PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. — Construction is ongoing on the new roundabout at the intersection of Highway 53 and Dragon Drive near Pickens High School, according to local officials.

With school out for the summer and traffic volumes reduced, officials are encouraging parents to use the opportunity to help student drivers become familiar with navigating a roundabout before classes resume.

Officials said practicing in the area while construction is inactive and conditions are safe can help new drivers gain confidence and better understand how to properly approach, enter, and exit a roundabout.

Drivers are reminded to slow down as they approach the intersection, yield to vehicles already traveling in the roundabout, use turn signals when exiting, and remain attentive while avoiding sudden lane changes.

The roundabout project remains under construction, but officials say becoming familiar with the traffic pattern now could help improve safety and ease congestion when school traffic returns in the fall.

Motorists are urged to use caution in the construction zone and watch for workers and changing traffic conditions.