körfordulat

körfordulat is a Swedish term that translates to "roundabout" or "traffic circle" in English. It refers to a type of circular intersection where traffic flows in one direction around a central island. Vehicles entering the körfordulat must yield to traffic already in the circle.

The primary purpose of a körfordulat is to improve traffic flow and safety at intersections. By eliminating the need for left turns across oncoming traffic and reducing the number of conflict points, roundabouts can significantly decrease the likelihood of serious accidents. They also tend to reduce delays compared to traditional signalized intersections, especially during off-peak hours.

The design of a körfordulat can vary, from small, single-lane circles to larger, multi-lane structures. Regardless of size, the principle remains the same: traffic circulates counter-clockwise in countries where driving is on the right side of the road, and clockwise where driving is on the left. Pedestrian crossings are typically located on the approaches to the roundabout, set back from the circular roadway to provide drivers with better visibility.

körfordulat have become increasingly common in Sweden and many other countries as a modern and efficient method of managing traffic at intersections. Their implementation is often part of broader efforts to enhance road safety and optimize traffic management.