In a first for South Australia, two pedestrian priority roundabouts will soon open to the residents and visitors of Henley Beach.

Crossing the road will no longer be a game of 'Russian Roulette' for locals and visitors, with priority crossings on every leg of the roundabout.

During community consultation for the Military Road and Main Street Upgrade project, the need for safer crossing points was a key issue highlighted. The community wanted to keep the roundabouts as they make it easier for drivers to turn right but identified they are hard for pedestrians to cross. The consultation process determined that pedestrian priority roundabouts were the preferred option to provide safe pedestrian access to and from the coast. We listened to your needs and provided the best solution to maintain safe pedestrian access and functionality of the roundabout. You’ll now see something new and different at our roundabouts on Military Road, at North Street and South Street - they have zebra crossings on all 4 legs.

What is a Pedestrian Priority Roundabout?

A Pedestrian Priority Roundabout is exactly as it sounds, it is a roundabout that gives priority to pedestrian traffic over vehicles by using zebra crossing points.

At a zebra crossing, a driver is required to give way to a pedestrian, even if you have already entered the roundabout. If you enter the roundabout without realising that a pedestrian is crossing the leg you are turning into, you may need to stop on the roundabout, and not leave the roundabout until the pedestrian has crossed.

Linemarking is underway with the South Street roundabout due to open by the end of the week. The North Street roundabout will open in the coming weeks.