The Five Points intersection in Midtown Tallahassee is a source of congestion and confusion for drivers. Now a local transit board is working on improving the block where 7th Avenue, Thomasville and Meridian Roads meet.
The Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency is looking into ways to reduce traffic at Five Points, and make area businesses more accessible to drivers and pedestrians.
Conceptual drawings from a consulting firm show roundabouts, allowing two way traffic on 6th and 7th Avenues, and turning parts of Thomasville Road into a one way.
Local officials are worried the ideas could take a toll on nearby shops. Greg Slay heads the CRTPA, which is reviewing the intersection.
“You have to question, are we making this situation any better or are we making it worse? Because that’s the last thing we want to do,” Slay said.
County Commissioner Kirstin Dozier, who sits on the CRTPA board, hopes to get public input from area businesses as the project develops.
“I think talking with them early and getting their feedback since they watch the traffic all the time might be really helpful,” Dozier said.
The agency will also look at the Midtown neighborhood as a whole, and draft infrastructure changes that could reduce traffic and increase accessibility for everyone who uses the roads. Midtown traffic patterns will shape the board's priorities for the area.
The CRTPA will review more traffic studies and narrow down their options over the next few months.
