Key West aims for safer streets with new roundabout
Work has begun on a new roundabout at the intersection of Staples and Fourth Street.
The City of Key West has begun construction on a new roundabout at the intersection of Staples Avenue and 4th Street, a corridor popular with cyclists and pedestrians.
The project, which includes a central landscaped island, new sidewalks, and fresh paving, is part of a citywide initiative to calm traffic and make streets safer for all users.
The area is a designated cross-island bike route, and residents and City Commissioners have voiced concerns about e-bike riders not slowing down at the four-way stop.
Roundabouts, a staple of traffic engineering across the U.S. and Europe, are more than just circular intersections—they’re a proven safety tool.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, roundabouts reduce fatal crashes by 90%, injury crashes by 75%, and overall crashes by about 35% compared with traditional signalized intersections. The design forces drivers to slow down, eliminates dangerous right-angle “T-bone” collisions, and shortens pedestrian crossing distances.
Florida has seen similar successes. In Sarasota County, a cluster of roundabouts on U.S. 41 reduced serious crashes nearly 50% in the first year after installation. Clearwater’s roundabout at Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and Highland Avenue cut injury accidents by about 60% while smoothing congestion.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) also highlights long-term cost savings: roundabouts reduce the need for traffic signal maintenance, lower vehicle idling, and improve fuel efficiency.
For Key West, where narrow streets and heavy bicycle and pedestrian traffic intersect with high tourism volumes, roundabouts could offer a way to balance safety and mobility.
Unlike traditional stop signs or traffic signals, roundabouts maintain a steady flow while keeping vehicle speeds in check, typically around 15–20 mph within the circle.
“This project is about making our streets safer and more accessible for everyone,” said a city traffic engineer who asked not to be indentified for fear a retaliation. “We want calm, predictable intersections that protect people on foot, on bikes, and in cars alike.”
The Staples Avenue and 4th Street roundabout is expected to be completed later this year. It’s part of a broader package of upgrades, including additional sidewalks, bike lanes, and crosswalk improvements, reflecting Key West’s push toward safer, more walkable streets for residents and visitors.
By the Numbers: Roundabouts
Fatal crashes: down 90% (FHWA)
Injury crashes: down 75%
Overall crashes: down 35%
Typical vehicle speed in circle: 15–20 mph
Florida examples: Sarasota U.S. 41, Clearwater Gulf-to-Bay Blvd.