Florida Highway Intersection To Get Safety Upgrades After Multiple Wrecks In Fog

February 18, 2019

A dangerous Alabama intersection will get safety upgrades as early as this week help prevent accidents.

As Highway 99 heads north from Bratt and out of Escambia County, FL, into Alabama, the name changes to Florida Highway. Two miles later, Florida Highway terminates with a stop sign at Highway 31.

Three weeks ago, a Century woman was seriously injured when she missed the stop sign in dense fog and crossed Highway 31. Her pickup landed on its side across railroad tracks that are below road level and parallel to Highway 31. It’s one of several wrecks that have occurred when drivers missed the end of the road in thick fog.

“When it is foggy, you can be at the end of the road before you know it,” Escambia County (AL) Commissioner Brandon Smith said. “So far we’ve been very fortunate. One day a vehicle is going to get broadsided by a log truck, or one day it is going to be a car load of kids.”

Weather permitting, county crews will install rumble strips this week on Florida Highway to warn drivers of the upcoming intersection. There’s already a stop ahead sign in place.

“But drivers lose track of where they are on the road. It just has big open fields on both sides, so drivers are at the end before they realize it,” Smith said. “If the changes save just one life, it will be worth it.

Pictured: The Florida Highway intersection with Highway 31, about two miles north of the Alabama-Florida state line, Sunday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

2 Responses to “Florida Highway Intersection To Get Safety Upgrades After Multiple Wrecks In Fog”

  1. Master Mechanic on February 18th, 2019 8:46 pm

    Stop sign across 31 hwy,with Big flashing lights,dual BIG stop signs on L& R sides ,Big Reflective Stop ahead sign with lights & speed bumps.

  2. Jimmie Malone on February 18th, 2019 5:59 pm

    In Georiga they have stop signs outlined with flashing red LED lights this might be a thought to add.