FDOT Seeking Input On SR 44 & Kepler Road Roundabout

DeLand, FL - State transportation officials are seeking the public’s input on another proposed roundabout; this time in DeLand. On Thursday (January 21st), the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public hearing regarding plans for a roundabout at the intersection of State Road 44 (SR 44) and Kepler Road in east DeLand. The plan includes replacing the existing traffic signals at that intersection; which is commonly plagued with congestion and delays during high travel times. A presentation prepared by FDOT claims that drivers experience delays of up to 48 seconds during morning peak hours, and 141 seconds during evening peak hours. Additionally, in a four year span from 2015 to 2019, FDOT found that 76 crashes took place at the SR 44/Kepler Rd. intersection, with 55 percent of them resulting in injury. This all comes a month after FDOT decided to not move forward with another planned roundabout in Daytona Beach. That proposed roundabout would have replaced the traffic signals at International Speedway Boulevard and A1A/Atlantic Avenue. Instead, FDOT decided to move forward with an alternative idea of an enhanced traffic signal. And this roundabout proposal isn’t left without any alternatives. One such alternative could bring dual southbound left turn lanes with auxiliary through lanes in each direction. There’s also an alternative roundabout option that could put two right turn bypass lanes on the eastbound side to southbound side, and the westbound side to the northbound side of the intersection. There are multiple ways to participate in the meeting. Residents may join the Virtual Public Hearing (VPH) by registering online or they may call 1-866-952-8437 and enter code 136-505-644 to join the meeting. Individuals may also attend the meeting in-person. The meeting will be held at the Sanborn Activity Center off of South Alabama Avenue in DeLand. If you plan on attending in-person, you must register with FDOT Project Manager Todd Helton by calling 386-943-5207. The meeting begins at 5:30 on Thursday with a presentation beginning at 5:40.