page_title: Roundabout
section_title: Raindrop roundabouts
hierarchical_section_title: Roundabout / Types of circular intersections / Raindrop roundabouts
caption_attribution_description: English: A "raindrop" roundabout on N.C. 108 at the Exit 67 interchange of I-26 in Columbus, Polk County, North Carolina. This roundabout was constructed from 2003-2004 to replace a traffic signal and accommodate the large number of left turns onto I-26 east.
context_page_description: A roundabout is a type of circular intersection or junction in which road traffic is permitted to flow in one direction around a central island, and priority is typically given to traffic already in the junction.
  Modern roundabouts observe various design rules to increase safety. Compared to stop signs, traffic signals, and earlier forms of roundabouts, modern roundabouts reduce the likelihood and severity of collisions greatly by reducing traffic speeds and minimizing T-bone and head-on collisions. Variations on the basic concept include integration with tram and/or train lines, two-way flow, higher speeds and many others.
  Traffic exiting the roundabout comes from one direction, instead of three, simplifying the pedestrian's visual environment. Traffic moves slowly enough to allow visual engagement with pedestrians, encouraging deference towards them. Other benefits include reduced driver confusion associated with perpendicular junctions and reduced queuing associated with traffic lights. They allow U-turns within the normal flow of traffic, which often are not possible at other forms of junction.
context_section_description: These roundabouts do not form a complete circle and have a raindrop or teardrop shape. They appear at U.S. Interstate interchanges to provide a free-flowing left turn to the on-ramps and eliminating the need for turn signals and lanes. Since the entry and exit slip roads are one-way, a complete circle is unnecessary. This means that drivers entering the roundabout from the bridge do not need to give way, and that prevents queuing on narrow, two-lane bridges. These roundabouts have been used at dumbbell roundabout junctions, replacing traffic signals that are inefficient without a turning lane. Several junctions along Interstate 70 near Avon, Colorado use teardrop roundabouts.
caption: Raindrop roundabout at an Interstate interchange in North Carolina,
  35°14′42″N 82°12′23″W﻿ / ﻿35.244944°N 82.206289°W﻿ / 35.244944; -82.206289
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