Polk County is seeking public input on different configurations to improve safety along the awkward and unsignalized intersections of North Galloway and Swindell Roads.
There will be a public meeting Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the auditorium of Winston Academy of Engineering at 3415 Swindell Road in Lakeland. The meeting was originally scheduled for Jan. 9 but was postponed due to severe storms.
Currently, the roads come together in two places just north of Interstate 4 and west of Lakeland’s city limits. One idea to improve both safety and traffic flow is adding a roundabout at the southern intersection of the roads and a traffic light at the northern one.
Another option is constructing a bypass through the wooded area west of Galloway and extending Swindell south to Lazy Oaks Lane — perhaps even connecting it to North Frontage Road. In that scenario, the southern connection to Galloway would be closed, converting Swindell Road West to a cul-de-sac.
After introductory remarks and a brief project overview, participants can view exhibits of different configurations and ask questions of county staff and consulting engineers.
Public feedback is strongly encouraged. A two-week comment period ends March 12.
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People using the road make mistakes (like speeding, running stop signs and red lights, turning left in front of oncoming traffic), always have and always will. Crashes will always be with us, but they need not result in fatalities or serious injury.
Modern roundabouts are the safest form of intersection in the world – the intersection type with the lowest risk of fatal or serious injury crashes – (much more so than comparable signals). Modern roundabouts require a change in speed and alter the geometry of one of the most dangerous parts of the system – intersections. The reduction in speed to about 20 mph and sideswipe geometry mean that, when a crash does happen at a modern roundabout, you might need a tow truck, but rarely an ambulance. Visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or FHWA for modern roundabout FAQs and safety facts.
The FHWA has been saying for over 20 years that signal intersections have TEN TIMES the fatality risk of modern roundabouts.
Is the Swindle Rd/ Galloway Rd already a funded project or like the 4 laneing of Kathleen Rd from Duff Rd to US 98 ( not funded but needs to be done )
They usually have to decide on a configuration before funding, so they know the scope of work and can at least estimate the cost. We could not find this project in any of the upcoming budgeted plans.