Visible Progress, But Hwy 29, Hwy 97 Traffic Signal Still Weeks Away

March 10, 2015

A delayed Florida Department of Transportation project to install a new traffic signal at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino saw some visible progress Monday as the support masts for the light were delivered.

But a FDOT spokesperson said it will still be about four weeks before actual construction on the project begins.

Plans were complete months ago and Escambia County made a deposit of just over a quarter of a million dollars for the light with construction first set to begin by December 31, but that date was delayed because the redesign of the intersection turned out to be a more complex process than was originally anticipated, and the contractor needed more time to order additional materials as a result.

District 5 Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry, who led the push for the county to fund the traffic signal, said he was pleased to learn that the support masts were delivered to the intersection Monday.
“I am ecstatic that there is some visible progress,” Barry said. “The sooner we are able to complete this construction, the sooner we will have safer travel in the area.”

In October 2013, the Escambia County Commission affirmed its support for improvements at the intersection and expressed a willingness for the county to pay for the red light at the intersection. A Florida Department of Transportation study determined the intersection did meet the criteria for the light, with an agreement in place that FDOT would design and construct the upgrades with Escambia County paying for the construction.

FDOT  completed the design phase. and the Escambia County Commission approved $265,400 in funding last August, with the payment made October 29.

A few days later, a 16-year old Northview High School student died as a result of injuries she received in an accident in the intersection.

A second upcoming project will redesign the intersection of Crabtree Church Road and Highway 97, which is currently just feet away from Highway 29.

Pictured top: Support masts for a new red light at Highway 29 and Highway 97 were delivered to the intersection on Monday. Pictured inset and below: An Escambia County deputy collided with a Mercedes in the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97 about a week after Escambia County made a payment to FDOT for a traffic light at the juncture. There were no injuries in the crash, which came one day after a wreck that claimed the life of a 16-year old high school student. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

15 Responses to “Visible Progress, But Hwy 29, Hwy 97 Traffic Signal Still Weeks Away”

  1. Local Resident on March 11th, 2015 5:23 pm

    This is a good start. The light won’t stop accidents as accidents are accidents and will still occur. Hopefully slowing down the traffic will help when they do occur to minimize the injuries and improve the survival of them. Everyone be safe as we travel in our town.

  2. well on March 11th, 2015 8:44 am

    In the last week I have seen 2 semi’s leave the front of tom thumb going north in the south bound lanes. One crossed into the north bound lane and the other turned back up 97. Also numerous cars doing similar turns in the intersection.
    So what are we really trying to fix?

  3. William on March 11th, 2015 8:18 am

    >>Is there a diagram of how the intersection will look after the red lights and roadwork is completed? I have heard several rumors but I have not seen anything on paper (or on the net)

    NorthEscambia.com published the preliminary plans for the light installation and roadway changes. Keep in mind that anything involving Crabtree Church Road, and possibly the Tom Thumb, is a separate upcoming project.

    http://www.northescambia.com/2014/08/state-completes-plans-for-hwy-29-hwy-97-traffic-light-construction-soon

  4. bama54 on March 11th, 2015 8:04 am

    Is there a diagram of how the intersection will look after the red lights and roadwork is completed? I have heard several rumors but I have not seen anything on paper (or on the net)

  5. Bama on March 11th, 2015 5:51 am

    It won’t do a bit of good. Its not the intersection its the no good drivers. Untill they learn to pay attention they will still be accidents. Its called stop look. Not rolling through

  6. CW on March 11th, 2015 5:23 am

    It’s the Tom Thumb that’s the problem. Northbound drivers cutting across traffic to get to the store, and people leaving the store heading back north.

  7. Stop along the way on March 10th, 2015 9:34 pm

    Just another stop along the way now

  8. Nick on March 10th, 2015 8:55 pm

    FINALLY!

  9. Tammy on March 10th, 2015 8:35 pm

    This should have been done years ago when Molino Park was built. No where will you go in town and not see a traffic signal at an intersection that close to a school. Its true that a light will not prevent all accidents but it would have to make it better. I have lived two blocks from this intersection for the last almost 20 years. I have seen uncountable accidents that I know could have been prevented with a light. The last one being my 16 year old daughter that was killed there. I’ve seen the accident report and know that if that light was there that day my daughter would be here today. Living this close is a reminder of that everyday. It not being there already makes me sick.

  10. Me on March 10th, 2015 6:07 pm

    Yes finally people with some sense!! I’m tired of people blaming it on the intersection when I’ve made it out the intersection thousand times and haven’t wrecked!! You can travel safely anywhere starting by opening your eyes!

  11. Reality Check on March 10th, 2015 3:28 pm

    Weird, because all the previous accidents at this intersection were not caused by a red light. Not a single one. So, why do you think it will cause accidents? You can’t rely upon people alone, otherwise there would be no need for any traffic signs anywhere. Try not to make silly arguments. It does not do any good to be a naysayer.

  12. dd on March 10th, 2015 10:40 am

    This will cause more accidents, all traffic on 97 should STOP before entering 29,signal lights being red are yellow will not STOP People. Now people will say the other person ran the red light caused the accident, so now who is at fault, with STOP signs we know who is at fault. Drivers is this part of the world try to beet the STOP LIGHTS THIS CAUSES ACCIDENTS.

  13. willis on March 10th, 2015 7:57 am

    @jane
    I hope you don’t believe this will be the end of accidents at this intersection.
    Better yes, but not the end.

  14. jeeperman on March 10th, 2015 6:30 am

    Might get safer travel, but will never get safe travel.
    Safe travel depends on the drivers.

  15. Jane on March 10th, 2015 5:12 am

    I hope this will be completed before there are more injuries or deaths or accidents at this intersection, and I hope they use some common sense when they do it!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News