Understanding that some drivers may have never driven through a roundabout, the Florida Department of Transportation, District Seven, is offering area residents the opportunity to drive their own vehicles through a test track, set up to the dimensions of the roundabout that will begin construction in November at the intersection of US 98 and CR 491 (Citrus Way). Drivers participating in the test-drive sessions will be able to get a feel for how the roundabout will function, without the distraction of traffic. Staff will be available to answer questions and distribute informational materials.

Test-Drive the US 98 / CR 491 Roundabout Before it is Built

A full-scale version of the future US 98 / CR 491 highway roundabout has been set up in Citrus County. This roundabout test track will be available for any interested drivers to use between 9:30 a.m. and noon on Wednesday, October 13 and between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 14.

Directions to the test track roundabout: Take Citrus Way (CR 491) and turn west onto W. Educational Path. Stay on W. Educational Path as it turns into S. Panther Pride Drive. Keep following S. Panther Pride Drive to the dead end at the north. Guide signs to the test track will be posted along W. Educational Path and S. Panther Pride Drive.

Drivers are invited to drop by during any of the listed hours. The mock roundabout will only be open to the public during the dates and times listed here; please do not show up outside these days/hours as access to the test track area will be locked.

Project information is available at: https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/779/439448-1-52-01.