Welcoming Traffic Circles To Town

In and around Washington D.C., traffic planners are experimenting with converting intersections to traffic circles. Residents are slowly embracing the new roundabouts.

1 minute read

April 3, 2008, 11:00 AM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"Montgomery County drivers, all too familiar with the back-and-forth and ins-and-outs of area traffic, might soon have to perfect another direction: round and round.

Traffic circles and roundabouts (a well-known fixture of British roadways) are becoming increasingly common in parts of Montgomery. Traffic planners say the trend is likely to continue.

"They're becoming much more popular for reasons of safety and efficiency," said Dan Burden, a Florida-based urban planner who has worked on several road projects in the region. Burden's company has suggested two roundabouts, among others, for proposed development along Glenallan Avenue, next to the Glenmont Metro station. "It's really coming. I've been predicting that within a reasonable number of years, there will one of these for every 1,000 residents.""

"The Maryland State Highway Administration has been advocating for additional traffic circles in recent years, particularly in less densely built areas, said Holger Serrano of the county's Department of Public Works."

Thursday, April 3, 2008 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.