The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has estimated it will cost $972,000 to install a pedestrian crosswalk with a signalized crossing and a refuge island to improve pedestrian safety on Baymeadows Road at the site of a double pedestrian fatality that occurred in May.
FDOT conducted a crosswalk study following the fatal crash that took the lives of Mitchell Patch and his toddler-aged son, who were crossing Baymeadows Road at Goodby’s Executive Drive. The study recommended a crosswalk at the location.
The study revealed that, for five years between Jan. 1, 2020, and May 25, 2025, the area has experienced a total of 12 crashes. Of those crashes, nine were property damage only, two involved injuries, one was fatal and one was correctable.
FDOT has developed a candidate project for the crosswalk installation. The project will require additional right-of-way due to roadway geometry and safety requirements.
Funding for this recommendation depends on the City of Jacksonville prioritizing the project through the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO).
This location is within City Council District 5, represented by Councilman Joe Carlucci, who has pledged to address the safety concerns at this location.
“I am going to remain engaged with FDOT, State Legislators, and the Mayor’s office to make sure the city does everything we can to expedite the process,” said Carlucci. “For now, the main takeaway is that we have taken the first big step in making this area safer for pedestrians. There are more steps to take – but I want to reassure my constituents that these steps will be taken with urgency.”
