November 6, 2025 – Drivers in Thunder Bay will soon experience a new way to move through one of the city’s busiest intersections. The highly anticipated roundabout at Cumberland and Water Streets will be open to traffic in the late afternoon on November 7, 2025. As the project is nearing completion, the City is encouraging residents to learn how to use the roundabout safely and confidently.

Roundabouts are circular intersections where traffic flows counterclockwise around a central island. Unlike traditional stoplights or four-way stops, vehicles entering a roundabout must yield to traffic already circulating. The design improves traffic flow, reduces idling time, and most importantly, helps prevent serious collisions.

This new roundabout includes dedicated lane dividers within the roundabout. The dividers are designed to guide vehicles and keep drivers in their designated lanes while navigating the circle. As a reminder, motorists are not permitted to change lanes while inside the roundabout.

“Roundabouts are proven to make roads safer for everyone — drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists,” said Brian Newman, Senior Project Engineer. “They slow vehicles down while keeping traffic moving efficiently.”

The Cumberland and Water Streets roundabout is part of a major infrastructure renewal project extending along Cumberland Street from McVicar Creek to Tupper Street. Once open, it will improve safety and traffic, reduce vehicle emissions, as well as lower long-term maintenance and operations costs.

Below are some helpful tips on how to safely navigate roundabouts throughout the City.

How to Drive a Roundabout

As you approach the roundabout, slow down and look for signs or road markings indicating which lane to use. Watch for pedestrians as you approach the crosswalk and yield the right of way as required for pedestrians crossing.  Look to the left and yield to vehicles already in the circle and enter when there’s a safe gap. Traffic in the roundabout has the right-of-way. Stay in your lane, signal your exit, and always watch for pedestrians and cyclists before leaving the roundabout.

Drivers should never stop inside the roundabout unless forced to by traffic, and lane changes should be avoided while circulating.

Pedestrians and Cyclists

Pedestrians should cross only at the marked crosswalks, which are set back from the roundabout to improve visibility. Cyclists can either ride through the roundabout with traffic—staying visible and following lane markings—or dismount and cross as pedestrians.

Key Reminders

Vehicles should slow down, choose the correct lane and yield to traffic in the circle. Signal your exit and be sure to watch for pedestrians on entry and exit. Together, we can make the City’s newest intersection a smooth and safe experience for everyone.

Please visit thunderbay.ca/roundabout to view diagrams, watch short educational videos, and review step-by-step guides on using roundabouts safely.

 

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Contact:           Michelle Williams, Manager - Communications & Public Relations, 807-627-2446