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More details offered on how roundabouts work

"Roundabouts improve safety by reducing serious crashes caused by t-bone collisions," says transportation minister.
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The roads have been paved and sidewalks put in as work continues on the new roundabout at 232 Street and 56 Avenue. Councillor Kim Richter expressed concern at the June 18 meeting that there was ‘no action’ happening on the project.

On Tuesday, The Times published a letter asking for more information on how roundabouts work. We printed the address of a ministry of transportation and highways website, which explains in more detail how roundabouts work and gives tips to drivers. It also includes some visual aids.

For the benefit of those without access to the Internet, here are the main points from that website, which can be accessed at http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/roundabouts/.

A roundabout is a circular intersection without stop signs or electronic signals.Traffic flows counter-clockwise around a central island. Roundabouts are growing in popularity across Canada and the U.S.

The rules are simple.

1.Approach

Reduce your speed and choose your lane

Watch for road signs.

Watch for pedestrians and cyclists and be ready to stop.

2. Yield

Always yield to traffic in the roundabout.

Wait for a safe gap in the traffic, remembering that those in the roundabout have the right of way.

3. Enter

Enter the roundabout to your right.

Continue counter-clockwise until you reach your exit.

4. Exit

Use your right turn signal before exiting

Watch for pedestrians and cyclists

“Roundabouts improve safety by reducing serious crashes caused by t-bone collisions.  They also help slow motorists down, improve traffic flow and reduce pollution caused by idling,” says Transportation and Highways Minister Blair Lekstrom.

In Langley, the roundabout at 232 Street and 56 Avenue is almost complete, and a roundabout at the Five Corners in Murrayville has been functioning for several years.