The Florida Department of Transportation has installed new traffic barriers at seven intersections along State Road 82, including the crash-prone Columbus Boulevard intersection. The goal: reduce collisions in areas that saw over 300 crashes between 2021 and 2023.
The barriers are part of a new traffic pattern called an R-Cut, which forces drivers to turn right before making a designated U-turn, instead of crossing directly through the intersection. FDOT says this design could cut crashes by up to 54%.
However, videos show some drivers dangerously bypassing the barriers and making illegal U-turns into oncoming traffic.
“It’s inconvenient, but safer,” said local driver Hunter Nunnery. “Just follow the pattern — don’t do anything stupid.”
FDOT and Florida Highway Patrol warn that drivers caught ignoring the barriers could face tickets. Updates to GPS apps are underway to reflect the new traffic flow, and FDOT plans to extend the barriers to make it harder for drivers to go around them.
The changes may take getting used to, but officials stress they’re meant to save lives.
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