State takes Action on Dangerous Intersection

The State of Florida is responding with action after a recent fatality that occurred on December 3, 2011 at the intersection of Hwy 87 and Hwy 4 in Berrydale.  After several community members sent correspondence expressing concerns with the safety characteristics associated with the intersection of S.R. 87 and S.R. 4 in Santa Rosa County the Florida Department of Transportation has scheduled a traffic engineering study of this intersection.

Factors that will be considered during the study include:

–          Current speeds traveled by motorists,

–          Collection of ten-hour traffic turning movement counts (which include AM/morning and PM/afternoon peak traffic periods and representative off-peak hours),

–          Subsequent evaluation of data for potential installation of a fully-actuated traffic signal or the implementation of other measures,

–          Evaluation of intersection sight distance, and

–          A review of the crash history associated with the referenced intersection.

After the conclusion of the study the public will be notified.

The State has identified a short-term measure that can be implemented at this location.  They will install intersection warning signs for the S.R. 4 stop-controlled approaches that read “CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP.”  Once the necessary materials are ordered to complete the sign installation and an installation date is determined the story will be update with photos.