DELEON SPRINGS, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will soon open the new roundabout at U.S. 17/State Road (S.R.) 15 and Spring Garden Avenue/Spring Garden Ranch Road in DeLeon Springs – bringing operational and safety benefits to the busy intersection.

The roundabout is expected to open on or before August 11, depending on weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Signage will be in place to help motorists safely navigate the area.

Vehicles should enter the roundabout by going to the right and continuing counterclockwise. The speed limit within the roundabout will be 25 mph. Drivers entering the roundabout should slow down and must yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Motorists should not change lanes or stop within the roundabout and should signal before exiting. The only time it is appropriate to stop in a roundabout is when yielding to pedestrians and bicyclists.

Watch these videos for additional navigation information:

·         Being Roundabout Ready

·         How to Use a Roundabout

The temporary traffic signal at U.S. 17/S.R. 15 and Spring Garden Avenue/Spring Garden Ranch Road will remain operational until the roundabout opens. Spring Garden Ranch Road and Spring Garden Avenue will also reopen. The detour utilizing Aragon Avenue will be removed.

Compared to traditional traffic signals, roundabouts reduce the likelihood of crashes resulting in severe injuries and fatalities by up to 82%. Roundabouts slow traffic and decrease the number of vehicle conflict points where crashes can occur, making the intersection safer for both motorists and pedestrians.

The new roundabout includes a concrete apron that will allow trucks and other large vehicles to safely travel through the roundabout.

As FDOT opens the roundabout, construction will continue on the overall project in the coming months. Sidewalks in the vicinity of the roundabout will remain closed until the pedestrian-activated crosswalks are completed.

During the remaining construction, the temporary lighting will be upgraded to permanent lighting, the center of the roundabout will be landscaped, and more signs will be added. Widening of U.S. 17/S.R. 15 throughout the project limits will also be completed. The final paving and pavement markings within the roundabout will be done at night, necessitating occasional lane closures.

The new roundabout is part of a larger project to increase capacity and enhance safety along U.S. 17/S.R. 15 from south of Spring Street to Lake Winona Road. The project widens U.S. 17/S.R. 15 from two lanes to four lanes and also includes a multi-use trail from Spring Garden Avenue to Lake Winona Road and a new entrance into the Department of Forestry compound. For more information, visit the project webpage at www.cflroads.com/project/410251-3.

A new traffic signal at the U.S. 17/S.R. 15 and Baxter Street/Ponce Deleon Boulevard intersection – at Louise S. McInnis Elementary School – went into operation in late July. New crosswalks with pedestrian signals have opened near the school.

FDOT advises motorists to reduce speed, follow posted signage, and exercise caution in the work zone.