County Requests Safety Evaluation of FDOT's Beulah Road/9-Mile Road Intersection: FDOT is Studying the Issue

There have been a number of wrecks at the intersection of the state's roads Beulah Road and 9-Mile Road.

The latest one resulted in a fatality.  Numerous Citizens have expressed concern.  And the county is listening.

Last week, we requested FDOT look into this situation for safety's sake via this email, below:

"Escambia County requests the Department conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the signalized intersection of Nine Mile Road (State Road 10 / U.S. 90-A) at Beulah Road (State Road 99).  The Design-Build improvements were complete in February 2022 and drivers routinely request changes to the geometry, pavement markings and traffic signal operations.  The evaluation may need multiple staff with multiple backgrounds; Design, Safety Office, and Traffic Operations. 

 One specific concern that routinely comes up is the obscured view of oncoming thru traffic for the driver turning left on the green permissive phase.  (It appears to be more obscure for the eastbound left turning vehicle.)  Has the Department reviewed the possibility of shifting the EB left turn lane to the north to provide additional sight distance?  If it is not feasible, please examine changing the traffic signal’s left turn treatment from protected/permissive mode to protected only mode.  There have been two major crashes with eastbound left turning drivers failing to yield the right of way and turning in front of a westbound driver in the past few months.  (November 16, 2022 and April 28, 2023).  The latest crash resulted in a fatality.

 FDOT Design Office is currently managing Project 433113-5-52-01, Beulah Road resurfacing from Mobile Highway (SR 10A/U.S. 90) to Issacs Lane.  There may already be an evaluation complete.  If so, can you forward the document?  There may be some short-term recommendations Escambia County maintenance staff can implement.  The Google Earth KMZ file representing 30% plans is attached.

 FDOT provided signalization upgrades during the Design-Build project that can provide valuable data for the evaluation.  The detection camera provides a variety of data including turning movement counts and 24-hour counts. I am also available to meet to go over some of the citizen suggestions, verify measurements in the field and obtain photos.    

 County Commissioner Bergosh has requested to stay informed on the progress of this request.  I am copying him on this email.  As a courtesy, I am also copying the District Traffic Operations Engineer.

 Appreciate your support."

Wednesday of last week, FDOT acknowledged the issue and confirmed they are having the matter looked into.

Good afternoon Jim,

 

"We have tasked Phillip Kurth, with FTE to study this location.

 Phillip

 Please see Jim’s email below regarding the Task Assignment for this location that I sent you earlier. Please work with Jim Hagon on this assignment.

 Respectfully,

 Tammy Melchi

Traffic Specialist IV

FDOT Traffic Operations Office"

more to come.