The Magic Roundabout. Swindon, UK.

Originally entitled the County Islands, this roundabout was designed in 1972 by Frank Blackmore from the British Transport and Road Research Laboratory. While it has its share of criticisms, including being voted as one of the ten scariest intersections in a BBC News survey, this complex-looking junction is deceptively efficient.

It’s comprised of a counterclockwise central roundabout with five external ones that convey clockwise traffic. Although inexperienced drivers may balk at its seemingly terrifying appearance, the design itself statistically proves to successfully filter motorists, and reduce traffic jams.

Furthermore, the world’s first “ring junction” excels in regards to functionality and safety, and has inspired adapted versions of itself throughout Britain. Hopefully these findings will comfort any circumventing adventurer who must navigate its menacing countenance.

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