FDOT Nixes Palm Harbor Roundabout Plan

The Florida Department of Transportation has opted against placing a roundabout at the intersection of U.S. Alternate 19 and Florida Avenue. Image via Shutterstock

PALM HARBOR, FL — Palm Harbor residents opposed to the idea of building a roundabout at the intersection of Alternate U.S. 19 and Florida Avenue can breathe a sigh of relief. The Florida Department of Transportation announced Friday it will not pursue the option.

FDOT has also said it will not install a traffic signal at U.S. Alternate 19 and Nebraska Avenue. Other improvements, meant to enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety, however, are in the works.

Fridays’ decision comes on the heels of a public opinion survey conducted during two meetings last year. The study to address possible improvements for the intersection of Alternate U.S. 19 and Florida Avenue began in the fall of 2014. FDOT initially looked at three options: the roundabout, a traffic signal at Nebraska Avenue and a no-build option.

“After two very comprehensive public engagement workshops and public opinion surveys, FDOT has determined not to move forward with a roundabout at the intersection of U.S. Alternate 19 and Florida Avenue or traffic signal at U.S. Alternate 19 and Nebraska Avenue,” a Friday email from the agency said.

Even so, the results of the pubic opinion surveys indicated a need to enhance safety for pedestrians and bicyclists who cross Alternate U.S. 19, FDOT wrote.

“Based on this information, FDOT will pursue construction of a mid-block crosswalk with flashing beacons, refuge median island and overhead street lighting to facilitate safe crossing of pedestrians and bicyclists across Alternate U.S.19,” the email said.

Once these items are in place, FDOT will continue to monitor safety. If the mid-block crossing produces satisfactory results, the evaluation will come to a close, the agency noted.

Just how soon construction will begin or what the costs might be remains unclear. An email to FDOT from Patch for more information was not immediately answered.

To read the survey results, visit www.pinellascounty.org/downtownpalmharbor.

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