Roundabouts planned for dangerous stretch of road in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. — Three roundabouts are planned for a short stretch of a Tampa road known for serious, and oftentimes deadly, crashes. 

In a two year period, more than a dozen crashes of that magnitude were reported on N. 34th Street from Columbus Drive to Hillsborough Ave. And, in 2017, two people were killed in a hit-and-run crash on N. 34th and E. Lake Avenue. 

“Of course even one fatality is too many, but that road really rose to the top,” said Jean Duncan, City of Tampa Director of Transportation and Stormwater Services. 

The city plans to construct three roundabouts at the intersections of E. 21st Ave, Lake Ave., and Osborne Ave. 

“There’s overwhelming data that indicates roundabouts are a much safer treatment of roadways,” said Duncan. 

The Florida Department of Transportation cites data showing roundabouts result in 90 percent fewer fatalities, less pollution and are more time efficient for drivers. 

Duncan says more than a dozen are in the works in Tampa alone. 

“The department of transportation, municipalities and other counties in our region are all going to be building more roundabouts so it’s just the new normal,” said Duncan. 

Construction is expected to begin on N. 34th Street in 2019 with completion in 2020.