<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> It has been suggested that this article be merged into Roundabout . (Discuss) Proposed since March 2018 . </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> It has been suggested that this article be merged into Roundabout . (Discuss) Proposed since March 2018 . </Td> </Tr> <P> A traffic circle is a type of intersection that directs both turning and through traffic onto a one - way circular roadway, usually built for the purposes of traffic calming or aesthetics . Contrary to a roundabout, where entering traffic always yields to traffic already in the circle and merges in directly, the entrances to traffic circles are three - way intersections either controlled by stop signs, traffic signals, or not formally controlled . Colloquially, however, roundabouts are sometimes referred to as circles . </P> <P> In the United States, traffic engineers typically use the term rotary for large scale circular junctions between expressways or controlled - access highways . Rotaries typically feature high speeds inside the circle and on the approaches . </P>

What is the purpose of a traffic circle