The possibility of installing a roundabout at the intersection of Seed Tick Road and Memphis Arlington Road is sparking considerable discussion among residents and city officials. According to the city of Lakeland’s agenda, the Seed Tick Road Roundabout project proposes replacing the existing four-way stop with a single-lane roundabout.
During a recent Board of Commissioners (BOC) meeting, most commissioners expressed support for the project, highlighting the problematic angle and poor sightlines at the current intersection. Commissioner Wesley Wright, who’s been an advocate for roundabouts in Lakeland for some time, stated in the meeting, “if there is any location to test the merits and need for roundabouts, this is it. It is worth looking into.” Commissioner Jim Atkinson also echoed those sentiments in the meeting.
However, not all officials agree on the best solution. Commissioner Connie McCarter suggested that a traffic light would be more effective than a roundabout. City Engineer Emily Harrel disagreed, saying she would not recommend a traffic light at that location. A previous examination of aligning the intersection for a four-way stop, and by extension, a traffic light, revealed that it would require additional land and possibly the demolition of a house, further complicating the matter.
The city has been awarded funds from the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) and the Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) through the Memphis Metropolitan Planning Organization for the design of the roundabout. Once the design is complete, Lakeland will apply for grant funds to cover construction costs. The grant requires an 80/20 cost-sharing arrangement, with the city providing a 20% local match of $48,000 out of the total $240,000.
During the discussion, officials noted the increasing school traffic to Lakeland Preparatory School (LPS) and the city’s growing population as additional reasons for improving the intersection. Mayor Josh Roman also voiced his support saying, “any sort of remedy should make it a much friendlier intersection.”
While the project is currently in the design phase, city staff are optimistic that the 80% funding for construction will be secured following this process. The roundabout proposal remains a topic of active discussion as Lakeland seeks to enhance safety and traffic flow in the city.
