SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Drivers in Apopka will have to deal with a detour for the next three months. Starting Wednesday, Marden Road near State Road 414 will be closed to install two roundabouts. The road closure will last until May.
Channel 9's Racquel Asa found out what changed in state policy that could bring in more roundabouts to Florida. Eyewitness News learned that a state policy says roundabouts must be considered every time the state rebuilds a major road.
A state study said roundabouts are cheaper in the long run and they cause fewer crashes compared to traffic lights.
“The roundabout is OK. But most people don't realize that the cars who are in the roundabout, have the right of way,” said driver Rudy Houdtzageres.
Drivers recently began using the state’s first funded roundabout at Grand Avenue and State Road 44 in DeLand. The roundabout was added after it was considered a safer option following the deaths of a grandmother and her three grandchildren in April 2016.
Eyewitness News learned that there are at least a dozen other roundabouts are planned throughout Central Florida during the next five years. Five of the roundabouts will be along a section of Wekiva Parkway in Seminole County.
State documents also show that Walmart plans to install one on 17/92 near the old DeLand flea market.
The state is considering four roundabouts along U.S. 92 near the Halifax River.
A spokesperson for the city of Apopka said the roundabouts are being paid for by a developer, who’s building property off State Road 414.
Click below to learn 9 facts about roundabouts