30.6 Guide Signing at Roundabouts

Many motorists remain unfamiliar with roundabouts and how they are supposed to navigate them. Installing signs that provide clear guidance on the direction of travel is imperative. For multilane roundabouts, signs need to contain guidance that motorists can use to quickly identify the correct path. Good signage increases the confidence of motorists, reducing the likelihood of erratic maneuvering and unexpected lane changes.
Installing advance-destination guide signs on roundabout approaches helps motorists select a travel lane and determine where they should exit.
Signs may include only texts and arrows or a full diagram of the roundabout. The latter signs are the better option if space is available because they illustrate the entire roundabout’s configuration. Combining diagrammatic signs with corresponding pavement markings further improves motorist navigation abilities. Table 30.3 describes use cases for different types of advance-destination signs.

Table 30.3 Roundabout Advance-Destination Sign Use Cases
Sign Type	Description
Signs with Text and Arrows Only	Appropriate for roundabouts in urban areas, on smaller roads, or areas that have limited space. Curved stem arrows can be used to represent left-turn movements
Diagrammatic Signs	In suburban and rural settings with adequate space, diagrammatic signs are the best option because they highlight the roundabout’s shape and inform motorists of navigation expectations. Valuable for roundabouts with atypical geometry (e.g., roundabouts with skewed approaches or which have 5+ legs).
Exit Guide Signs	Install either on the right side of the roundabout exist or on the splitter island. The latter option maximizes sign visibility.

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