Construction is ahead of schedule
There’s good news for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians who have been navigating construction on Central Avenue [1]. The City has now announced that the project is ahead of schedule and new roundabouts [2] at Third and Fourth Street are expected to be fully complete very soon.
[3]Most of us will be delighted when the street is clear again, but many of us are unfamiliar with using roundabouts. Here’s the City ‘s advice on how to navigate them like a pro.
First and foremost, remember that all roundabouts operate counterclockwise.
Drivers:
- Approach slowly—20mph or less is appropriate
- All roundabouts operate counterclockwise
- Watch and STOP for crossing pedestrians and people on bikes
- Look left and YIELD to people biking or driving inside the roundabout before entering
- Do not stop inside the roundabout – you have the right-of-way
- Signal before you exit the roundabout
Bicyclists:
- Bicyclists approaching the roundabout from a separated cycle track should continue to ride on the separated bike path
- When riding through a shared space, go slowly and yield to pedestrians
- Before crossing the street, look both ways to make sure that drivers see and yield to you
- Bicyclists approaching the roundabout traveling with car traffic can use the roundabout or enter the separated bike path
Pedestrians:
- When crossing, pedestrians have the right-of-way, but first stop and look both ways
- Pedestrians can cross one section at a time and wait in the refuge island until it is safe to cross
- Use designated crosswalks and never walk in the central island of the roundabout
- If you or someone you know is blind, low-vision, or has other disabilities and would like to request in-person training or check out a tactile map for one or more of the new Central Avenue roundabout locations, please contact Michaela Wood at 510-381-8963 or [email protected] [4]
[5]The City of Alameda project staff and contractors appreciate our patience and concern for safety during the construction of Central Avenue roundabouts, and future construction. For more information on the benefits of roundabouts, other locations where they will be installed in Alameda, and planning information, visit the City’s Roundabouts in Alameda [2]webpage.