Svängutrymmen

Svängutrymmen are designated spaces on urban roads in Sweden that allow vehicles to maneuver safely into or through intersections. The term literally translates to “turning spaces” and refers to the area on the curb or within an intersection where a driver can set their wheel and pivot without crossing into traffic lanes or violating traffic regulations. These spaces are particularly important in narrow streets or where turning angles are constrained by building fronts or pedestrian zones.

The design of svängutrymmen is governed by Swedish traffic regulations that specify minimum width, curvature and safe distances. In general, a left-hand turn in a dual carriageway requires a turning circle of at least 4.5 m in radius, while right-hand turns may have smaller circles because vehicles can use the pavement on the left side. The placement of a svängutrymme is coordinated with the placement of stop signs, roundabouts or bus stops to ensure that turning traffic does not block the path of pedestrians or other vehicles.

In many cities, svängutrymmen are created by widening the curb line or by installing dedicated markings and signals. They are often combined with “svängsteg” or turning triangles that indicate the ideal entry point for the turning maneuver. When properly marked, these spaces reduce the likelihood of rear-end collisions and improve traffic flow during congested periods.

In summary, svängutrymmen are a key component of Swedish road infrastructure, improving safety and efficiency by allowing vehicles to navigate intersections smoothly while minimizing interference with adjacent traffic and pedestrians.