Philadelphia region goes all in on traffic roundabouts
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Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios
Traffic roundabouts are trending around Philadelphia.
Why it matters: The European-style intersections can cut down on traffic jams and speeds while boosting safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
State of play: The state's Department of Transportation (DOT) is expected to install a trio of roundabouts in the city proper by 2029. That would double its total number citywide.
- The newest is in South Philly at the massive and complex intersections of 20th Street and Penrose, Packer and Moyamensing avenues.
- The project replaces six traffic signals, reduces vehicle speeds, improves visibility and shortens crosswalks.
Meanwhile, the Philly burbs are expected to get 29 new roundabouts over the next four years, bringing their total to 54.
- Bucks is expected to have 17 roundabouts.
- Chester County, 15.
- Delaware County, 12.
- Montgomery County, 10.
🚘 How it works: Don't confuse roundabouts — think: the new intersection at Frankford and Trenton Avenues and York Street in Kensington — with traffic circles, like those at Eakins Oval and Logan Square.
- 🟡 Roundabouts ditch stop signs and lights.
- Vehicles yield at curved approaches to enter.
- ➡️ Traffic flows counter-clockwise, typically at 25mph and under, around a central island.
- 🚶 Pedestrians cross at the approaches of the roundabout.
- 🚫 No parking is allowed within the circular roadway — that means you, drivers who park on sidewalks and medians
🧮 By the numbers: Modern roundabouts have been shown to decrease crash fatalities and injuries by 82% compared with stop-controlled two-way intersections, per the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Compared with intersections with traffic signals, crashes have been cut by 78%.
What's next: The traffic circle at Wyoming and Castor avenues in North Philly is now getting converted into a roundabout, with construction scheduled to wrap up in March 2026.
- The project includes some upgrades for sidewalks and street crossings, plus a new pedestrian signal. Speed limits will be reduced.
Some of the roundabout projects are still in the planning stage, DOT spokesperson Krys Johnson tells Axios, and may change based on public engagement.