This technical summary is designed as a reference for State and local transportation officials, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Division Safety Engineers, and other professionals who may be involved in the design, selection, and implementation of mini-roundabout intersections. Because experience with mini-roundabouts is limited in the United States, the information presented here draws primarily upon guidance and experience from other countries with reference to American guidance as appropriate. This technical summary explores the unique characteristics of mini-roundabouts while reinforcing the need to apply the principles-based approach common to all roundabout design. It provides readers with an overview of the key considerations for planning, analysis, and design of single-lane mini-roundabouts. Section 1 of this document summarizes the characteristics of mini-roundabouts. Section 2 presents benefits of mini-roundabout intersections compared to alternative intersection solutions. Sections 3-6 provide an overview of user, location, operational and design considerations respectively. The information presented herein is a summary of principles outlined in the FHWA document Roundabouts: An Informational Guide and the forthcoming 2nd Edition (hereafter referred to as the Roundabout Guide), which is in progress at the time of this writing and due to be published in 2010. Specific considerations for single-lane and multilane roundabouts are summarized in a separate FHWA document titled Roundabout Technical Summary. Figures are from the Roundabout Guide unless otherwise noted. This publication does not supersede any publication; and is a Final version. (Author/publisher)
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