
  • Can act as a marker to a business or downtown district

Where are the roundabouts in Port St. Lucie?

Learn where existing and proposed roundabouts are in our City:

Download Map(PDF, 8MB)

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Outreach

During the third week in September, the Federal Highway Administration celebrates National Roundabouts Week. Modern roundabouts dramatically reduce severe crashes by approximately 80 percent compared to traditional two-way stop-controlled intersections that's why they are a safer choice!

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