New roundabout opening to alleviate Murray Hill, Riverside area traffic, enhance safety

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 10:53 GMT by Action News Jax

New Roundabout Opens in Murray Hill Riverside Area to Ease Traffic and Boost Safety

On Friday, the city of Jacksonville celebrated the opening of a new roundabout at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Murray Hill Boulevard, a move aimed at relieving congestion and reducing accidents in one of the busiest corridors of the Riverside area. The project, completed ahead of schedule and within budget, marks a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing effort to modernize its transportation infrastructure and improve safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Project Overview

The roundabout was part of the Jacksonville Transportation Improvement Plan (JTIP), a multi‑year initiative designed to upgrade key intersections across the metro area. According to the City of Jacksonville’s Department of Transportation (DOT), the Murray Hill-Riverside roundabout was constructed at a cost of $2.3 million and was expected to cut traffic delays by up to 25 percent during peak hours. The project was executed by JAX Infrastructure Solutions in partnership with the city’s engineering staff, with a projected construction period of nine months.

The intersection had historically been plagued by traffic congestion, especially during morning and evening commutes. A 2018 traffic study by the DOT identified the site as a high‑risk location with 12 reported crashes in the previous year, 6 of which involved injuries. The new roundabout was designed to address these issues by eliminating left‑turn conflicts and improving flow.

Design Features

The roundabout spans 110 feet in diameter and incorporates a central island that supports a small pedestrian plaza, complete with landscaping and seating. Key design elements include:

• Pedestrian Crossings: Two designated crosswalks on either side of the island, each with flashing signal lights to enhance visibility.
• Bicycle Lanes: Dedicated bicycle lanes that loop around the island, ensuring safe passage for cyclists.
• Traffic Control Signals: A set of adaptive traffic signals at the main approach roads, calibrated to respond to real‑time traffic volumes.
• High‑Visibility Markings: Reflective pavement markings and LED signage that improve visibility during night and inclement weather.

The DOT’s traffic engineers emphasize that the roundabout’s design adheres to Florida’s Roundabout Design Manual, which includes guidelines on speed limits, lane widths, and turning radii to maximize safety.

Community Impact

City officials and residents alike are optimistic about the benefits of the new roundabout. “We are proud to have delivered a project that will not only reduce congestion but also dramatically improve safety for our residents,” said Transportation Director Lisa Moreno. “Early simulations predict a 30‑percent reduction in rear‑end collisions and a 15‑percent decrease in pedestrian‑vehicle incidents.”

Local businesses in the Murray Hill area have expressed support, noting that smoother traffic flow could lead to increased foot traffic and sales. “The new roundabout is a game‑changer for our downtown,” remarked John Patel, owner of the Riverside Café. “Customers will find it easier to arrive and stay longer.”

Traffic and Safety Projections

According to the DOT’s preliminary data, the roundabout is expected to handle up to 23,000 vehicles per day, a slight increase from the 21,000 vehicles that previously used the intersection. Simulations indicate that average delay per vehicle will drop from 25 seconds to just 15 seconds during peak periods. Safety projections suggest a 20‑percent decline in total crashes over the next five years, with a significant reduction in severe injuries.

The DOT plans to monitor the intersection using a network of sensors and cameras. Data collected will be publicly available through the city’s open‑data portal, allowing researchers and residents to track performance metrics and validate the projected benefits.

Future Plans

The successful completion of the Murray Hill-Riverside roundabout is part of a broader strategy to retrofit other key intersections across Jacksonville. The DOT has identified several other sites—such as the intersection of East Bay Boulevard and 103rd Street—as high‑priority candidates for future roundabout installations.

Additionally, the city is exploring the integration of smart‑traffic technology, including connected‑vehicle infrastructure and predictive analytics, to further improve traffic management and safety.

Conclusion

The new roundabout at Murray Hill and Riverside Drive is a tangible step forward for Jacksonville’s transportation system. By addressing congestion, reducing crashes, and enhancing the overall driving experience, the project sets a precedent for future infrastructure improvements in the region. As the city moves ahead with additional roundabouts and smart‑traffic initiatives, residents can look forward to a safer, more efficient roadway network that supports both mobility and community vitality.