High-Speed Approaches

Wilson St/Meadowbrook Dr, Hamilton, ON

The roundabout is located on Wilson Street at Meadowbrook Drive/Hamilton Drive in the village of Ancaster (Hamilton) Ontario, Canada, between the 50 km/h (30 mph) speed limit in the village and the 80 km/h (50 mph) approach from Highway 403 to the west. One of the reasons the roundabout was constructed was to reduce speeds on Wilson Street.

Spot speed studies were conducted at six locations before and after the roundabout was opened to determine speed profiles eastbound and westbound on Wilson Street. The site context and locations of the recorded speeds are shown below.

The following tables list 85th percentile speeds before and after installation of the roundabout.

Eastbound Speed Profile 

Westbound Speed Profile

The studies demonstrate the roundabout is significantly reducing speeds eastbound on the high-speed approach before motorists reached the village, and westbound as they leave it.

They key to achieving safe speed reduction, especially from high-speed approaches, is good design. If speed reduction is not sufficient then the potential for entry-circulating increases. If speed reduction is too great or takes place too close to the roundabout then the potential for approach (rear-end and single vehicle) crashes increases.

Highly visible signs and markings, conspicuous central landscaping, and adequate illumination are also recommended to reduce approach speeds and crash potential at roundabouts.

For more on this roundabout refer to Projects and the Live Webcam.