Roundabouts in Canada: A Primer for Decision-Makers (2013)

In 2009, the Canadian Institute of Transportation Engineers (CITE) Technical Liaison Committee (TLC) identified a need to conduct a survey of Canadian roundabout experience to improve the understanding of roundabout status in Canada. It was believed that the existing studies and surveys completed in North America had more of a United States focus and did not adequately represent Canadian roundabout applications and experience. A Roundabout Committee (‘the Committee’) was subsequently formed under the aegis of the TLC.

The Committee was comprised of volunteer professionals from both private and public sectors and from across Canada, New Zealand and one originally from Britain.

This document includes an introduction to roundabouts, another section on potential issues with roundabouts and finally roundabout experiences in Canada which includes survey results of Canadian roundabout practice in terms of policy, implementation, operations, safety and maintenance. Selected Canadian roundabouts from across the country are represented in 22 case studies that include roundabout images and provide salient design and performance information. Also included is a brief summary of the status of research in Canada, along with resources and contact persons.

It was intended that this report would become a primer for decision-makers in Canada to help them effectively make informed decisions about the suitability of a roundabout for a specific location.