A new pedestrian crosswalk and signal on Perdido Key Drive at the Flora-Bama was completed last month by the Florida Department of Transportation in an effort to eliminate fatalities and improve pedestrian access to commercial destinations on both sides of the road. Upon completion of the signal, the Escambia County Traffic Operations Division took ownership of signal and crosswalk operations.
"We are very thankful for the partnership we’ve had with the state of Florida, and the strong leadership that we’ve had from Commissioner Underhill to make sure we are creating a safe and equitable Perdido Key Drive," Transportation Engineer Christine Fanchi said.
The crosswalk is raised 3-inches above the grade of Perdido Key Drive to create a raised crossing and improve safety through reduced speeds. The signal is timed to allow for a minimum of 30 seconds of green time for vehicles between pedestrian crossings. Pedestrians who push button are advised by an audible signal to “wait." Once cars are stopped on red, the audible signal says “crosswalk is on," then the countdown signal says “10, 9, 8, 7..” and so on. No crashes or injuries have been reported since the new signal was installed.
“We are already seeing improved pedestrian and automobile flows, and as we iron out the details of the timing, these improvements will continue to improve. The Perdido Key Road Swap gave us control over our destiny on Perdido Key Drive, enabling the pedestrian improvements that we have long fought for," District 2 Commissioner Doug Underhill said. "This project, in conjunction with the Multi-use Path and traffic circle at Johnson Beach Road, will build the infrastructure that Perdido Key has long asked for.”
The timing of the pedestrian crossing is timed per national standards for the distance of the crossing. Understanding this is a new signal, new raised crossing, and this location has multiple events, we expect that it will take a few months for residents and visitors to adjust to this improvement.
This project also supports the goal of the Perdido Key Master Plan to create a walkable and bikeable community.
Learn more about the Perdido Key Master Plan here.
Watch a short video about the new traffic signal here.