Drivers asked to fund project to make intersection safer

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County commissioners said Tuesday they will support a plan to lower the number of deaths on the roads around the University of Central Florida campus.

The intersection in question is at Alafaya Trail and University Boulevard.

Previous Story: UCF study says Alfaya Trail & University Boulevard is dangerous

Commissioners agreed to spend millions to rebuild the road into something more pedestrian friendly, but county leaders asked drivers to pay better attention to who's crossing the road.

Orange County is about two years away from seeing any changes.

On Friday, Eyewitness News found out plans for a pedestrian bridge were deemed non-cost effective by transportation planners.

Document: Pedestrian Study

Channel 9’s Field Sutton learned the biggest concern is the millions that would go down the drain if Orange County built the bridge and no one used it.

Alex Brooks told Eyewitness News, he's seen enough close calls to believe it's worth the money, even when pedestrians are using the crosswalks.

"People aggressively will like turn out, turn out here turning right without looking for pedestrians,” said pedestrian Alex Brooks.

"Orange County is one of five of the highest in pedestrian fatalities in the state,” said Brian Sanders, Orange County Transportation planner.

Sanders told commissioners Alafaya is full of people speeding.

Sanders said the county's best bang for the buck will come from things like sharper intersections that force slower turns and wider medians giving people crossing a place to stop halfway.

"Being number one when it comes to pedestrian deaths is certainly something we have to come together as a community and address,” said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs.

Another part of the plan calls for crosswalks in the middle of the block, with lights to control traffic.

Commissioners still have to vote.

If they vote yes, they'll be putting about $4 million into the project.

Construction is scheduled for spring of 2018.

A public meeting will be held May 18.

Contact Field Sutton for questions on this story.

Cox Media Group