Drivers traveling on South County Road Thursday were the first to experience the new traffic pattern at the busy street’s intersection with Brazilian Avenue in Palm Beach’s Midtown.
Crews expanded the intersection’s median overnight with striped painting and demarcations to prevent motorists from turning left onto Brazilian from South County.
The change was approved and supported by the Florida Department of Transportation, city officials told the City Council at the May 14 meeting. The state owns and operates that portion of South County Road, which is also State Road A1A.
Although there was some confusion Thursday morning, traffic flow continued to move and a handful of drivers stopped before moving on to take the next legal exit.
City officials are considering a more permanent expansion of the median, including a grassy area or a roundabout. Although the grass median is supported and would be paid for by the state, city officials would have to seek additional approval from the Florida Department of Transportation for other proposed intersection configurations, staff told the council at the May 14 meeting.
Officials said they hope the changes at the intersection will prevent confusion and accidents and make the area safer for pedestrians.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Changes take effect at busy intersection in Palm Beach
