VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - Roundabouts are popping up across South Georgia.

In Albany, a roundabout was installed at North Westover Boulevard and Ledo Road in an effort to improve traffic flow and safety.

Now, Valdosta is the latest city to announce multi-lane roundabouts.

The intersection locations are:

• SR 7 BUS/Ashley Street at SR 7 Alternate/Patterson Street/Smithbriar Drive/Brookfield Road
• SR 7 BUS/North Valdosta Road at North Oak Street Extension

While some welcome the shift, others aren’t sure what to expect.

Officials say the roundabouts will improve traffic flow and safety.

Meanwhile, some in the community are still asking—will it really make a difference?

One concerned resident told WALB, “I believe that the traffic flow with the lights are fine. There’s only so much space in that area to even try to do different roads. I just believe that the money can be allocated for other locations in Valdosta.“

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) research shows that roundabouts have reduced crashes of all types by more than 40%, and injury crashes have been reduced by more than 65%.

But some residents feel the investment into other areas could possibly help with the congestion.

“If there is more infrastructure on that side of town, it will alleviate so much traffic on this side of town to make the traffic flow. Build up the south side of town let more businesses and add sidewalks make it a better community,” a concerned resident said.

City of Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson said, “The state is in love with roundabouts and that’s where it all started. They are traffic calming device, and they are constant motion. And I’ll tell you when the people of Valdosta fell in love with them during Helene.”

Matheson says the city moved forward with the roundabouts after studying traffic flow during peak times. He says that’s why the city went with roundabouts instead of traffic lights.

He said, “People that visit Valdosta are going to know how to use them because they have been other places. Here it’s going to take a little bit of adjustment but I’m telling you when they see constant flow, and see common courtesy when you’re using them. People are going to fall in love with it.”

The construction start date for the project has not been set but GDOT says the anticipated completion is 2029.

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