JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A new roundabout is set to greet drivers at the intersection of Old Roosevelt Boulevard and Post Street in Jacksonville’s Murray Hill area. This initiative aims to alleviate congestion and boost safety at this frequently traveled junction.

According to a representative from the Florida Department of Transportation, the newly constructed roundabout is expected to reduce travel times by 50%. A distinctive feature of this roundabout is its design, which incorporates a railroad track running directly through it.

Construction of the roundabout kicked off in June 2025, with crews putting the finishing touches on the project just in time for its opening at 9 a.m. on Friday.

The previous traffic signals at the intersection have been completely removed.

Drivers will also notice lighting upgrades, new signage, camera detection with sound devices, added pedestrian rail gate skirts and newly paved roadway.

FDOT Community Outreach Specialist Jacob Pickering said the new roundabout design will alleviate congestion and improve safety for drivers and pedestrians, and is expected to reduce crashes by about 50% and rail incidents by nearly 80%.

“Before the roundabout, there were three traffic signals and the railroad track was caught right in between,” Pickering said. “We had issues of cars getting stuck on the tracks and having to get out of the way. This new pattern eliminates the amount of lanes crossing the railroad tracks from five to two, so we have a safer intersection with less conflict points.”

Pickering also said the roundabout is expected to cut travel times in half.

“Roundabouts open the traffic and create free flow where folks – instead of stopping – can yield and enter the roundabout,” said Pickering. “With the railroad tracks – yes, folks will be queuing up in the roundabout while the trains pass through, but it shouldn’t back up towards Roosevelt [Boulevard] like it did in the past.”

This is all part of a $6.5 million rail safety and resurfacing project along Post Street from Cassat Avenue to Old Roosevelt Boulevard.

FDOT is urging drivers to use caution, as it will take some time for drivers to get used to the new traffic pattern.