NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Construction is underway on a new roundabout in New Smyrna Beach, at a busy intersection that’s seen both tragedy and history.
The work is happening at Pioneer Trail and Tomoka Farms Road (County Road 415), right outside the Cabbage Patch Bar, a landmark that will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. The roundabout project officially began Sept. 22, six years after Volusia County Sheriff’s Deputy Frank Scofield was hit and killed while cycling through the same intersection.
According to county records, a traffic study presented to the Volusia County Council in 2019 found that crashes at the intersection were happening at a significantly higher rate than similar intersections across the county. Officials say the new roundabout will replace the long-standing four-way stop to help slow down traffic and improve safety in an area that continues to see more housing and commercial development.
“We’ve seen a lot of close calls over the years, so seeing something finally being done here is a good thing,” said Roger Luznar, owner of the Cabbage Patch Bar. “Hopefully the roundabout improves that. That’s yet to be seen. I’m worried about flooding issues and traffic, obviously, but we’ll just have to see what happens.”
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
Luznar said construction crews cleared trees and opened right of way before temporarily halting work ahead of Oktoberfest and Biketoberfest, two major events that bring thousands of bikers and tourists to the area each fall. He added that the business, which first opened in 1926, remains open through construction and is working closely with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office to ensure traffic and parking remain safe during large events.
“The one thing I will say is, when people come out here, it is a construction area to the south side of us,” Luznar said. “Be careful, be cautious. There’ll be plenty of markings and places for you to park. We look forward to having everybody out here next week.”
[MORE ROAD PROJECTS: Officials approve route to connect State Road 417 to Orlando Sanford International Airport]
The Cabbage Patch Bar has long been a cultural staple in Central Florida’s biker community, hosting gatherings for veterans, charity rides, and bike festivals for decades. Luznar says the venue’s century-old history and the signatures covering its walls tell the stories of families and riders who have returned for generations.
“It would be tremendous if anything ever happened to this place,” he said. “You can rebuild a building, but you can’t replace the history or the people who’ve come through here.”
County leaders expect the roundabout project to be completed by late 2026. They say the goal is to make the intersection safer for everyone, especially as more traffic flows through the growing corridor.