A new roundabout is opening to traffic at 8th Ave and King George Highway in Surrey on Wednesday, Sept.15.
September, 2004 – The Ministry of Transportation, under an agreement with Transport Canada, has funded the 8th Avenue widening project, including construction of a new single-lane roundabout. ICBC is also contributing funding to the roundabout through its road improvement program and is partnering with the Ministry of Transportation in a driver education campaign.
A roundabout is an intersection having a one-way circulation around a central island where entering traffic must yield the right-of-way to circulating traffic. While relatively new to British Columbia, roundabouts have been common in Europe and in other areas of North America for about 100 years. About 10 �modern� roundabouts have been built in BC over the past three years.
Roundabouts are designed to make intersections safer by reducing speeds and helping to prevent �Tee-bone� and head-on collisions.
As many drivers and other road users may not be familiar with using a roundabout, it�s important to keep in mind the rules for its proper use.
Driving tips on how to use a Roundabout:
When entering, drivers should:
- Apply the same caution used when approaching any yield sign.
- Be prepared to stop, yield to pedestrians and wait for a sufficient gap in the circulating traffic before entering the roundabout.
- Circulate toward the desired exit.
When exiting, you should:
- Signal a right turn in advance of your exit location.
- Yield to pedestrians that may be crossing on the exit lane.
If you encounter an emergency vehicle:
- Drive with caution but do not stop inside the roundabout.
- Once you exit the roundabout, stop and allow the emergency vehicle to pass.
Pedestrians and Cyclists
At each approach to the roundabout, there is a clearly marked pedestrian crossing. Pedestrians should cross only at these designated crosswalks.
There is a shared pedestrian-cycle path connecting to the crosswalks. Cyclists can use either the shared pedestrian-cycle path or ride inside the roundabout.
For more information go to www.icbc.com/Road_Safety/index.html.
