Roads Infrastructure | Loyalist Township

Roundabouts

Roundabouts are circular intersections where two or more roads meet. Instead of stopping at red lights, traffic moves to the right, counterclockwise, around a centre island. With fewer contact points and slower vehicle speeds, roundabouts can decrease the risk of serious accidents.

Roundabouts are being used more frequently in Loyalist and Kingston so you should make sure you know how to use them.

Learn more about Ontario's rules for driving through roundabouts:

How to use a roundabout

Roundabouts and older traffic circles are all controlled by the "yield to the left" principle - cars on the roundabout have right-of-way over entering vehicles.

You must signal right as you exit the roundabout.

There are different things you need to know depending on whether you are using them as a driver, cyclist or pedestrian.

Entering the roundabout 

Slow down when approaching the roundabout
Stop for any pedestrians crossing or looking to cross at a pedestrian crossover
Yield to any traffic already in the roundabout
Enter the roundabout only when there is a safe gap in traffic

In the roundabout 

Travel in a counterclockwise direction
Drive slowly and be alert of your surroundings
Remember that entering traffic must yield to you

Exiting the roundabout 

Stop for any pedestrians crossing or looking to cross at a crossover
Signal right as you exit the roundabout

You can either ride through a roundabout like vehicles do or dismount and cross the roundabout as a pedestrian. If riding through the roundabout:

Before entering the roundabout, carefully move into the center of the travel lane
Stay in the middle of the traffic lane until you are ready to exit
Use hand signals to signal right when exiting the roundabout

Cross roundabouts in two stages by using the curbed area in the middle of the roadway as a rest point. Never use the large centre island as a means of crossing instead cross around it.

Roundabouts with crossovers and crosswalk markings:

Go to the edge of the curb and let drivers know you want to cross
Once vehicles have completely stopped you can cross

Roundabouts without crossovers and crosswalk markings:

Wait for a safe gap in traffic and then cross

Bridges and large culverts

Loyalist Township owns and manages 14 bridges and 12 large culverts, which are maintained to the standards required by the Ontario Structure Inspection Manual (OSIM) and the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act.

How often are bridges inspected?

Bridges are inspected every two years, a standard set out by OSIM. Some bridges require more frequent inspection depending on their condition.

How are bridges maintained?

Each spring, the township conducts a bridge washing program for all Township and County bridges. This annual activity helps extend the life of the bridges by removing salt, corrosive materials, and other harmful substances. Public Works staff carry out the program, which typically lasts about 4 weeks.

In addition to washing, the program includes inspections of the bridges’ components, like guiderails, supports, and the structure itself. Crews may repair small issues such as filling potholes or patching concrete to protect bridge elements like rebar. Larger concrete repairs are generally contracted out to specialized companies with the appropriate equipment for the job.

How much does it cost to replace a bridge?

In Loyalist Township bridge replacement costs currently range from $400,000 to $2.8 million. However, with proper maintenance, most of these structures should not require replacement for the next 50-85 years. For the few that may need replacement within the next 25 years, Loyalist has identified these needs and estimated future costs. These costs are incorporated into the annual tax model and stored in reserve funds to offset the replacement costs when the time comes, ensuring we have sufficient project funds.