Where is Swindon's Magic Roundabout?

Where is Swindon's Magic Roundabout?

England, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because Swindon's Magic Roundabout is a trip! You'll find this bonkers rotary smack-dab in Swindon, that's a sizeable town in Wiltshire, South West England. Imagine: five mini-roundabouts swirling traffic clockwise, all while a central roundabout spins things counterclockwise!

Originally dubbed County Islands Ring Junction, someone had the genius idea to rename it after a kooky kids' TV show from the '60s. This junction opened in September '72 to tame five converging roads. Is it challenging? Oh yeah! It's a head-scratcher for newbies and a bit intimidating.

But don't let the name fool you *too* much. Despite the initial "scariest junction" label, the accident rate isn't as wild as you'd think for such a busy spot. Cyclists and motorcyclists, be extra cautious. With a new cycle lane and pelican crossings, it's becoming as safe as it is, well, magical!

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Road Details

Country
England
Continent
europe
Difficulty
hard

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