Now that the Clearwater Christian College has closed its doors, there's a lot less traffic using the signal on State Road 60 at Damascus.
The light is the last of four traffic signals from McMullen Booth Road headed toward Tampa on the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Some commuters believe it's contributing to congestion.
- Drivers question effectiveness of light at State Road 60 at Damascus
- FDOT spokeperson said they've looked into it, but for now keeping the light functioning is safest
- New study will begin in September
- Bay News 9's Real Time Traffic Reporter Chuck Henson takes an in-depth look at transportation issues around the Bay area.
"They tell me they're doing studies," said Dale Tindall of the Florida Department of Transportation. "They have a plan for 2040 that they've got to consider. They won't do anything till school starts - school has started - to do some tests. All I want is people not backed up for three miles - eight miles - trying to get home."
Initially it was suggested to remove the signal at Damascus or to set it to flash mode, allowing through traffic full right-of-way. However, according to FDOT spokesperson Kris Carson, that probably isn't the safest approach.
"Citizens are concerned because if there's side traffic, it'll stop the traffic on State Road 60 to let a pedestrian or side traffic cross," explained Carson. "There's not much side traffic there now, but we're going to keep the signal in so if there is side traffic it can get out safely."
Plus, when a signal is placed in flash mode the pedestrian features are disabled.
The state says it will study the signal timing in the area in the hopes of making some adjustments to better increase the flow of traffic. That study is scheduled for September.