Scenic 30A and 395 Intersection in Seagrove Beach

The word "backwards" seems to apply to the BCC ever as much as the TDC. "Funding" a major traffic issue as controversial as this one, without finding out if anyone really wants or needs it...??

I'm for a stop light. That stop sign, when it gets loaded up... people don't know when to go... and they get impatient, and go anyway. Only problem is poor seagrove residents. They will want speed bumps. (I mean in addition to the potholes.)

I'm not sure you understand. If there is a stop light, you will have to stop (and fume), even if there is no one at the intersection except you! Think about it, for a moment. There is nothing wrong with the way it works now: you simply let the person to your right go first. It works.

A stoplight is not a solution. And while someone directing at really crowded times will help, it all comes down to volume.

We simply have too many vehicles using one stretch of road.

And while we're at it...

While we're fixing that intersection, perhaps we should consider eliminating the groups soliciting money on Saturday mornings when our guests are leaving town.

I'm completely in favor of banning all charity solicitations at that intersection. .

I am in favor of banning them at all intersections. No exceptions.

Roundabout Selected for 30a/395

Unbelievably our officials have opted for a roundabout for this intersection. I would bet that not one of them has any experience with how these operate, nor will many of our visitors. They better station a cop at this intersection full-time as there are going to be many incidents.To her credit Cindy Meadows voted against this abortion but was again outvoted by the powers from North of the Bay. We really need more say in decisions that affect SOWAL so directly. No details yet but she is trying to get a copy of the plans which could be viewed at her office.
Is there anyone out there, who does not have a financial interest in this approach, that thinks this is the best option?

Thanks for posting [threads merged].

As has been posted - a roundabout is not a bad idea if you have lots of room. Seems that there is no good solution for such a small space. A wide turn lane with a yield sign on the NE corner seems like the best idea in a bad situation.

I agree with GRS.

Roundabouts in general have their place, but 30-A isn't one of them. The word "cluster" comes to mind.

I think a better term might be "suicide circle"

I definitly agree with the "nays" on the subject of the round-about. Not only will it bring more accidents and frustration in those coming into or leaving 30A, but the bicylists that don't stop when crossing now, will be the subjects of many runs by the EMTs and the sherriff's office.

If people have trouble with a three-way stop, no way they can navigate a roundabout.

We need another outlet to 98 between 395 and S. Watersound Parkway. But the idea of having a right turn lane at 395 for those going westbound is very simple. That's where the traffic backs up the most.

Here is the link to the Neighborvision tape of the BCC meeting on 4-09-13 when the two options, signal or roundabout, were discussed. It starts at the 48 minute mark in part 2, and is well worth listening to. It's hard to see how they chose a roundabout if you listen to this entire discussion.
http://www.neighborvision.com/bcc/130409-BCC-y2-2.html

Thanks for posting [threads merged].

As has been posted - a roundabout is not a bad idea if you have lots of room. Seems that there is no good solution for such a small space. A wide turn lane with a yield sign on the NE corner seems like the best idea in a bad situation.

You're right Kurt. I grew up going to the Jersey shore almost every week-end from Philly. There are many circles along the way at major intersections in areas which look like 98 ( forested and open with lots of room). Where towns were encountered they used lights with dedicated turn lanes which would have been the best option for us. Theoretically, circles could move more cars/hr., but practically this won't work well in a restricted site like this.

I saw a blurb today on Facebook from the Walton Sun that said the County approved the roundabout at last nights meeting but have not been able to confirm. Has anyone seen a confirmation?

A motion not to change the intersection for the time being got a 2-2, vote, so the decision from some time ago to proceed with the roundabout stood.

I saw a blurb today on Facebook from the Walton Sun that said the County approved the roundabout at last nights meeting but have not been able to confirm. Has anyone seen a confirmation?

Cindy Meadows post on FB

From WZEP AM 1460:

They are getting around to an intersection, probably with a roundabout. Remember the story about what to do with the 395 and 30A intersection? The discussion has included a roundabout. After meetings with property owners, engineers, staff and commissioner Meadows, a plan has been suggested. Meadows said they could use an officer to help now and work on the project during the off season.


The commissioners had previously decided to use a roundabout, but some say it will take too much room. Another idea is a hybrid signal option improving the intersection, offsetting the lanes to the north slightly, keeping 395 and 30A in tack for the most part and adding turn lanes. The feeling from the group, including the landowner EBSCO, is that a signal should be used. EBSCO would trade property to help with the needs. They also want the multi-use path to remain on the north side.


Commissioner Imfeld said he has talked with the sheriff and they both have concerns about a “traffic cop” at the intersection. Commissioner Comander agreed. The cost for a signal would be an additional $400,000 over the roundabout budget. Meadows said a traffic light should have turn lanes.


Meadows noted the trees and look of Old Seagrove. She said they do not want a traffic circle and they do not think it will work. She said there is no reason to blow out the intersection for 40 feet on each side just for 15 weeks a year. She said the group all agreed and came up with the signal solution.


The idea of a traffic officer was brought back up with some saying they use them in big cities. Major Joe Preston also raised concerns. Imfeld said the sheriff was never consulted. Meadows said she did not think it would be a problem to have someone move traffic around.


Pedestrian movements were also talked about and engineer Cliff Knower said a pedestrian tunnel is actually feasible. He also suggested moving the utilities underground. Meadows made a motion to enter into agreements with EBSCO on the property, bury the utilities, do the lane improvements and move forward with a phased approach.


The roundabout was brought up again. Commissioner Meadows, who lives in the area, said the residents do not want a roundabout. Meadows motion failed. A previous Board action last fall has already funded burying utilities and the roundabout. EBSCO said they are ok with the roundabout, but the county will need more property. Commissioner Comander made a motion to negotiate on the land swap with EBSCO.

I just read the above, and Commisioner Comander is quoted as saying "the cost for a signal would cost $400,000 over the roundabout budget". WTF! Either that traffic signal is the most expensive traffic signal in the southeast or the roundabout budget is so incredibly underfunded that it will be a gigantic boondoggle. It blows my mind that these morons are going ahead with a plan that absolutely no one thinks will work. Is it not simply logical to try the least expensive, and least experimental idea first? Even though I don't want it, nor think it will solve the problem, I would be willing to try a signal light before going absolutely full tilt into an experiment that could go horribly wrong. Common sense.

Does anyone remember the discussions about getting a traffic light for the 395/98 intersection? Wasn't the price tag for a 4 way intersection with special expensive hurricane proof lights far less than the supposed difference between the 2 projects? I remember $100,000 being bandied about.

I can't believe that a traffic light is more expensive than a major paving project that will require rerouting of roads and all the major utilities, many personnel hours, landscaping, and all the other expenses involved in an idiotic boondoggle.

I don't think a traffic light is the solution, just calling bull**** on the supposed numbers.

I'm completely in favor of banning all charity solicitations at that intersection. .

Except for the 4th of July and Memorial Day, that's the only time that intersection jams up. ONLY. Traffic light, roundabout, etc. are all boondoggles.

I just cannot see a roundabout working. Had one in a subdivision where I lived with golf course, and people could not figure out. Really not that hard. I'm probably wrong, but it looks to me like foot and bike traffic are major contributors to the congestion. It seems to me that a cross over or under could make a big difference. I'm not sure anything will work other than a new connector when it's bumper to bumper all the way Seaside city center.

I would sure hate to see any trees destroyed -- why not a traffic light?

Traffic light sounds like a no brainer to me. Roundabouts are just plain stupid. As far as pandering to pedestrians an d bikers who ignore signals, give them tickets for about a month. But I can understand the fact that the idiots who run the county can't find a logical solution. If they can't find a way to steal some money it won't happen.

Best solutions:

1-Traffic cop. No more than four hours a day at peak times. No land changes. Cop salary. Too expensive? Bull-the beach drives this county's economy, take a deputy a day off speed trap patrol or meth hunting in Paxton for the summer. Life seems to go on just fine with one or two deputies hanging out by Butler School during zone hours all year except summer!

2-Light. More expensive and a turn lane will be needed. I think Ms. Commander priced traffic lights with ruby, amber and emerald lens caps. I'm thinking plain glass will work just fine.

3-Circle. Actually, no, circle is an unacceptable boondoggle designed to put moolah into the pocket of Preble-Rish and whatever good old boys help push this stupid idea through.

Skunkape nails it. again.