Work Progressing on Fredericton’s First Roundabout; Public Education Campaign Planned

Fredericton (September 16, 2010) – Members of the City’s Transportation Committee received a construction update about Fredericton’s first roundabout at their regular monthly meeting. They were also shown the signage that will be used to identify roundabouts and got an overview of the public education campaign being planned for the motoring public.

“Roundabouts are an excellent traffic management tool,” said Coun. Bruce Grandy, Chair of the City’s Transportation Committee. “It is important that we take the time to educate the public about their use and value.”

It is expected the City’s new roundabout, to be located at the intersection of Brookside Drive / Reynolds Street / West Hill Crossing will be open by the first week of October. Roadwork on the intersection and a stretch of Brookside Drive to Summerhill Row continues.

There are three types of signs that motorists will see when approaching roundabouts. The first is a roundabout ahead warning sign. This yellow, diamond shaped sign features a circle of three arrows. At the entry to the roundabout, motorists will find a typical yield sign, with a roundabout symbol in the centre. The final sign is yellow rectangular sign with directional black arrows.

As part of the introduction of roundabouts, a public education campaign is planned around the theme “Fredericton is taking a turn in the right direction.” Efforts will include a public information session about roundabouts at the Brookside Mall on Thursday, September 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., where staff be available to talk about using roundabouts. An information display will remain in place at the mall until the Brookside roundabout opens.

Information has also been posted to the City of Fredericton web site. Find out more about roundabouts, see videos on using roundabouts, and read the frequently asked questions about roundabouts, by visiting www.fredericton.ca and looking for the roundabout link. In addition, the City will use radio, newspaper, and bus advertising to make motorists aware of roundabouts.

Roundabouts are circular intersections. They are a safe, efficient and greener way of moving traffic. Motorists simply yield on entry into a roundabout. Traffic in the roundabout has the right of way. With less points of conflict, accidents in roundabouts are greatly reduced, and since there are less delays and traffic line-ups, fuel consumption and air pollution are reduced.