Punta Gorda intersection sees multiple crashes as residents await new traffic light

People living and working in downtown Punta Gorda are wondering when the new traffic light will be active at the intersection of US-41 and Retta Esplanade following multiple crashes in the last month.

On Monday, a truck and motorcycle crashed near the Laishley Marina Boat Ramp. Chip Slayton, an employee at nearby River City Grill, captured the aftermath of the crash on camera.

"You can just hang out there for a few hours, and there's going to be an accident," Slayton said. "Eventually, after running over to see what happens at the accidents, I realized I have a drone in my trunk."

Slayton has captured footage of four crashesat the intersection in 27 days. Punta Gorda Police report that at least 16 crashes have occurred there in the past year.

"We drive a whole square around town just to not have to cross over there because of the dangers and people changing lanes on 41," Slayton said.

FDOT officials said the traffic light at the intersection should be completed by the end of summer. They added that the light is part of a larger downtown corridor safety project, which includes adding a roundabout to Carmalita Street and improving pedestrian crosswalks and signals.

Slayton expressed concern about the timeline.

"It's very frustrating," Slayton said. "I worry that somebody is going to lose a life, and then family is going to be thinking the light was sitting there ready to go and not working, and that would be unfortunate."

FDOT also said that once the traffic light is installed, it will flash yellow for two weeks to alert drivers to the new traffic pattern.

Read FDOT's full statement below:

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is installing a new traffic signal at the intersection of U.S. 41 Northbound and Retta Esplanade, with the signal scheduled to become fully operational late this summer. This installation is a key component of Project 441524-1, a comprehensive initiative designed to enhance safety and optimize traffic operations throughout Punta Gorda’s downtown corridor.

This segment of U.S. 41 experiences high volumes of northbound traffic characterized by frequent intersections and left-turn maneuvers. These operational demands, combined with a lane reduction just north of Retta Esplanade, have historically contributed to recurring congestion and documented crash patterns. In response to local safety concerns, the City of Punta Gorda requested that FDOT evaluate this location. A subsequent engineering study confirmed that the intersection meets multiple federal signal warrants outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), justifying the installation.

The new signal is part of a broader, systemic approach to improving the corridor, which includes:

• Carmalita Street Roundabout: This feature acts as a traffic-calming transition, safely guiding motorists from higher-speed arterial travel into the walkable downtown environment. By managing conflict points and reducing vehicle speeds, the roundabout enhances safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists while signaling a clear change in the roadway context.
• Lane Reconfiguration: Simplifying the roadway geometry reduces erratic lane-weaving and minimizes driver workload, allowing motorists to navigate the corridor with greater focus and predictability.
• Targeted Intersection Improvements: Integrating traffic signals and pedestrian enhancements—such as high-visibility crosswalks, raised channelizing islands, and advanced pavement markings—manages traffic flow, deters aggressive maneuvers, and supports safe, accessible connectivity to local businesses and hotels.

Collectively, these integrated improvements work in tandem to transform this downtown segment of U.S. 41 into a safer, more predictable, and more functional corridor for local residents, businesses, and visitors.

Just some additional information regarding a new signal.

When a new traffic signal is installed, it goes through a short start‑up or “burn‑in” period before normal timing patterns begin. This is a standard industry practice to ensure the equipment is functioning properly and to help motorists adjust to the new signal location.

Here’s what typically happens:

1. Flashing Mode (Initial Operation)

• For the first 2 weeks (approx.), the signal is placed in flashing mode.
• Usually, the major roadway flashes yellow, and the minor street flashes red.
• This alerts drivers that a new signal has been installed and helps them get used to the change without an abrupt shift to full stop‑and‑go control.
• It also allows technicians to monitor power, wiring, detection, and communication systems.

2. Transition to Full Operation

• After the flashing period, the signal is switched to full color operation (red‑yellow‑green).
• Early in this phase, the signal may run on temporary timing plans while traffic engineers monitor how traffic operates.
• Adjustments may be made to:

• green time allocation
• pedestrian timing
• detection settings
• coordination with nearby signals

This phased approach ensures the new signal runs safely, reliably, and efficiently as traffic adapts to the new intersection control.