PALM BAY, Fla. – Demands for more red lights at busy intersections are happening as Central Florida’s second largest city continues to grow.
Petitioners have been calling for a light at Babcock Street and Grant Road, and now Palm Bay has responded to demands for a signal at another intersection made more dangerous by growth.
The city said a couple dozen cars have crashed over the last few years at Malabar Road and St. John’s Heritage Parkway. On Friday, a temporary red light was put in place.
The intersection is walking distance from Heritage High School.
Lucy Asher, a parent, said the light will make her drive much smoother.
“The portable light will enable people to flow faster,” she said. “Lots of big vehicles, they’re moving very slowly, so seeing the light there was awesome.”
Asher said she’d like to see a light there all the time.
“I’d like to see it be a permanent solution to the traffic and the chaos that happens with the amount of traffic that’s seen here, absolutely,” she said.
Palm Bay’s public information officer Christina Born sent a statement to News 6 reporter James Sparvero about the plans.
“The city is working on plans for a permanent signal, intersection improvements, and widening of St. John’s Heritage Parkway. The use of temporary signals and markings is designed to improve the flow of traffic in the interim. After permanent signals are installed, the temporary signals can be moved to other intersection locations in the city while permanent signals are designed and permitted,” the statement said.