Two projects are in the works to try to improve pedestrian safety along busy stretches of U.S. Highway 98.
One project will install about 1,000 streetlights along the dark 19-mile stretch between Gulf Breeze and the Okaloosa County line.
The $2.5-million project is set to begin by the end of the month, said Ian Satter, district spokesman for the Florida Department of Transportation.
“People are crossing the road in areas where it’s dark and sometimes in areas where there are no pedestrian features,” he said. “This will enhance the safety of pedestrians, but will also help motorists detect if anybody is the roadway.”
The streetlight project is an added measure officials are taking to try to make the stretch safer for all types of traffic, including pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists, said Rep. Doug Broxson who has been working with the state on the project.
The DOT already has installed some additional traffic lights and turn lanes, he said.
He said that as the area has developed and congestion has increased, there has been an ongoing problem with crashes, injuries and even fatalities.
“It’s a frightening situation for most of our south-end citizens,” said Broxson, R-Midway.
Gulf Power has been contracted to install light-emitting diode, or LED, streetlights. The LED lights will provide the best lighting and will save money, Satter said.
The lights are designed to use 40 to 50 percent less energy and last longer than traditional streetlights, according to a news release from Broxson’s office.
Broxson said he plans to take additional steps to improve safety on the road, including reducing U-turns and adding more acceleration and deceleration lanes.
“That’s just going to take time, but this is a big step and I know our residents are very happy about it,” he said.
The DOT also started a $40,000 project Wednesday to improve pedestrian crossings in Destin.
Crews will replace old, faded signs with new signs, refresh pavement markings and make sure all pedestrian features meet state standards, Satter said.
The DOT hopes to have the project finished before spring break gets in full swing.
DOT is also conducting a pedestrian study along U.S. 98 across Northwest Florida.
Florida ranks among the top states in the number of pedestrian fatalities and pedestrian traffic accidents.
Satter said that could be attributed to the large number of tourists and weather that invites more people to walk and bike.
The study will help the state look for ways to try to prevent future accidents.
“Our No. 1 mission is safety,” he said.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Lauren Sage Reinlie at 850-315-4440 or lreinlie@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @LaurenRnwfdn.