Traffic Light Needed at Intersection

Florida is currently the worst state in the nation for pedestrian fatalities, and Brevard is one of the worst areas in Florida. These are the conclusions of "Dangerous by Design", a study that has been discussed at WM City Council meetings and Space Coast TPO meetings.  

 

The study analyzes why some states have so many fatalities, and details a set of proven methods for reducing fatalities. One of the proven methods is to install traffic lights where pedestrians actually cross streets. An obvious example would be the intersection between Henry and Doherty, which will be a traffic bottleneck if the new road goes in, and is a school crossing.

​

The need for the traffic light was recognized as early as 2011, when the Neel Schaffer engineers noted that:  "The preliminary traffic signal warrant study has identified that Warrant 1- Minimum Vehicular Volume will be met with the new Doherty Extension at the intersection of Henry Ave and Doherty Drive." (See highlighted text in PDF below.)

​

​

​

​

​

Indeed, Mayor Rose has asked for a traffic light to be included in the plans, but the city staff resisted. After several requests the staff relented and placed a note in the budget document indicating a traffic study should be done six months after the new road goes in, to see if a light is warranted. No additional funding was set aside for it. 

 

Looking at the history of this project, it would seem that this means it could be several years before a traffic light will be put in, at the earliest.

 

At a recent meeting of the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization, Mr. Pete Petyk, Citizen's Advisory Committee member, stated that the only way to get a traffic light put in is to wait and let a few people die, to prove that the light is needed.

 

Let us not prove his grim assessment is right.

 

Click here to read "Dangerous by Design":

​

​

​

​

​

​