- Slow down as you approach. In multi‑lane roundabouts, choose your lane before entering.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. It’s the law.
- Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout and merge when clear.
- Keep moving until you reach your exit. Don’t stop or pass in a roundabout.
- If an emergency vehicle approaches, exit the roundabout first, then pull over.
- Give large trucks extra space; they may need to use both lanes or the truck apron.
Streets & Transit
Moorhead is on the go! With over 240 miles of city streets and 516 lane miles plowed during every snow event, we work year-round to maintain safe and smooth travel for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Our team tackles everything from snow removal during Minnesota winters to construction projects in the warmer months that keep our infrastructure strong and ready.
Seasonal changes mean big shifts in street care:
- Winter: Plows hit the streets early and often, clearing 516 lane miles each time it snows to keep routes safe and accessible.
- Spring & Summer: Construction season kicks off. You’ll see crews repairing roads, upgrading utilities, and improving intersections to make your commute better than ever.
And for those who prefer to ride, MATBUS offers reliable public transit connecting Moorhead with Fargo and beyond, perfect for commuting, errands, or just exploring the area.
Fun fact: If you drove every street in Moorhead, you’d cover more than 240 miles. That’s like cruising all the way to Minneapolis and back!
Roundabouts
Why Roundabouts Work in Moorhead
Roundabouts are becoming more common in Moorhead because they simply work. When used in the right locations, roundabouts help drivers move through intersections more safely and with less delay. Communities across Minnesota have seen major improvements after installing roundabouts, including:
- 86% fewer fatal crashes
- 83% fewer life‑altering injury crashes
- 42% overall reduction in injury crashes
Roundabouts keep traffic flowing more smoothly than stop signs or traffic signals, especially during busy times. Because vehicles move at slower, steadier speeds, entering and exiting becomes easier and more efficient. They also help reduce emissions and fuel use (often by 30% or more) because cars aren’t idling at long red lights.
How Roundabouts Work
Roundabouts are designed to slow vehicles and make intersections safer:
- The curved approach naturally causes drivers to slow down and look left for traffic already in the circle.
- The raised center island keeps drivers focused and prevents the intersection from “locking up.”
- Pavement markings, entry curves, and raised islands direct traffic into a one‑way, counterclockwise flow.
- Because of the design, all vehicles generally travel at 15–25 mph, which greatly reduces the severity of any crash.
- Cross only at marked crosswalks and stay on designated walkways.
- Never cross to the center island.
- Cross one direction of traffic at a time, using the median as a safe waiting point.
- You may ride with traffic in the roundabout or use the crosswalks.
- When riding with traffic, follow the same rules as vehicles and yield on entry.
- Traffic moves slowly inside a roundabout, allowing cyclists to travel at similar speeds.
Benefits of Roundabouts for Moorhead
Roundabouts across Minnesota have proven to greatly reduce severe crashes and improve safety for everyone - drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Highlights from statewide data show:
- 86% reduction in fatal crashes
- 83% reduction in serious injury crashes
- 69% reduction in right‑angle crashes (single‑lane roundabouts)
- 83% reduction in left‑turn crashes (single‑lane roundabouts)
- 61% reduction in overall injury crashes (single‑lane)
- 42% reduction in all injury crashes across all types
As Moorhead grows, roundabouts help us create safer, smoother, and more efficient travel throughout the City, benefiting families, commuters, and visitors alike.