Despite local opposition, FDOT ready to put roundabout at busy U.S. 301 intersection
 

The news from the other source this morning.

I have written to the editor and asked if they would do a little more than just report that it is coming against the local wishes. But to provide more information of criteria the state powers to be used to compare a traffic light installation to the traffic circle. MAYBE if we understood why they chose one over the other some of us might change our minds.

I personally think a traffic circle in that location is going to prove to be a mistake. Many vehicles driven by seniors, some of which should not be behind the wheel, some with physical impairments, some who refuse to obey the rules of the road or stay in their lane....in competetion with 18 wheelers for the same space.

Throw in a high percentage of travelers who have never been in a traffic circle.

Creating an area of concentration of potential for accidents.....in my opinion.

In my opinion it is a good decision. Accidents that happen at traffic lights cause death. Accidents that happen in a traffic circle cause fender benders. And circles move traffic much better then traffic lights. A traffic circle is nothing more then a traffic light replacement. Lane choices are common sense exactly like a traffic light. I wish every light would be replaced by a traffic circle.

Re:

I think that if the highway roundabout at that intersection is single-lane, and NOT double lane like here in TV, it is evident as to what a driver is supposed to do in a single-lane roundabout:

Either stay in the circle, or get out on the right.

No dual lanes to wallow and wander in and out of like people do here in TV with the dual ones and they just can't get it that they need to stay in the same lane.

The article quoted someone saying the semi trucks would roll/topple in them. Well not if it's built for a big enough circumference! And not if it is single lane.

If it is single lane, at least there won't be another vehicle beside them to roll onto and crush.

A roundabut on a 55 MPH highway is insane. Many Villagers can't handle the one's in the Villages at 20 MPH. Sounds like a death trap to me.

Do you think the speed limit around the circle is gonna stay at 55?? I don't. The traffic will probably be made to gradually slow down 1/2 mile away. 55-45-35-20, something like that.

And just how many people do you think slow down to 20 MPH to enter the traffic circles in TV. Has to be worse if you are starting at 55 instead of 35.

Stupid is as stupid does

I miss the Andy Griffith show too.

Yes, for some people it might be a challenge to think aug a round-about at 301. But, it makes sense having this circles to slow down the traffic flow. I understand that some drivers are not familiar with a round-about, but it is high time to learn how does it work. Returning from Europe one week ago I learned very fast the positive side of this decision. Counting 79 roundabouts when driving out of Paris showed me the result, not any single accident. Of course, everybody has to pay full attention to the traffic.

Let it happen. FDOT Engineers are trained and paid to conclude if this roundabout will work for the best at the 301 intersection. Who are we to say if this will work--Are we Traffic engineers?

Modern roundabouts are the safest form of intersection in the world (much more so than comparable signals). Visit Highway safety topics for modern roundabout FAQs and safety facts. Modern roundabouts, and the pedestrian refuge islands approaching them, are two of nine proven safety measures identified by the FHWA, Proven Safety Countermeasures - Safety | Federal Highway Administration
The FHWA has a video about modern roundabouts on Youtube, or check out the IIHS video (iihs dot org).

http://priceonomics.com/the-case-for...c-roundabouts/

Here’s a quote:
“By 2025, a quarter of all drivers in the United States will be over the age of 65. Intersections are the single most dangerous traffic environment for drivers of any age with left-hand turns being the single most dangerous traffic maneuver that any of us can make. Forty percent of all crashes that involve drivers over the age of 65 occur at intersections. This is nearly twice the rate of experienced younger drivers. AARP would like to see more roundabouts constructed because of the many safety benefits that they present for drivers of all ages.” - Jana Lynott, AARP Public Policy Institute

LOL I trust that the Florida DOT has the best interest of the local citizens in mind and for sure, are better qualified to make these changes than any complaining Blog poster. I'm sure there not perfect, but are closer to it than we TOTV posters when it comes to traffic
Safty. Again, LOL

Take a drive by the intersection and see the safe, simple solution.

Roundabouts are safer for several reasons but primarily due to reduced speeds of generally 15-20 mph. Now how well that will work on 301 remains to be seen.

No longer a need for a roundabout or a traffic signal.........................