NEWBERRY – Motorists are once again traveling through the intersection of County Road 235 and Newberry Lane after construction of a new roundabout was completed roughly two weeks ahead of schedule.
The intersection reopened Wednesday, July 22, marking the completion of a $1.5 million project jointly funded by Alachua County and the City of Newberry.
The roundabout was constructed as part of Alachua County’s 10-year Transportation Capital Improvement Program to improve safety at the intersection. The project followed a traffic study and recommendations by transportation engineering firm Kimley-Horn.
According to Alachua County Public Works, the roundabout was designed to accommodate both current and future traffic volumes, including large commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks.
Construction was completed by Alachua County Public Works maintenance crews and the county’s survey department in partnership with Watson Construction.
County Engineer Stuart Cullen said roundabouts typically improve both safety and traffic flow by reducing the likelihood and severity of crashes while keeping vehicles moving through intersections.
“We’re proud of the teamwork that allowed this project to be completed ahead of schedule and under budget,” Cullen said.
County officials thanked residents and motorists for their patience during construction and encouraged drivers to use caution as they become familiar with the new traffic pattern.
The county has also released an informational video highlighting the completed project and explaining how to navigate the new roundabout. The video can be located online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyC3ee17Gow.
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