MediaUpdate

A $1.5 million roundabout is now open in Newberry after county and city leaders say the project was designed to improve safety and keep traffic moving through a growing corridor.

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Alachua County Commissioner Ken Cornell will ask voters for a fourth term in November as challenger Dewayne Baines seeks a first term.

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Alachua County Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler announced early this year that she would not seek re-election for District 2 (Northwest Gainesville and Alachua County).

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More than 50 Gainesville residents and local leaders gathered Wednesday to discuss the future of East Gainesville.

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Alachua County Public Works and the city of Newberry have completed construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of County Road 235 and Newberry Lane, reopening the roadway approximately two weeks ahead of schedule.

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Two weeks ahead of schedule, Alachua County said the construction of the new roundabout at County Road 235 and Newberry Lane is complete, reopening the intersection while addressing longstanding safety concerns.

According to a July 22 press release, Alachua County Public Works and the City of Newberry announced the completion of the $1.5 million project following a study and recommendation conducted by engineering, designing planning firm Kimley-Horn.

The roundabout was designed to accommodate both current and future traffic demands, including larger vehicles such as semi-trucks. In a county video released July 22, Alachua County Public Works Civil Engineer Stuart Cullen said the intersection used to serve as a two-way stop with a history of crashes.​

Cullen said the traffic survey showed approximately 300 to 400 vehicles traveled per hour through the intersection.

"It's had a crash history, and we've been looking at improvements for several years," Cullen said in the video.

Newberry Mayor Tim Marden said in the video that the intersection is frequently used by drivers seeking to avoid congestion at the city's main traffic signal during afternoon rush hour.

The roundabout was designed by Alachua County Public Works, while construction was completed by Public Works maintenance crews, the county's survey department and Watson Construction. Cullen said the project was completed within a six-month timeframe.

The project was jointly funded by Alachua County and the City of Newberry. According to the release, the county's portion was a part of the county's 10-year Transportation Capital Improvement Program, which is aimed at improving transportation infrastructure throughout the county.

The program is funded through a combination of Wild Spaces Public Places surtax revenue, property taxes, gas taxes and grants. County officials said the county commission has dedicated more than $250 million to transportation improvements through the initiative.

Marden told The Sun in a July 22 text message that the project demonstrated effective cooperation between the city and county.

"The traffic counts didn't warrant a light, but it did warrant more than stop signs. We thank the County for collaborating with us," Marden said. "It is another good example of the city and the county being on the same page. We are in a good season."County officials thanked residents for their patience during construction and encouraged motorists to use caution as they adjust to the new traffic pattern.

Alachua County Public Works and the City of Newberry are excited to announce the completion of the new roundabout at County Road 235 and Newberry Lane.

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lorida Carry, a grassroots organization dedicated to the 2nd Amendment rights of Floridians, has notified Alachua County that four of its ordinances violate state law by regulating firearms lawfully carried for defensive purposes.

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A gun rights group is demanding Alachua County change ordinances it says limit Second Amendment rights.

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Gainesville City Commissioner Desmon Duncan-Walker, District 1, and Alachua County Commission Chair Ken Cornell will host a community listening session and provide updates on local issues.

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