Roundabouts

Roundabouts are circular intersections designed to help traffic flow and reduce serious collisions. They are proven across Canada and around the world to improve road safety in growing urban areas like Mississauga.

The City is adding roundabouts in key areas across Mississauga to make roads safer and more efficient for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

How they're safer

For drivers

Roundabouts help reduce the number and severity of collisions by:

Lowering speeds to 20 to 30 km/h
Reducing congestion and delays, making collisions that do occur less severe
Reducing the risk of more serious crashes, like T-bones and head-on collisions
Simplifying navigation for drivers who travel only in one direction (counterclockwise) with no risky left turns

For cyclists

Cyclists benefit from roundabouts through improved visibility, reduced traffic speed and more predictable vehicle movements. Other benefits include:

Calmer traffic flow and speeds, reducing the risk of severe collisions with cars and bikes
Designated cycling facilities with shared lanes, marked bike crossings, or multi-use paths to support different comfort levels
Fewer conflict points with cars and more awareness between cyclists and cars compared to a traditional traffic signal intersection

We continue to design roundabouts using Ontario Traffic Manual and City guidelines to make sure they are safe and accessible for all users, including cyclists.

For pedestrians

Roundabouts are also safer for pedestrians in several ways:

Crossings are shorter and set back from the main circle and allow pedestrians to cross in one direction of traffic at a time
There are no right turns or high-speed movements and vehicles must yield to pedestrians when entering or exiting a roundabout
Design elements like raised medians, signage and lighting help drivers see pedestrians better, improving visibility even in winter conditions

Why roundabouts work for Mississauga

With the city’s continued growth, we need road designs that are safer, more efficient and sustainable. Roundabouts also:

Limit idling time by motor vehicles and therefore reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Function without electricity unlike traffic signals, and are more resilient in severe weather conditions
Typically have lower maintenance and operating costs (but higher construction costs)

Comparing roundabouts to traffic signals

Conflict points of a roundabout — There are 8 vehicle-to-vehicle conflict points in a roundabout and 8 vehicle-to-person conflict points in a roundabout.

Conflict points of traffic signals — There are 32 vehicle-to-vehicle conflict points at traffic signals and 24 vehicle-to-person conflict points at traffic signals.

Roundabouts are part of our Vision Zero goal to build safer, more inclusive streets for everyone.