FDOT Weighing Two Safety Options for Highway 29 and Highway 196 Intersection

The Florida Department of Transportation is evaluating how to improve safety at the busy intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 196 (Barrineau Park Road) in North Escambia County, considering two distinctly different approaches.

The first option involves installing a traditional traffic signal at the location. The second alternative is an RCUT intersection—short for Restricted Crossing U-Turn—which would redesign the intersection to require vehicles to make U-turns on Highway 29 in order to cross over, rather than turning directly across the highway.

RCUT intersections have become increasingly common in transportation planning across Florida and the nation as a way to improve safety and traffic flow at high-speed corridors. The restricted design eliminates certain turning conflicts that can lead to accidents.

FDOT has not yet announced which option it will pursue or a timeline for construction. Residents and commuters in the North Escambia area who use that corridor regularly are encouraged to monitor FDOT announcements for additional details about the project.