The new traffic circle that regulates traffic between US-98 and CR 491 (Citrus Way), opened on Tuesday, December 6th. The Florida Department of Transportation FDOT stated, “Drivers are urged to stay within the posted 25 MPH speed limit and be extra alert as motorists become accustomed to the changes.”
Drivers heading southbound on Citrus Way and turning onto westbound/northbound US 98 have their own direct connection and do not need to enter the roundabout. However, they must yield to traffic on US 98 coming out of the roundabout.
The roundabout is open, but the southbound route on Citrus Way is still closed. The detour for that is US-98 south and SR-476 west to Citrus Way. That route, according to FDOT, is “expected to be open by mid-January (possibly before the holidays if weather allows final paving to be completed).”
On the morning of December 10th, DesChamps Corner, a gas station and deli on the corner of the intersection, reported that there had already been two accidents in the roundabout.
As the construction is expected to continue through the new year, drivers will need to exercise caution. The paving is still underway, and there will be workers and equipment on site as well as intermittent flagging operations until at least the holidays if the weather is cooperative.
Project information: https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/779/439448-1-52-01
