ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A week after dozens of crashes were reported at the Fairbanks Curve on Interstate 4, there's a new sign that's supposed to warn drivers.
Despite recent improvements, the notorious Fairbanks Curve between Fairbanks Avenue and Lee Road saw more than 30 crashes during Tropical Storm Debby last week.
On Tuesday, a new electronic message board telling drivers to slow down was put up on the roadway. The sign is temporary until officials can get an aluminum one erected.
The temporary sign comes six days after WFTV questioned the state about putting up more signage on the curve because dozens of crashes clogged the interstate during Debby. It blinks, telling drivers to, “Check your speed” and “Curve ahead.”
However, some drivers told WFTV they didn’t even notice it.
The Florida Highway patrol said the curve creates hazards, saying speed traps wouldn't be safe because it would cause more of a distraction.
“We are conducting enforcement, but one trooper at a time,” said FHP spokeswoman Kim Montes. “We're not able to stick a massive amount of troopers on the roadway because of the logistics of the roadway.”
The Florida Department of Transportation couldn't tell WFTV when the permanent sign would be installed or what it would look like. They did say the temporary sign would stay until the permanent one is installed.
The state said the new sign would not cost much since they already have the materials to make it.
WFTV
