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‘It’s too dangerous’: Residents say not enough is being done to protect drivers at busy intersection

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — An Osceola County woman said she’s concerned leaders aren’t doing enough to protect drivers at a dangerous intersection.

The county said it already has a plan in the works for the area of Nova Road and U.S. 192.

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Some people in the area said the new developments are coming faster than current infrastructure can handle.

“It’s been a problem a long time,” said Karen Mummey. She has lived in Osceola County for nearly three decades.

Mummey said the intersection of U.S. 192 and Nova Road has gotten so busy and dangerous that she tries to avoid it whenever possible.

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“I try to leave after rush hour. I go out late morning or early afternoon. I find the intersection too dangerous. But even going out at those times, it’s built up so much. There is no good time to travel,” Mummey said.

A 2020 Osceola County traffic report showed about 374 people travel through the intersection during peak travel hours.

It’s the same place troopers said a St. Cloud man died and three people were hurt in a two-car crash on Dec. 15.

Florida Highway Patrol said the crash happened due to driver error but the site has been the center of complaints from residents for years.

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Troopers said it was the fourth death in the area since Halloween.

“It’s really said. I mean, people are just traveling, making their way to work and then this happens. Their lives have ended and they’re cut short and families have to put up with it. It’s not fair,” a resident said.

The Florida Department of Transportation is looking to extend the left lane.

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It’s also working to expedite a traffic signal to the area by ordering the strain poles and signal cabinets early.

The county said the redesign is also underway.

County leaders said the project is seeing impacts of the ongoing supply chain shortage and hopes to have the light working by the end of next year.

Mummey hopes the county follows through soon and that drivers do their part.

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“People just need to pay attention,” she said. “Osceola County just needs to know they need to cut down on the building until they can catch up. It’s too dangerous. It’s not fair to the citizens.”

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