Instead of sometimes stopping at the blinking light at the intersection of Blackstrap Road, Skillin Road and Route 26 in Cumberland, drivers, in a few years, will circle a roundabout.

The Maine Department of Transportation will construct a roundabout at the intersection in 2028, according to the agency’s workplan for Cumberland.

In February, Sen. Susan Collins announced she secured over $46 million of federal funds for Maine DOT, of which $9.6 million is allocated to the Cumberland roundabout.

Of the remaining costs for the $12 million project, Cumberland will pay $1 million and the state will contribute another $1 million, said Town Manager Matt Sturgis.

The primary reason for the project is safety.

“It’s a high-crash location,” said Sturgis.

Since 2023, there have been 31 crashes in the intersection, resulting in 42 injuries, according to data from Maine DOT. Roundabouts are generally regarded as being more effective at decreasing accidents than traffic lights, as well as being more efficient in lower traffic areas.

Additionally, the roundabout and the sidewalks constructed around it will bring more walkability to the intersection area. The area has several businesses, and the town hopes to see more activity there following the project, said Sturgis.