Kreisverkehr

Kreisverkehr is a type of circular intersection used to manage traffic flow. It consists of a central island around which vehicles travel in a circular path, with all approaches joining the circle. The arrangement aims to reduce speed and the number of conflict points compared with traditional signalized intersections.

Operation at a Kreisverkehr follows a simple rule: entering traffic yields to vehicles already circulating in the circle. In countries with right‑hand traffic, the circulation direction is typically counterclockwise. Vehicles proceed when there is a safe gap, and drivers must observe crosswalks for pedestrians. Cyclists may use the indicated lane or share the roadway, depending on the design.

Design and variants vary. Most Kreisverkehrs are unsignalized, though some are equipped with traffic signals or priority pathways for pedestrians and cyclists. Common features include the central island, one or more circulating lanes, and yield signs at each entry. Mini‑roundabouts are smaller variants with no large central island, while bigger or multi‑lane roundabouts are designed to handle higher traffic volumes.

Benefits and considerations. Kreisverkehrs generally reduce the severity and frequency of crashes, slow traffic to safer speeds, and improve traffic flow by minimizing stops. They require sufficient space and careful design to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and large turning movements, and may be less suitable where sight distance is limited or where space is constrained.

Terminology. In German, Kreisverkehr or Kreisel are common terms; Kreisverkehrsanlage is a more formal engineering term. In English‑language contexts, “roundabout” is the standard equivalent.