Roundabout proposed for Edward Street at Redwood Avenue

THUNDER BAY -- City officials have nominated the Edward Street/Redwood Avenue intersection as the location for the city's first roundabout on a busy street.

The only existing roundabout is at the south entrance to Marina Park, which is not a heavy traffic location.

Northwood ward councillor Shelby Ch'ng says city administration has chosen the intersection partly because it's already due for new traffic signals.

"Roundabouts are a cheaper option and they're a safer option," Ch'ng said. 

She added  there is adequate space for the project at that intersection, and a roundabout will eliminate the need to install expensive new traffic lights.

Although the city recently did some other infrastructure work in the area, Ch'ng said replacing the traffic signals still requires "all the electrical work underground" to be re-done.

The project, if approved, won't take place until 2019.

The city's proposed 2018 budget includes some money to help educate motorists about how roundabouts work.

Ch'ng said "With any change in traffic-flow patterns, people do need to know anytime you do implement something new and different. There has to be a catchup period so people know how to use a roundabout."

Ontario's transportation ministry (MTO) describes a roundabout as a circular intersection where two or more roads meet. "Traffic circulates through them counter-clockwise, to the right of a centre island. All entering vehicles must yield to traffic already in the roundabout."

The ministry offers some advance advice to motorists:

Approaching the roundabout

1. Slow down
2. Keep to the right of the splitter island
3. Use the correct lane for your intended destination
4. Pay special attention to pedestrians who may be crossing the roadway
5. Yield to cyclists and any traffic already driving through the roundabout
6. Stop if there are vehicles already inside the roundabout and the way is not clear
7. Enter when there is a safe gap in traffic

Driving in the roundabout

1. Keep to the right of the centre island and drive in a counter-clockwise direction until you reach your exit
2. Don't pass large vehicles or change lanes
3. Don't stop inside the roundabout, except to avoid a collision

Leaving the roundabout

1. Use your right-turn signal
2. If you miss your exit, continue around the roundabout again and then exit