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Zipper's Driving School - Driving Tips
Roundabout Variations |
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ONE lane or TWO lanes? Roundabouts in the Northern Territory are generally single or dual lane, however there are some examples in Darwin and Palmerston which could fit into either category. There are also examples where 2-lane roundabouts have one or more single-laned roads joining it.SINGLE-LANE roads into 2-LANE roundabouts There are some roundabouts similar to this type in Palmerston |
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Which lane to use?Use the left lane to turn left or continue ahead. Use the right lane to turn right. Either lane may also be used to continue ahead. Don't turn right using the left-hand lane! |
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1 LANE - 2 LANE combinations These are used where single-laned roads and two-laned roads intersect. |
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Entering from a dual-laned road Approach the roundabout normally i.e. Left lane: to turn left or go straight ahead Right lane: to go straight ahead or turn right |
Entering from a single-laned road Inside the roundabout, merge into the left or right lane as required (as in the diagram above) |
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Cnr DALY St and THE ESPLANADE in Darwin City This roundabout has only two roads joining it, so it is OK to turn RIGHT from The Esplanade into Daly St using the LEFT-hand lane. Signage to indicate this would be helpful though (see below). |
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Entering from Daly St Use the left lane to turn left into the Esplanade. Can't get into the left lane in time? Simply use the right hand lane and do a complete "loop" as shown above. |
Entering from the Esplanade Either lane can be used to turn right, unusual but possible (there are only 2 entry points). Don't use the left lane to turn right in other roundabouts though, unless signs allow it! Use the right lane if doing a U-turn back into the Esplanade. |
 Here's a suggestion for an information sign which could be placed at the Esplanade entry point. (Remember this is a suggestion only, not an actual sign). |
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| And some more suggestions, this time for roundabouts on Dripstone Rd & Lakeside Drive which can often be awkward for drivers approaching Charles Darwin University from Casuarina Square. | |
Fom Dripstone Rd facing CDU):There are arrows painted on the approach lanes but these can't be seen until close to the roundabout. |
From Dripstone Rd facing CDU:Drivers leaving the previous roundabout and approaching this one to turn right into Ellengowan, don't have much time to move into the correct lane. |
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Palmerston's CHUNG WAH Tce and LAMBRICK Ave - helpful signage A notable aspect of Palmerston is the number of roundabouts. They have a pronounced "S curve" in their entry & exit roads - and are noted for the high speeds at which local drivers charge into them. (I presume the bends are a speed-limiting design feature. If so, it doesn't seem to be working. Not in Palmerston, anyway.)The T-junction at Chung Wah Terrace & Lambrick Avenue in Rosebery has been upgraded to a roundabout (photos taken in 2004 before landscaping completed). Palmerston at least, has thought beyond the classic "2-lane 4-exit" signs. |
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The Magic Roundabout 
What do you do if you have 5 roads coming together in a major intersection in a heavy traffic area with a high crash rate?
Swindon in the UK had such a problem intersection, their novel solution is the "Magic Roundabout". |
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| | Go to Top of Page | Last updated 7th May 2008 Copyright © 2007-2008 John Ziersch | |