The solution may not be the stoplight at Roosevelt Avenue that Chabad of the Space & Treasure Coast had asked for, but the Florida Department of Transportation wants to install a sidewalk on the west side of A1A to improve the dangerous situation that last Nov. 2 resulted in a pedestrian fatality.
The late Dr. Bernie Epstein, 82, was participating in part of Jewish religious tradition of walking to and from Saturday Shabbat services. Crossing the busy A1A roadway put him in harm’s way – and in the path of a car. According to the police report, the driver was not impaired and did not face charges in the accident.
Satellite Beach City Manager Courtney Barker was one of many who emailed the FDOT seeking safety improvements including: installing a traffic light and crosswalk at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and SR A1A; filling in the sidewalk gaps on the west side of SR A1A; and reducing the speed limit on SR A1A from the current 45 mph to 35 mph.
In a Jan. 30 response, FDOT district Traffic Operations Engineer James Stroz explained that the traffic signal was not justified and stated that the intersection, without a light, was found to operate “safely and efficiently.”
“While we understand this is not the answer that you and others in the community were hoping to receive, we are focused in improving pedestrian safety along the SR A1A corridor,’’ he said.
To that end, sidewalks on the west side of SR A1A are being considered for what now is a right turn lane from Roosevelt to Grant Avenue.
FDOT District Five communications manager Steve Olson confirmed the new plan. “Based on preliminary information, it appears the improvement is a workable solution, barring major constructability issues (utility conflicts, drainage, permitting, etc.). The department is working to move this project forward,’’ he said.
The project, to be designed and funded by FDOT, is expected to cost about $186,000, he said. There is no proposed timetable yet but “FDOT is exploring options to see which type of contract could implement this improvement the quickest,’’ he said.
Epstein’s ex-wife, Lois Felder, has taken up the drive for safety improvements near the temple as soon as possible and has not completely given up her quest for the traffic signal at Roosevelt Avenue.
“I am very happy with the DOT right now (concerning the sidewalk plans) but I remain absolutely passionate about the need for the stoplight,’’ she said.
