CASSELBERRY, Fla. — Firefighters in Casselberry said they are concerned about a major road project that could affect their jobs and public safety.
The $24 million Red Bug Lake Road flyover construction project is a nightmare for many area drivers.
"It's kind of chaotic. I mean, you have to detour from this plaza and you cannot really turn. You have to go all the way around," said Casselberry resident Kasye Faitalia.
Some Casselberry firefighters say for others, the construction project could mean life or death.
The ramp from the flyover will end in front of Casselberry Fire Station 25.
It's a concern for firefighters, who are forced to turn left onto Red Bug Lake Road to get to emergencies.
Some nearby residents are worried too.
"It is really important that these fire trucks are able to get in and out. We have seen accidents all down Semoran [Boulevard] and coming down Red Bug here," said Casselberry resident Christina Modeszto.
Seminole County engineers added a traffic light, which changes when emergency vehicles leave the station. They are also adding a turnaround for the emergency vehicles. And they are going to put a sign on the flyover warning drivers when firetrucks are leaving the station.
More than 34,000 cars drive Red Bug Lake Road every day, according to the county.
WFTV learned that Casselberry leaders would like to move the fire station to another location. But they said it would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars the city doesn't have.
Area residents said they hope the city finds a way to get the money soon so the firefighters have an easier exit.
"I think there could be a more optimal location for them. This is a very busy road, a very busy intersection. With the new ramp coming in, it's going to be really dangerous for them," said Modeszto.
Work on the flyover is expected to be complete by next November.