A roundabout is a circular intersection where drivers travel around a center island. Roundabouts are referred to as circles, rotary, island, rotunda by locals. The traffic flows in roundabouts occur in a single direction around the central island. Some of them also act as a landmark to that city. Circular junctions are an older form of roundabouts, which began in the 1960s. Many countries adopted them for safety, for better traffic flow. These are classified into many types such as single lanes, mini (smaller ones), balconies, motorways (large ones), signalized, bicycle/pedestrian. Here are the 10 biggest roundabouts in the world:
1. Putrajaya Roundabout, Malaysia | Biggest roundabouts in the world
It is the largest roundabout in Southeast Asia which is located in Putrajaya, Malaysia (1997-1999). This was named after Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah of Selangor, the eleventh Yang di-Pertuan Agong. This passes through famous landmarks such as the Seri Perdana Complex (Prime Minister’s Office), Putra Mosque, and Istana Melawati. This is 3.5km (2.7 miles) in diameter which is an important roundabout in Malaysia.
2. Swaraj Round, Thrissur
This is locally known as the Swaraj Round/Thrissur Round, a circular road that is 2 kilometres in length located in the centre of the city Thrissur in the heart of Kerala, India. It is considered the second-largest roundabout in South Asia, is the largest financial, commercial, and business centre connected by seventeen roads. The Swaraj Round surrounds a small hillock on which sits the Vadakkunnathan Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the Central business districts (CBD). This acts as a central landmark in the heart of Kerala.
3. The Étoile, France
Located in Paris, France, The Arc de Triomphe Roundabout is also known as the Etoile. The Arc de Triomphe monument stands in the center of this roundabout. This beautiful 12 lane (straight avenues) roundabout is the most stunning in the world. The drive around this lets a person grasp the history of France. It is considered one of the busiest roundabouts. The road goes around the monument in a single direction.
4. The Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain
The Queen’s Park Savannah roundabout is the largest in the world. The Queen’s Park Savannah is one of the iconic places in the twin isle republic, located in the heart of Port of Spain, Trinidad, and Tobago. The Queens Park Savannah is a traffic roundabout with a diameter of 3.5 kilometres and home to multiple events such as Carnival, Panorama, or simply a public recreational area. It overlooks the magnificent seven colonial-style buildings (17th and 18th century). It is the most lively, interactive zone in the city.
5. The Magic Roundabout, Swindon, UK | Biggest roundabouts in the world
This is a ring junction constructed in 1972 which consists of five mini-roundabouts arranged in a circle. It is located near the County Ground, home of Swindon Town. In this, traffic flows around the inner circle anticlockwise and flows clockwise around the five smaller roundabouts on the outer loop. It is considered one of the scariest roundabouts.
6. Dai Liet Sy Roundabout, Vietnam
This roundabout is the largest in Vietnam, which is also a portable park used by people. This is interconnected to many lanes and also acts as a public zone for the people in Vietnam. This not only increases the green cover of the city but also maintains city traffic.
7. Bunbury’s Eelup Rotary, WA
This roundabout is the largest in Western Australia which is fully controlled by traffic lights. It is the only fully signalized roundabout in WA. This significantly helped reduce traffic accidents, crashing and maintain traffic flow systematically.
8. La Estampida (Stampede) Roundabout, Mexico
This unique roundabout is a monument and also a traffic circle located in Greater Guadalajara. This consists of horse sculptures running, called the stampede. It represented a world of sculptures, art deco movement. This is an example of a refreshing example of a roundabout.
9. Pearl Ring Roundabout, China
This is located in Shanghai, China. It is not only a traffic roundabout but also provides lanes for pedestrian movement. It is the largest in China which is a prime connection to the city. It is a combination of a pedestrian bridge and a traffic roundabout. This focuses on pedestrian and vehicular movement.
10. Old Street Roundabout, London | Biggest roundabouts in the world
The Old Street Roundabout is more of a square-about located in central London. This is different due to the mix of traders who work beneath. This is recognized for the sculptural forms above ground and the video screens that tell us what people are googling. It is known as St. Agnes Well after the shopping center located beneath it.
