Roundabouts

Introduction

This website page is used only to provide public education regarding the history of roundabout discussions, as well as public education on roundabouts themselves. To date, there is no movement forward in regards to the installation of a roundabout, nor has it been decided to move forward with light replacement.

Current Status

The traffic signals at the intersection of King's Highway and Central Avenue are nearing the end of their service life and require replacement. Replacement parts for the existing signals are no longer available, and it is anticipated that the system will eventually fail if it is not upgraded. Also, there are currently no pedestrian lights at this busy intersection. The 2026-2030 term of Council will need to make the decision to either move forward with a roundabout, or install new lights.

Background

  • Administration approached Council, who agreed to a feasibility study to see if a single-lane, double-lane, or traffic signal replacement was best for the intersection.
  • The cost of this study was covered 90% by the Connecting Links program: an Ontario grant program that helps fund roads and bridges which connect two ends of a provincial highway.
  • The feasibility study was done and presented to Council November 2025. It can be found here.
  • The feasibility study did recommend a roundabout for the following reasons:
    • Addresses delays, which their study did review peak hours and did find at times the lights did not accommodate demand
    • Accommodate pedestrians
    • Improve safety
    • Improve the travel paths for large trucks
    • Roundabouts have a longer service life than lights, so although the initial cost is higher, replacement won't be as soon as lights
    • There are lower ongoing costs for electricity and maintenance (lights require electricity)
    • There's less fuel consumption and pollution due to vehicles idling
  • The feasibility study also recommends a next step before Council makes their decision: to move forward with a functional design of the roundabout to determine the location, and proceed with public and stakeholder engagement. This has not yet happened.

Concerns

We understand that the public may have concerns about the possibility of a roundabout. This is understandable as frequent drivers of this intersection may not understand the reasoning for the potential change. Here are some of the concerns, and our responses to them:

A roundabout is more expensive than lights

This is true. The roundabout is estimated to cost more initially for the installation than lights. We don't currently have final numbers for what traffic light replacement would cost as compared to a roundabout, but we know both will require substantial construction. A roundabout may also cost less long-term than lights. Lights require replacement and maintenance, as well as ongoing electricity costs. Roundabouts, once installed, will only require routine roadwork maintenance. There is a provincial grant that would cover up to 90% of costs up to a certain amount, which this intersection would qualify for. It will not be solely on municipal tax dollars to fund this.

The lights work well as is

The lights do require replacement as they're at end of life, and currently they do not have pedestrian lights. At peak hours, there can be delays, while a roundabout would allow for continuous traffic flow. The feasibility study also suggests for future population growth, a roundabout could support higher traffic volumes. It's wonderful that residents are supportive of the light system and feel that they work well, but a roundabout may provide room for improvement as suggested through the feasibility study.

There is no space for a roundabout

There are smaller roundabouts in Northwestern Ontario and Minnesota which accommodate large trucks (including semi) traffic. The size is estimated to allow these large vehicles. The roundabout design has not yet been completed, which would determine this. If it's determined that large vehicles could not easily proceed, Council would be made aware of this prior to voting on a roundabout.

There will be traffic jams due to the line for the US Border

Actually, the line for the US border is suggested to divert before the roundabout starts. It could potentially bring more traffic to Scott Street as well, showcasing our local businesses.

Nobody will know how to use a roundabout

Roundabouts are becoming more common, and can be found in Minnesota, Thunder Bay, Kenora, Winnipeg, and other places our residents frequent. It is suggested to have a one-lane roundabout which is easier for drivers to navigate, and does not take 

 

 

 

Roundabouts are circular intersections designed to maximize safety, minimize delay and decrease fuel consumption. There are no traffic lights or stop signs at a roundabout.

Roundabouts offer communities a number of advantages compared to traditional intersections, including:

Pollution reduction - Since there is a significant reduction in vehicle idling resulting in less gas is being burned into the atmosphere
Reduced fuel consumption - In addition to emission reduction, fuel consumption is reduced by as much as 30 per cent
Safety - All vehicles travel in the same direction, never crossing paths. This reduces the number of series crashes. Slower speeds also give drivers more time to react and make decisions.
Community benefits - Roundabouts have the affect of calming traffic and speed in neighbourhoods
Improved traffic flow - Roundabouts provide a 30 to 50 per cent increase in traffic capacity

Roundabouts can reduce injuries by 75 per cent and fatalities by 90 per cent.

Driving in a roundabout

Consider the following tips when you use Niagara's roundabouts:

Slow down when approaching the roundabout
Watch for pedestrians and cyclists
Keep to the right of the splitter island
Enter the roundabout only when there is a gap in the traffic flow
Vehicles in a roundabout always have the right-of-way and move in a counter clockwise direction
Don't pass other vehicles or cyclists in the roundabout
Always signal before exiting and maintain low speeds

Drivers should beware of pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road as you exit the roundabout. Ensure you obey all posted signage at the intersection.

Large vehicles

If you enter a roundabout in a large truck, such as a transport truck, it's important for you to give other vehicles plenty of space.

Make use of the "truck apron" around the centre island when turning.

Emergency vehicles and roundabouts

If you haven't entered the roundabout: pull over and allow the emergency (police, fire or ambulance) vehicle to pass.

If you have entered the roundabout: Don't stop. Continue to your exit and then pull over and allow the emergency vehicle to pass.