Century Pedestrian Accident Leads To Discussion Of New Library Crosswalk

April 6, 2017

A vehicle versus pedestrian accident March 29 on North Century Boulevard has prompted the Town of Century, and likely Escambia County, to reach out and request a new pedestrian crosswalk from the Florida Department of Transportation.

Michael Terry Gulley was in the roadway near the entrance to the Century Town Hall and the Century Branch Library when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Ashley Marie Taylor. Taylor  told the FHP that Gulley suddenly appeared in front of her vehicle; she was unsure if he was crossing or standing in the roadway. Gulley was transported by ambulance in serious condition to a Sacred Heart Hospital.

Gulley was not cited for the crash, but was at fault for being in the roadway, according to the FHP.  Taylor was cited for not having insurance.

While the library and town hall were closed at the time of the accident, the crash has led to discussion to improve safety for those walking to the locations.

Gulley’s family approached the Century Town Council asking for a pedestrian crosswalk in the area of the town hall and adjacent library for safety reasons. Mayor  Henry Hawkins said he will approach the FDOT to explore a pedestrian crossing.

Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry said he plans to request a from letter from the commission to FDOT supporting a crosswalk to allow pedestrians safer access to the library.

The only marked crosswalk on North Century Boulevard in the town of Century is at the intersection of East Highway 4.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

8 Responses to “Century Pedestrian Accident Leads To Discussion Of New Library Crosswalk”

  1. Being Real on April 6th, 2017 11:26 pm

    https://smartgrowthamerica.org/fdots-new-complete-streets-implementation-plan-will-take-policy-into-practice/

    Highway 29 is an SIS highway through Century. It should meet these guidelines above.

  2. Citizen on April 6th, 2017 7:21 pm

    Walk overs sound great.

    It must be more cost efficient than tax payers buying right of way access along Highway 29 to put in bike lanes and multi use paths or putting in full blown red light intersections and cross walks

    I would support right of way access along Highway 29 and bike lanes and wider sidewalks though.

    A few red light intersections would slow traffic down.

    Either way, yes if you want improvements you have to ask for them.

  3. David Huie Green on April 6th, 2017 1:59 pm

    People in Century cross US 29 all up and down it at all times of day and night.
    Many wear dark clothes and don’t look up from their phones as they wander.
    Michael just happened to be in the road there that time.

    I always made allowances for him as best I could.
    The entire planet can’t be expected to do so.

    David for being real

  4. Retired on April 6th, 2017 12:49 pm

    “Comm. Barry has an add on for a letter of support for a pedestrian walkover for the Town of Century.”
    From Escambia Citizen Watch account of the BOCC meeting this morning.
    Way to go!!

  5. Retired on April 6th, 2017 12:28 pm

    Although I am sorry it had to come to this and hope the people involved will recover. I am becoming very encouraged about a few things in Century.

    I am noting that if some things are brought to the Mayor or some of the town Council’s specific attention, and it is something that can be acted upon they are doing so.

    The fact they reach out to FDOT and Escambia County shows real promise.

  6. Tricia Ewing on April 6th, 2017 12:07 pm

    I like to say Thank you to the Council and Mayor Hawkins for acting upon my request for crosswalks and signs for pedestrians and bicyclists to help motorists be more aware of this heavily trafficked section of our town. Praying that the FDOT will find that crosswalks, signs and or more lighting is needful and grant the request. Also thank you to all of Michael’s well-wishers for your prayers and thoughts. He is in fair spirit and we are continuing to pray for his whole recovery.

  7. Kevin Stead on April 6th, 2017 10:23 am

    I am glad to see that others are on board with the idea of implementing a crosswalk at this location. Many cross in this general location to access the bus stop, the park, places of worship, as well as the library and town hall. It would be nice to see, along with the pedestrian caution signs, some additional lighting installed to enhance the lighting over the crosswalk; maybe even green energy lighting.

  8. Nod on April 6th, 2017 9:10 am

    No insurance? Should not be on highway. Hope Gulley gets ok soon.