Roundabout vs. Gyratory: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss || Updated on May 23, 2024
A roundabout is a circular intersection where traffic flows counterclockwise around a central island, common in the U.S., whereas a gyratory is a larger, more complex traffic system with multiple lanes and entry/exit points, typically found in the U.K.
Key Differences
A roundabout is a type of circular intersection designed to improve traffic flow and reduce collisions. Traffic moves counterclockwise around a central island, with entering traffic yielding to circulating traffic. Roundabouts are common in the United States and are typically smaller and simpler in design. A gyratory, on the other hand, is a larger and more complex form of a circular junction found mainly in the United Kingdom. It often involves multiple lanes and several entry and exit points, making it more suitable for handling high traffic volumes in urban areas. Gyratories are designed to manage more complex traffic patterns and may include features like signal controls and lane markings to guide drivers.
Roundabouts prioritize continuous flow and reduced speed, whereas gyratories focus on managing heavy and complex traffic with additional controls. The roundabout’s design encourages yielding and merging at lower speeds, promoting safety and efficiency.
Gyratories, due to their size and complexity, can handle higher traffic volumes but require more navigational understanding from drivers. Roundabouts typically have single or dual lanes, while gyratories can have multiple lanes, often with specific lanes dedicated to different directions.
Both roundabouts and gyratories aim to facilitate smoother traffic movement compared to traditional intersections, but their scale and complexity differ significantly based on their design and regional usage.
Comparison Chart
Design
Circular intersection
Large, complex circular system
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Regional Usage
United States
United Kingdom
Traffic Flow
Counterclockwise around a central island
Multiple lanes, entry/exit points
Complexity
Simpler, fewer lanes
More complex, multiple lanes
Traffic Management
Yielding to circulating traffic
Signal controls, lane markings
Roundabout and Gyratory Definitions
Roundabout
A circular intersection with a central island.
Drivers must yield when entering the roundabout.
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Gyratory
Suitable for complex traffic patterns and higher volumes.
The city's new gyratory system has improved congestion issues.
Roundabout
Designed to improve traffic flow and reduce collisions.
The new roundabout has significantly reduced accidents.
Gyratory
A large, complex traffic system with multiple lanes.
Navigating the city's gyratory can be challenging for new drivers.
Roundabout
Encourages lower speeds and yielding.
The roundabout design promotes safer, slower driving.
Gyratory
Designed to manage high traffic volumes in urban areas.
The gyratory near the station efficiently directs traffic flow.
Roundabout
Indirect; circuitous
Took a roundabout route because the bridge was closed.
Gyratory
Found mainly in the United Kingdom.
The London gyratory handles thousands of vehicles daily.
Roundabout
Characterized by indirectness, evasiveness, or vagueness
A roundabout claim that avoided the issues being discussed.
Gyratory
May include signal controls and specific lane markings.
Follow the lane markings to exit the gyratory correctly.
Roundabout
A short, close-fitting jacket.
Gyratory
Having a circular or spiral motion.
Roundabout
A merry-go-round.
Gyratory
Moving in a circle, or spirally; revolving; whirling around.
Roundabout
A traffic circle.
Gyratory
(UK) A large traffic roundabout with non-standard lane markings or priorities, or with buildings on the central island.
Roundabout
Indirect, circuitous, or circumlocutionary.
Gyratory
Moving in a circle, or spirally; revolving; whirling around.
Roundabout
Encircling; enveloping; comprehensive.
Roundabout
A road junction at which traffic streams circularly around a central island.
Roundabout
A horizontal wheel which rotates around a central axis when pushed and on which children ride, often found in parks as a children's play apparatus.
Roundabout
A fairground carousel.
Roundabout
A detour.
Roundabout
A short, close-fitting coat or jacket worn by men or boys, especially in the 19th century.
Roundabout
(archaic) A round dance.
Roundabout
To play on a roundabout (carousel)
Roundabout
To travel round roundabouts
Roundabout
To talk in a roundabout, indirect manner
Roundabout
Circuitous; going round; indirect; as, roundabout speech.
We have taken a terrible roundabout road.
Roundabout
Encircling; enveloping; comprehensive.
Roundabout
A large horizontal wheel or frame, commonly with wooden horses, etc., on which children ride; a merry-go-round; a carousel.
Roundabout
A dance performed in a circle.
Roundabout
A short, close jacket worn by boys, sailors, etc.
Roundabout
A state or scene of constant change, or of recurring labor and vicissitude.
Roundabout
A traffic circle.
Roundabout
A road junction at which traffic streams circularly around a central island;
The accident blocked all traffic at the rotary
Roundabout
Large mechanical apparatus with seats for children to ride on
Roundabout
Marked by obliqueness or indirection in speech or conduct;
The explanation was circuitous and puzzling
A roundabout paragraph
Hear in a roundabout way that her ex-husband was marrying her best friend
Roundabout
Deviating from a straight course;
A scenic but devious route
A long and circuitous journey by train and boat
A roundabout route avoided rush-hour traffic
Roundabout
Commonly used in the U.S. for efficient traffic management.
Many suburban areas have replaced stop signs with roundabouts.
Roundabout
Typically has single or dual lanes.
This roundabout has two lanes for different directions.
FAQs
What is a roundabout?
A roundabout is a circular intersection where traffic moves counterclockwise around a central island.
What is a gyratory?
A gyratory is a larger, more complex circular traffic system with multiple lanes and entry/exit points.
Where are roundabouts commonly used?
Roundabouts are commonly used in the United States.
Where are gyratories commonly found?
Gyratories are mainly found in the United Kingdom.
How does traffic flow in a roundabout?
Traffic flows counterclockwise around a central island, with entering traffic yielding to circulating traffic.
Can roundabouts handle high traffic volumes?
Roundabouts can handle moderate traffic volumes but are not designed for the complexity and volume of gyratories.
What are the benefits of a roundabout?
Roundabouts improve traffic flow, reduce collisions, and encourage lower speeds.
What are the advantages of a gyratory?
Gyratories handle high traffic volumes and complex traffic patterns, improving urban traffic management.
Why are roundabouts safer than traditional intersections?
Roundabouts reduce the potential for high-speed collisions and promote continuous traffic flow.
Do gyratories require specific driving knowledge?
Yes, navigating gyratories often requires understanding specific lane markings and signal controls.
How does a gyratory manage traffic?
A gyratory manages traffic with multiple lanes, signal controls, and lane markings for different directions.
Do gyratories include traffic signals?
Yes, gyratories often include traffic signals and lane markings to guide drivers.
Do roundabouts have multiple lanes?
Roundabouts typically have single or dual lanes.
What is the primary design feature of a roundabout?
The primary design feature is the central island around which traffic circulates.
Do roundabouts reduce congestion?
Yes, roundabouts can reduce congestion by promoting continuous traffic flow.
Are gyratories only found in large cities?
Gyratories are typically found in larger urban areas due to their complexity and capacity to handle high traffic volumes.
Are gyratories more complex to navigate?
Yes, gyratories are more complex due to multiple lanes and signal controls.
Are roundabouts used in rural areas?
Roundabouts can be used in both rural and urban areas to improve traffic flow.
What is the key characteristic of a gyratory?
The key characteristic is its ability to manage high traffic volumes with multiple entry and exit points.
Why are gyratories used in urban areas?
Gyratories are used in urban areas to manage high volumes of traffic and complex intersections efficiently.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
