Alachua County Public Works and the city of Newberry have completed construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of County Road 235 and Newberry Lane, reopening the roadway approximately two weeks ahead of schedule.
The intersection reopened to traffic on Wednesday, according to an Alachua County press release.
The $1.5 million project was jointly funded by Alachua County and the city of Newberry as part of the county’s 10-year Transportation Capital Improvement Program. The project was initiated to address safety concerns identified through a traffic study and recommendations from transportation consulting firm Kimley-Horn.
The roundabout was designed by Alachua County Public Works to accommodate current and projected traffic volumes, including large semitrucks. Construction was completed by the public works maintenance crews, the county’s survey department and Watson Construction.
“Roundabouts are often safer and more efficient than traditional intersections because they keep traffic moving while reducing the likelihood and severity of crashes,” Alachua County Engineer Stuart Cullen said in the press release. “We’re proud of the teamwork that allowed this project to be completed ahead of schedule and under budget.”
Newberry’s growth has led to multiple road projects in recent years.
County officials said the new traffic pattern is expected to improve safety and traffic flow while reducing delays at the intersection.
Motorists are encouraged to use caution and familiarize themselves with the new roundabout as traffic adjusts to the updated intersection design.