CRYSTAL LAKE – It’s time to learn the rules of the roundabout because at least three of the trendy circular intersections are planned for the McHenry County area in coming years.

The Illinois Department of Transportation has designs for roundabouts at the intersection of Route 176 and Haligus Road/Mount Thabor Road near Crystal Lake; the intersection of Route 20 and Harmony Road west of Huntley; and the intersection of Route 20 and Marengo Road south of Union.

Illinois has relatively few roundabouts, but this type of intersection is becoming more popular across the country. Traffic experts tout them as a safer alternative to traditional intersections. However, they can be confusing to drivers unfamiliar with them.