SANFORD, Fla. – If you’ve ever sat in traffic on Interstate 4 during rush hour in Seminole County, maybe you’ve seen how some drivers take the exit ramp down to State Road 46 and then illegally cross the road to get back onto I-4 eastbound.
Sanford police say they’ve seen it happen so many times and have heard the community’s complaints. Now, they’re taking action to get results.
Our News 6 crew met with police at that location on Wednesday to talk about the problem, and the solutions.
“Instead of turning left, what they’re doing is they are going straight ahead, crossing S.R. 46 and getting back onto I-4,” said Michael Hernandez with Sanford police.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
During rush hour, the left turn lane can back up with drivers who are waiting at the light to cross S.R. 46 instead of legally turning left. It can result in drivers who need to make a left turn sitting in more traffic for multiple light cycles.
“We’ve got a couple emails, but also just local Facebook pages. The community talks,” Hernandez said. “We’ve heard complaints and that’s why we are out here. We want to make sure the community feels heard and they know that we are out there working for them.”
Sanford Police shared videos with News 6 that show drivers breaking the law in this location in June and July. Since then, they’ve stepped up enforcement at the S.R. 46 exit and partnered with FDOT to make other changes.
There is now a new sign that clearly marks the left lane as left turn only. There are also markings on the pavement indicating the lane is only for left turns. The median has been extended as well, making it more difficult for drivers to cross S.R. 46 and get back on I-4.
(STORY CONTINUES BELOW)
Hernandez says drivers can also expect to see a presence from Sanford police in the area.
“Even though the median is there, people that are intentionally trying to avoid I-4 traffic may try to cut across,” Hernandez said. “We have to maintain a safe area for other drivers.”
If you’re caught illegally crossing the road, you can be cited and forced to pay a $166 fine.
“It’s not worth it,” Hernandez said. “Not only the fine, but also a possible crash.”
Sanford police hope to avoid any issues by encouraging drivers to follow the law.
“Everyone’s trying to get home, we get it, but also, people are upset about being in traffic,” Hernandez said. “We don’t want to see a road rage incident occur because people are breaking the law and upsetting other drivers.”
Sanford police posted about their efforts to get results for drivers as part of their “Traffic Tuesday” series on social media. They say they hope it shows what can happen when the community voices a concern and they can work to find solutions.
Is there an area in your neighborhood where you’ve seen a traffic issue? Let us know too! Submit a tip to our News 6 Team HERE.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: