Please use the Contact Us Form if you have any questions.

The City of Sarnia utilizes roundabouts for some intersections, including the intersection of Cathcart Road and Indian Road. Roundabouts are easy to navigate and safer than traditional intersections.

What is a roundabout?

A roundabout is a type of circular intersection where traffic flows counterclockwise around a centre island. Vehicles entering the roundabout don’t necessarily need to stop, but must yield to traffic already in the roundabout and pedestrians.

Roundabouts have been proven to improve road safety, accommodate increasing traffic demand and reduce unnecessary idling and air pollution. Compared to other types of intersections, roundabouts have many benefits including:

  • Safety – Slower speeds and fewer conflict points decrease the potential for serious car crashes or injury.
  • Capacity – Roundabouts make left hand turns more efficient in comparison to traffic signals or stop signs.
  • Shorter Delays – Roundabouts allow for a higher volume of traffic to flow through which helps reduce the amount of stops and delays.
  • Environmental impact – Fewer delays reduce fuel consumption (idling) and improve air quality.

Using a roundabout

Please consult the information below on navigating a roundabout as a driver, or pedestrian / cyclist.

As a driver

Continue reading to learn how to drive through a roundabout, or consult our roundabout motorist guide.

When you approach the roundabout:

  1. Slow down.
  2. Pay attention and yield to pedestrians or cyclists who may be crossing the road.
  3. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Traffic in the roundabout has the right-of-way.
  4. Wait for a gap in traffic before entering the roundabout.

When you’re driving in the roundabout:

  1. Keep to the right of the centre island and drive in a counterclockwise direction until you reach your exit.
  2. Do not stop inside the roundabout, except to avoid a collision.
  3. Do not change lanes or pass another vehicle in the roundabout.

To exit the roundabout:

  1. Use your right-turn signal as you exit, and remember to yield to pedestrians.
  2. If you miss your exit, continue around the roundabout again and then exit.

As a pedestrian

Continue reading to learn how to drive through a roundabout, or consult our pedestrian roundabout guide.

Crossing a roundabout as a pedestrian:

  1. Use the sidewalks and crosswalks around the outside of the roundabout.
  2. Do not cut across the middle of the roundabout.
  3. Use the ‘splitter island’ to safely cross one lane of traffic at a time.

As a cyclist

Cyclists have two options when travelling through a roundabout:

  • Experienced cyclists that are familiar with roundabouts can proceed through the roundabout using the same rules as a motorist.
  • Inexperienced cyclists are advised to dismount and cross the roundabout as a pedestrian.

Emergency vehicles

If you encounter an emergency vehicle, pull to the right side of the road before entering the roundabout. If already in the roundabout, exit as normal, and then pull to the side. Never stop inside the roundabout.

Learn more

Learn more about using roundabouts from the Ministry of Transportation.