Roundabouts in SLO

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Roundabouts when feasibly are the City’s preferred intersection control within the City due to the vehicle speed reduction, safety, and operational benefits of roundabouts. Roundabouts also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and offer improved aesthetics compared to a traffic signal as an opportunity for landscaping, public art and gateways.

Take a look at the City's Roundabout Fact Sheet for additional information!

Also, check out these user videos to see how simple it is to navigate a roundabout at a driver, bicyclist and pedestrian.

Remember, roundabouts are different than a neighborhood traffic circle. Take a look at this flyer to read about the key differences.

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FAQ Box

I think traffic will be more congested or too slow through a roundabout compared to a signal—is this true?

Contrary to many peoples' perceptions, roundabouts actually move traffic through an intersection more quickly, and with less congestion on approaching roads. Roundabouts promote a continuous flow of traffic. Unlike intersections with traffic signals, drivers don’t have to wait for a green light at a roundabout to get through the intersection. Traffic is not required to stop – only yield – so the intersection can handle more traffic in the same amount of time.
Roundabouts: Who has the right of way when I approach/enter the intersection?

Vehicles in the circular roadway of the roundabout have the right of way. Drivers approaching the roundabout must yield to drivers already in the roundabout.
What about those little roundabouts with stop signs on Chorro (i.e. what is the difference between a roundabout and a neighborhood traffic circle?)

Roundabouts are circular intersections with specific design and traffic control features. These features include yield control of all entering traffic, channelized approaches, and appropriate geometric curvature to ensure that travel speeds on the circulatory roadway are less than 30 mph. Drivers approaching a roundabout must yield to vehicles already in the roundabout circling counterclockwise.

Neighborhood traffic circles are typically built at the intersections of local streets for reasons of traffic calming. The intersection approaches may be uncontrolled or stop-controlled. They do not typically include raised channelization to guide the approaching driver onto the circulatory roadway. The right-of-way assignment at neighborhood traffic circles is the same as if there were no traffic circle at all. If a stop sign is present, stop. If a yield sign is present, yield. If neither a stop or yield sign is present on an approach, slow and continue counterclockwise through the intersection around the circle.
Where will roundabouts be installed in SLO?

Locations of existing roundabouts:
• Prado and Serra Meadows
• Tank Farm and Righetti

Locations for planned roundabouts:
• Orcutt and Ranch House Road
• Tiburon and Ranch House Road
• Tiburon and Righetti Ranch Road
• Froom Ranch and Dalidio
• Tank Farm and Orcutt
• California and Taft
Why is the city installing roundabouts—aren’t they are too confusing?

Roundabouts when feasibly are the City’s preferred intersection control within the City. A primary reason being the safety benefits of a roundabout. Roundabouts reduce injury crashes by 51 percent. Additionally, roundabout can hand more vehicles through the intersection than a traffic signal, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

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Roundabouts in SLO

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