BRADENTON, Fla. — The introduction of new mini roundabouts in Manatee County has sparked a divided reaction among local drivers.
County officials assert that the new road pattern aims to improve safety at intersections, but skepticism remains among residents.
Concerns have been raised regarding the newly constructed mini roundabouts at two busy intersections in Bradenton.
Every day, local resident Adam Sahhar, accompanied by his dog Winslow, walks from their neighborhood to the park. However, the route has changed significantly due to the mini roundabout at 51st Street West and 33rd Avenue Drive West.
“Drivers are coming down this road at high speeds, and now they seem confused, which leads to unusual traffic backup,” commented Sahhar.
The roundabout is one of two recent installations; the other is located at 51st St. West and 21st Ave. West. According to county estimates, the former sees between 8,000 and 10,000 vehicles daily.
Despite these figures, nearby residents argue that traffic is not a major issue. “This intersection has never been significant; in seven years, I’ve never witnessed an accident here,” Sahhar shared. “Traffic only picks up during events at G.T. Bray Recreation Center.”
The county, responding to public demands for crosswalks and complaints about speeding, determined that mini roundabouts would effectively address these concerns and improve pedestrian safety.
However, Sahhar feels the initiative complicates matters. “It’s difficult to cross safely, and many drivers seem unsure, leading them to stop unnecessarily, which was not the case before,” he explained.
Despite the adjustments, Adam and Winslow plan to continue their daily walks and adapt to the changes.
According to the county, construction on both mini roundabouts is largely finished.
Article original publish date: 2025-09-03 06:10:00
Article source: www.baynews9.com
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