During this period, do traffic counts and speed studies. In addition, distribute survey cards to gauge citizen support and identify any problems. If the traffic circle is unpopular, citizens should be able to petition to have it removed. In Seattle, because of the popularity of the program and the technical requirements, it can take one to two years from the time a neighborhood requests a circle to when it gets built. In general, traffic circles are almost maintenance free and can last as long as the road itself.
Neighborhood landscaping efforts can help keep city maintenance at a minimum.
The exact location and shape of each traffic circle should be designed to the particulars of the intersection. Size is determined by the intersection s geometrics, using the largest circle that meets basic design considerations. The diagram on the next page illustrates a typical traffic circle design being used in Seattle.