Have you noticed a new roundabout in Arlington? Here’s why it was put in

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — You’re going to notice a new roundabout in Arlington that replaces a traffic light in front of Jacksonville University’s main entrance.

The $4 million project sits right at the intersection of University Boulevard and Merrill Road.

“What We have laid out here is a beautiful way, my words, to be able to route traffic effectively,” said Greet Johnson Gillis, the senior vice president of ystem Development and Capital Programs, Jacksonville Transportation Authority. She oversaw the team that went through the planning and design of this project, in collaboration with other agencies like the Florida Department of Transportation, and Jacksonville University.

“There were vehicles going like 70 miles an hour going down this,” pointed out Laura Phelps, a spokesperson for Jacksonville University.

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The goal is to slow down cars just enough to still keep traffic flowing and hopefully draw more businesses.

“Not only improve traffic safety, but also would revitalize the area,” Gillis pointed out.

When you drive up to the traffic circle, you’re going to notice traffic separators that will prevent you from changing lanes. You’re also going to notice lowered curbs in the center. That’s for trucks to use if they need to, and it’s not meant as an area for pedestrians. Instead, pedestrians can use crosswalks surrounding the roundabout to walk safely.

In the center, JU plans to eventually unveil a piece of public art.

“We see that serving as a landmark in Arlington and also a symbol of Jacksonville University’s passion for the community, so we’re really excited to get started on that project,” Phelps said.

But one driver who spoke to Action News Jax but didn’t want to be identified isn’t a fan.

“I wouldn’t go that way for anything,” she said.

“They should’ve left alone in the first place.”

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She’s one of the nearly 30,000 drivers who cross this intersection every day.

“I think it’s ridiculous and doesn’t make any sense to me to go around in a circle when you can go straight,” she said.

“I hear [drivers who have complaints] loud and clear,” Gillis responded.

“They actually sat longer at this traffic light as the intersection tried to process all those vehicles,” she added.

“Yeah you may slow down, but you’re only slowing down to figure out which lane you actually need to get into.”

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