We addressed recurring safety failures at the intersection of U.S. Highway 98 and South Bay Shore Drive in Eastpoint, Florida. The intersection had a history of serious crashes involving both drivers and pedestrians. Its role as a hurricane evacuation route demanded a design capable of handling both daily and emergency traffic volumes. To identify root causes, we conducted traffic counts, speed studies, crash record reviews, turning movement analyses and site visits.
Using this data, we developed two alternative designs: a signalized intersection and a modern single-lane roundabout. Both alternatives incorporated ADA-compliant curb ramps, improved pedestrian crossings and extended sidewalk infrastructure.
Several constraints shaped our design process. Narrow right-of-way limited roadway widening, and existing utilities restricted the placement of signs, poles and drainage infrastructure. Adjacent bay and wetlands required us to minimize earthwork to avoid environmental impact. The absence of viable detour routes also required us to maintain U.S. 98 operations during peak construction hours.
After evaluating both alternatives against safety performance, traffic operations, cost, and public acceptance criteria, we determined that the modern roundabout delivered the greatest long-term benefit. It reduces the frequency of severe crashes, moderates vehicle speeds and maintains traffic flow without signal-induced delay. We completed the project with a formal recommendation to advance the roundabout design, supported by engineering drawings, preliminary cost estimates and a community-impact-conscious construction phasing plan.