North Florida Roads

Raised concrete medians are proposed to be built along a busy segment of Jefferson Street (U.S. 221) in Perry to reduce crashes and improve safety, according to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The medians will be built between U.S. 19 and West Madison Street, entrance to Walmart. The medians will allow left turns to Baker Road, West Saxon Street and the entrance to the Save-A-Lot Plaza, however, motorists will not be able to make left turns directly out of the side streets onto Jefferson Street.

Motorists will be able to make a legal u-turn at West Saxon Street if traveling north. Left turns out of Hardees, Baker Road, West Saxon Street, the Save-A-Lot Plaza and Park Street will be eliminated. A left turn lane will be constructed for traffic turning south onto U.S. 19.

The proposal originated out of a safety study done by the FDOT based on the number of vehicle crashes occurring on the corridor. Between 2005 and 2007, there were 32 crashes recorded of which 22 involved left turn or angle crashes. The City of Perry requested the project.

The construction is currently scheduled for the Summer of 2011 and construction plans are currently being put together. Signs were installed at the locations of the medians to solicit comments from motorists who currently use Jefferson Street.

Comments can be sent to FDOT engineers either toll-free 800-749-2967 or via e-mail at gina.busscher@dot.state.fl.us.