Naples moves forward with roundabout plan at Crayton Road and Harbour Drive after deadly crash

NAPLES, Fla. —

City leaders are moving forward with plans to build a roundabout at the intersection of Crayton Road and Harbour Drive, aiming to improve safety after a deadly crash at the location two years ago.

"Just tragic. The driver here apparently did not see him. And they were walking right across here. And, seriously hurt the gentleman, and the lady died," said Bob Piekenbrock, who lives right on the corner where the crash happened.

Piekenbrock, his wife, and a neighbor even built a small garden to honor the woman who died. He said that moment changed how he sees this intersection.

"The one thing that really jumped out at me was no one's ever ran a roundabout, you have to slow down," Piekenbrock said.

What was once a plan for a traffic light is now moving forward as a roundabout. Naples city leaders say the design is meant to slow drivers down. It would also add features like pedestrian crossings and bike access, to hopefully reduce accidents.

But not everyone is convinced. Some neighbors worry about how the roundabout could affect their homes.

"It makes it dangerous to drive into our driveway, going right around the roundabout, and immediately turning in your driveway. People are going to look in the opposite direction when you're doing that, not in the direction that we're at," said Craig Spottswood.

According to a presentation shown by the city, they've heard those concerns, including access, safety, and emergency response, and are moving forward with the project.

Construction is expected to start this summer and take about 10 months.

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