A Future Roundabout in Riverview is Expected to Decrease Traffic Wait Times on Symmes Road

BLOOMINGDALE — RIVERVIEW, FL — An intersection improvement project at Balm Riverview Road at Symmes Road is expected to improve safety and reduce delays, Hillsborough County officials said.

A roundabout is in the design process for the intersection. According to the county, it is currently lacking a signalized stop sign for motorists approaching the intersection from Symmes Road. This creates long wait times for vehicles turning left From Symmes to drive north on Balm Riverview Road.

Before the roundabout construction can begin, the county needs to acquire a property on the east side of Balm Riverview Road, which provides the majority of right-of-way for the project. Land ownership is expected to be complete by late 2022. Procurement for construction should start in early 2023 with construction starting soon after.

Roundabout Purposes

Roundabouts reduce the number of potential conflict points and have been found to decrease the likelihood of severe or fatal injury crashes, making the intersection safer for all modes of travel, the county said.

Road construction staff said roundabouts also have been proven to provide safer accommodations for pedestrians, as compared to standard signalized intersections. They are designed to promote slower entry, circulating, and exit speeds. Raised splitter islands slow and deflect approaching traffic, while also providing refuge for pedestrians. Crosswalks, sidewalks, and ADA features are also included in the design.

Public Engagement Opportunity
The County will conduct a virtual engagement using The Hillsborough Engagement Hub to collect feedback from the public. Public comment for this project is open between Sept. 27 and Oct. 10 at 11:59 p.m. Visit HCFLGov.net/HCEngage to participate.

Questions in English or Spanish about the virtual public engagement for the Balm Riverview Road at Symmes Road intersection improvements may be directed to the Customer Service Center at (813) 635-5400.