ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation has completed a number of safety improvements on a section of Orange Blossom Trail known for serious crashes.
The one-mile stretch just south of Interstate 4 from 34th Street to Holden Avenue now has a total of six mid-block crossings.
Once a pedestrian pushes a button, lights overhead signal traffic to stop while they cross. Drivers will see flashing lights warning them to slow down and a red light when they should stop for a pedestrian.
There are also pavement markings, signage, in-road lighting, and fencing in the median that directs pedestrians to the proper crossings. Some of the crosswalks are also raised to slow traffic.
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Construction of the $8.7 million dollar project was completed in October 2023, and FDOT recently finalized the maintenance.
FDOT District Five Safety Administrator Loreen Bobo says FDOT wanted to add to existing improvements to make the road safer for drivers and pedestrians.
“This was our section of roadway that had the most fatalities and serious injuries within less than a mile within our entire district,” Bobo said.
Data from the state shows there were 55 crashes involving pedestrians in five years from 2018 to 2023. Nine were fatalities and 14 involved serious injuries, according to FDOT.
The first three specialized mid-block crossings were added in 2020 with pedestrian safety in mind.
“What was happening before the project was people walking and biking were kind of crossing wherever they felt like they needed to cross or wanted to cross,” Bobo said. “Now, we’ve got very specific locations where we want them to cross.”
Bobo said since the project was completed, there have been zero reported fatalities or serious injuries.
“People are able to cross much more safely than they were before,” Bobo said. “Drivers are stopping for them in the crosswalk. It’s been really great.”
FDOT already has plans to add pedestrian safety improvements further south on OBT from Holden Avenue to Sand Lake Road. That project is currently in the design phase.
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