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Traffic Circles, Rotaries, and Roundabouts

A helpful, complete rundown by USA Today explains rotaries, roundabouts, traffic circles, and everything full circle.

Confused by the differences between traffic circles and roundabouts? Exercised by a recent encounter with a rotary? A recent USA Today touted the benefits of all things circular and explained the lingo with one simple graphic (below). You'll never be confused by a road that goes circular again!

rotary illustration


Illustration: USA Today/Delaware Department of Transportation

John is a Governing correspondent covering health care, public safety and urban affairs.
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