A new crosswalk with flashing beacons has been installed on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Fort Myers, just east of Veronica Shoemaker Boulevard, to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists along the busy road.
The system is designed to stop traffic when needed, providing a safe window for crossing. When the button is pressed, the signal flashes yellow before turning red, requiring drivers to stop. Once the crossing is clear, the signal turns off, and traffic resumes.
“It’s great. And you don’t want to get ran over,” said Jeff Denney, a Fort Myers resident.
The Florida Department of Transportation said the system can help prevent crashes in areas where people cross without traffic lights. However, some residents remain concerned about drivers ignoring the signals.
“They have safety in mind, but I think you know what you described to me. I know they’ve tried it in New Jersey. They still use it. But I see people running through there and people in cars driving through the flashing lights, and we’ve had people get hit up there and it’s just... I’m not sure people recognize that flashing light,” said Al Bingeman, another Fort Myers resident.
FDOT had already installed five similar beacons along U.S. 41 in Fort Myers, just north of Winkler Avenue, in 2023. Additional crosswalks are planned for Palm Beach Boulevard and are expected to go live later this year.
For those concerned about delays during their commute, Denney said, “Sometimes they should slow down.”
Drivers are advised to stay alert for flashing lights and pedestrians while traveling on MLK Boulevard and to allow extra time for potential backups.
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