NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – Construction on a new roundabout at the intersection of Amelia Island Parkway and Buccaneer Trail is in its final stages, and while some drivers welcome the change, others remain skeptical about what it means for their daily commute.
Roads reopening as project nears finish line
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Buccaneer Trail is now open in both directions, and the south leg of Amelia Island Parkway has reopened following several weeks of road closures and detours.
Nassau County officials have continued to provide weekly updates on the project to keep residents informed about any ongoing detours and lane closures.
FDOT touts safety benefits of roundabouts
According to the Florida Department of Transportation, the push for more roundabouts comes down to one thing: safety.
As part of FDOT’s Roundabout Ready campaign, the agency has reported up to an 82% reduction in fatal crashes and up to a 50% increase in traffic capacity at operating intersections.
Jacob Pickering, an outreach specialist with the Florida Department of Transportation, explained the reasoning behind the designs.
“Roundabouts are innovative intersection designs that are often among the safest and most effective design options for improving traffic operations. By eliminating traditional conflict points typically found in signaled intersections, roundabouts reduce both the frequency and severity of crashes. They also simplify driver decision-making, improve traffic flow and connectivity, and enhance safety for all roadway users, including pedestrians and cyclists,” Pickering said.
Drivers weigh in on the change
Not everyone is convinced the new design will be a smooth ride. Westley Lynn, a local driver, says the outcome depends largely on other drivers.
“I think it depends on how they’re operated. A lot of times I’m familiar with them from my hometown and they cause a lot of chaos, but they also speed things up. So it just depends on if people are paying attention and if they’re willing to kind of learn how to operate it,” Lynn said.