Deadly U.S. 1 Intersection Could Get a Roundabout in New Smyrna Beach

NEW SMYRNA BEACH — City officials are exploring the possibility of implementing a new roundabout at an intersection near the airport as part of efforts to improve traffic safety and slow down vehicles.

The initiative began last year when city staff started evaluating infrastructure and beautification projects at the New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport. This review eventually led to a closer examination of safety concerns at the intersection of U.S. 1 and Inlet Shores Drive, according to a city memo.

Over the past three years, there have been 13 accidents at this intersection, resulting in five fatalities and seven injuries. The incidents caused $239,000 in property damage, highlighting the need for immediate action.

Traffic crashes at U.S. 1 and Inlet Shores Drive have claimed lives

One tragic incident occurred on July 24, 2024, when a crash at the intersection killed a local couple, Matthew and Fawne Cindric, along with Justin Sexton of Holly Hill. Matthew was a teacher at Creekside Middle School in Port Orange, while his wife was an instructor at Daytona State College. Their four children survived the accident.

The proposed roundabout would be located at a section of U.S. 1 where some vehicles travel at high speeds. A sign northbound indicates a speed limit of 55 mph. However, this stretch of U.S. 1, also known as Dixie Freeway, is where northbound traffic gains speed heading toward the bridges over Rose Bay en route to Port Orange. Southbound traffic from this area often enters an urban section without slowing down.

One crash involved a motorcycle traveling at 130 mph, according to city officials. A roundabout could help reduce speeds without requiring vehicles to come to a complete stop.

To evaluate the feasibility of the roundabout, the city hired Kittelson & Associates, an Orlando-based transportation engineering firm. Part of their work includes an open house event scheduled for June 24 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Brannon Center, located at 105 S. Riverside Drive. Residents will have the opportunity to learn more about the project and share their opinions.

U.S. 1 roundabout could lead into new airport entrance

In addition to improving traffic flow, the roundabout would be part of a larger project to create a new, more scenic entrance to the airport. Phillip Veski, a public information officer for New Smyrna Beach, explained that the goal is to enhance both safety and aesthetics.

City staff has been in discussions with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) regarding moving the airport entrance just across U.S. 1 from Inlet Shores Drive. According to a city memo, this change aims to address ongoing safety concerns.

“Recent FDOT traffic studies indicate that neither the airport entrance nor Inlet Shores Drive individually meet FDOT thresholds for a traffic signal. However, combining traffic from both locations could justify traffic enhancements of some kind,” the memo stated.

Inlet Shores is a peninsula that provides access to the Indian River, Ponce de Leon Inlet, and the Atlantic Ocean. It is home to approximately 135 residences, and Inlet Shores Drive serves as the sole road access by car.

Mark Harper covers politics, government, and education for The News-Journal, with a focus on Florida, mostly in Volusia County. He can be reached at mark.harper@news-jrnl.com.