Work has started on a new traffic circle at the intersection of State Road 33 and Deen Still Road in Polk City.

According to Florida Department of Transportation project spokesperson Sandra Mancil, the roundabout will handle nearly 7,000 vehicles a day, more than 20 percent of which are trucks. 

"The roundabout has an inside lane that is ramped that allows trucks to have a little more room as they go around," she said. "Their back wheels may go up on the inside ramp as they're supposed to. It's specifically made for that so that there's enough room for trucks."

As construction continues, all traffic on State Road 33 has been shifted to the west onto temporary lanes. The roundabout will be built to the east of the existing intersection.

Also, as an interim measure, a four-way traffic signal has been installed.

Mancil says traffic on Deen Still Road approaching State Road 33 will stop approximately 100 feet before the signal.

The stop lines and "Stop on Red" signs will be clearly posted showing the exact location. The stop line has been moved back from the intersection to allow larger trucks to safely make the turn from State Road 33 to Deen Still Road.

In addition, during construction there will be no permitted right turn on red and the posted speed limit during work times is 35 mph.

A similar project is underway on State Road 17 and Hunt Brothers Road.

For more information on the project, visit the FDOT project website.