Commissioners at the August 23, 2022 Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting voted unanimously to approve going forward with a preliminary design for a traffic circle at the intersection of Ayers Road and Culbreath Road. Ayers becomes Hayman Road on the east side of Culbreath. The design is estimated at approximately $5,000.
The estimated cost of the roundabout is $500,000 – $750,000. Acquisition of right-of-way from nearby properties is in addition.
The board also approved an investigation into the feasibility of using Road Impact Fees for the design and right-of-way acquisition for this project.
“Apparently something opened in Pasco County between 2016 and 2017,” Public Works Director Scott Herring began, explaining the increase in the number of vehicle accidents at the intersection. Herring reported 2-3 crashes per year for the years 2012-2016, which increased to 10 after 2017.
Commissioner Jeff Holcomb said he has received numerous calls about this problem intersection in his district. “This is the 10th worst intersection in the county, which I didn’t know about until the Sheriff’s office provided that information.” Holcomb then asked Herring if a traffic signal could be installed to replace the existing flashing beacon.
“Not on the current infrastructure,” Herring answered. “I can put it there, but it would fall down within a week to two weeks … it’s not structurally sufficient.” He added that a signalized intersection is not the best solution with the existing traffic patterns along the roadways, and turn lanes would need to be added.
Herring did mention that his department will consider a traffic signal as well, which could cost $1 million. “I think from a functional point of view, the traffic circle is the most logical way to go, but we will analyze whether or not it makes sense to go with a signalized intersection or traffic circle. I’m not going to make you spend more money than needs to be spent.”
