(Press release from the City of Ottawa)
Residents travelling along Huntmar Drive will experience two permanent changes in traffic flow beginning today.
First, Huntmar Drive, north of Palladium Drive, is again open to traffic. This section of Huntmar Drive has been closed due to construction since June 9.
Second, the intersection of Huntmar Drive and Campeau Drive has been turned into a roundabout. The roundabout will be expanded to a two lane roundabout in the coming weeks. In the meantime, it will be operated under construction conditions.
In recent years the City of Ottawa has installed a number of roundabouts, in place of traditional intersections. Roundabouts are easy to use and, more importantly, safer than traditional intersections.
How to use a roundabout (drivers)
- Reduce speed and watch for pedestrians and cyclists when approaching a roundabout.
- Look to the left for approaching traffic within the roundabout and be prepared to stop as vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way.
- Enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in traffic and proceed through the roundabout to your exit.
- Use your right turn signal to indicate your exit.
- Watch for pedestrians and cyclists when exiting a roundabout and be prepared to stop if necessary.
Pedestrians are reminded to walk on the sidewalk or path and cross only at the designated crosswalks. Look in the direction of the oncoming traffic and wait for a sufficient gap before entering the crosswalk. Pedestrians should never cross the circular roadway to the central island.
Cyclists have two options for navigating a roundabout. Cyclists may operate as a motor vehicle and take control of the lane by riding in the middle, obeying the same rules as motorists. Otherwise, cyclists may dismount at the crosswalk and use the sidewalks and crosswalks as a pedestrian.
Residents can also visit ottawa.ca to learn how to properly navigate through roundabouts.