After months of closures, the intersection of Drane Field Road + Waring Road in south Lakeland has been turned into a roundabout. This traffic pattern is becoming more common in Lakeland, but this one’s different — it’s the first with multiple lanes.
The opening announcement on the City of Lakeland’s Facebook page drew comments ranging from “Thank goodness!” to “They make me nervous honestly [because] I myself am not used to them.”
If you’re with the latter commenter, here’s your crash course in multi-lane roundabouts, straight from the Florida Department of Transportation’s Roundabout Ready Campaign.
- Slow down and choose which lane to be in before entering the roundabout (right lane to turn right or go straight, left lane to turn left).
- Traffic in the roundabout has the right of way, so only enter when it’s clear.
- If you’re in the roundabout, no need to stop for incoming traffic.
- Use turn signals when approaching your exit.
