A roundabout is a circular intersection designed to maximize safety, minimize delay and decrease fuel consumption. There are no traffic lights or stop signs at a roundabout.
Edward & Redwood roundabout
As part of the City's 2021 Capital Renewal Program, Edward Street from Ward Avenue to William Street was scheduled for rehabilitation, including water main replacement from Ward Avenue to Ironwood, a new road base and surface, and the extension of the pedestrian corridor on Redwood Avenue - along with street lighting upgrades.
Engineering and Operations also reviewed the preferred intersection control for Edward Street and Redwood Avenue, which was identified in the Transportation Master Plan as a potential location for a roundabout. A suitability and feasibility check for the roundabout was completed. After further analyses and life-cycle costs calculations, a roundabout was selected as the preferred intersection control.
The Ins & Outs of Roundabouts Video Series
How to Drive Through a Roundabout
How to Walk Through a Roundabout
How to Cycle Through a Roundabout
See the construction photos from Thunder Bay's roundabout at Edward Street and Redwood Avenue:
Construction photos |
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June 3, 2021 - Pre-construction
Pre-construction, looking south:
June 17, 2021 - Watermain construction
July 22, 2021 - Island Completion
July 26, 2021 - Roundabout Trail Paving
July 27, 2021 - Edward Street Paving
August 23, 2021 - Getting nearer completion, with paving continuing north of roundabout
Sept. 9, 2021 - Paving nears completion, more design elements being added
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The ins and outs of roundabouts
See below for information on how roundabouts work!
For even more information, we recommend the resources made available by the Ontario's Ministry of Transportation (MTO), including a downloadable roundabout PDF.
The roundabout at Edward & Redwood will have two sets of pedestrian crossovers, one with lights (Edward Street), and one without (Redwood Avenue). To learn more about these two types of crossovers, visit our Crossover Ready web page.
Roundabouts are safe and easy to use. Here is a quick guide:
- Reduce speed and approach the roundabout
- As you prepare to enter, make sure to yield to vehicles already in roundabout
- Wait for space and then enter roundabout safely
- Continue through your exit while checking for cyclists and pedestrians
Benefits of roundabouts
Vehicle safety |
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All vehicles travel in the same direction, never crossing paths. This reduces the severity of vehicle collisions. Slower speeds also give drivers more time to react and make decisions. |
Pedestrian safety |
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A pedestrian crossover will be installed and the crossing will be shorter, reducing potential vehicle conflicts. |
Pollution reduction |
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Since there is a significant reduction in vehicle idling, less gas is being burned and exhausted into the atmosphere. This fits well with the Thunder Bay Net-Zero Strategy. |
Reduced fuel consumption |
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In addition to emissions reduction, fuel consumption is reduced. |
Speed reduction |
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Roundabouts have the effect of calming traffic and speed in neighbourhoods. |
Improved traffic flow |
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Roundabouts provide an increase in traffic capacity. |
Lower life-cycle costs |
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Operation and maintenance costs are lower compared to traffic signals. |
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