New Roundabout open at US 98 and SR 471!

Polk County – The new roundabout is open at US 98 and SR 471, and US 98 traffic has been shifted to a new alignment from Earnest Road to north of SR 471. 

Traffic remains in a single lane alignment in each direction and through the roundabout until later phases of construction, when a second lane will open in each direction, including through the roundabout.

Drivers should be alert to the posted speed limits – 25 MPH through the roundabout – and 45 MPH elsewhere in the construction zone. Drivers also are cautioned that vehicles in the roundabout have the right-of-way and vehicles entering the roundabout should merge into it when there is a safe gap in traffic. Vehicles flow around the center of the roundabout and should not stop within the roundabout.

For everyone’s safety, follow these simple guidelines:

1. Yield to pedestrians: Watch for crosswalks on the approach to the roundabout; pedestrians and bicyclists always have the right-of-way.
2. Yield to traffic on the left: Look left when entering the roundabout and wait for a safe gap in the circulating traffic before entering.
3. Always drive counterclockwise in the roundabout. Never stop or change lanes within the roundabout.

For project information, click here.