Jefferson County roads saw two new developments this week that will impact many drivers’ commutes for months to come.

A new roundabout at the intersection of Grants Mill Road and Old Leeds Road in Irondale opened this week after nearly two years of construction and the back entrance to Letson Farms Parkway in Bessemer has been closed until next year while the county completes construction on the nearby Bell Hill Road according to recent announcements on their social media.

The county started both of these projects within the last year to improve traffic flow and traffic safety in areas where population growth led to clogged roadways according to the county website and previous statements from county officials.

Grants Mill Road project

Although many drivers expressed concerns with the safety of introducing a roundabout in such a high traffic area on the county’s Facebook page, Irondale Police Sergeant Mark Meadows said there were only “a few minor hiccups” on the roundabout’s opening day, Aug. 16.