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The tragic accident on May 16 led to a traffic investigation of the Baymeadows Road and Goodbys Executive Drive area to evaluate the necessity of installing a crosswalk.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Following a fatal incident in May where a man and his 1-year-old son lost their lives, the Florida Department of Transportation now advises the installation of a crosswalk on Baymeadows Road, as stated by Jacksonville councilman Matt Carlucci on Wednesday.
The incident on May 16 triggered a traffic analysis at the Baymeadows Road and Goodbys Executive Drive location to assess the need for a crosswalk, with an on-site review occurring two weeks post-crash.
Neighbors in the area have voiced concerns about the stretch of Baymeadows Road where the crash happened, some describing it as a “race track” at night.
The final FDOT report on the traffic study notes that the nearest pedestrian crosswalk on Baymeadows Road ranges from 1,940 feet to 3,300 feet away from the intersection under review.
“The minimum distance to the nearest alternative crossing location of 300 feet is met,” the report notes.
FDOT data for the intersection shows that from Jan. 1, 2020, to May 25, 2025, there have been a total of 12 crashes – one fatal crash, two with injuries and nine crashes with property damage. Six of the crashes happened during the day and six happened at night.
The report notes that the single deadly pedestrian crash is considered “correctable” by a midblock crosswalk.
FDOT lists the following criteria required for a midblock crosswalk:
- Proximity to significant generators and attractors
- Pedestrian demand
- Local characteristics
The report notes that Wicked Barley, which sits across the street from the intersection in question, is the “primary pedestrian attractor” for the area.
“This location is proximate to pedestrian generators and attractions, meets the location characteristics, and meets the pedestrian volume demand threshold,” the report states. “As such, a midblock crossing is recommended.”
The report states that a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) crosswalk and refuge island are recommended for the area.
“For now, the main takeaway is that we have taken the first big step in making this area safer for pedestrians,” Carlucci, who represents the area, said. “There are more steps to take – but I want to reassure my constituents that these steps will be taken with urgency.”
Carlucci said FDOT engineers are working on design and construction costs for the project. It’s unclear how long it will take for the crosswalk to be installed.
An FDOT spokesperson told First Coast News on Wednesday that the project will require “additional right-of-way due to roadway geometry and safety requirements,” and the funding for the project will depend on the City of Jacksonville prioritizing the project through the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization.
Travis Akers, who knew the family struck at the crosswalk, sent the following to First Coast News:
As I shared in a message from Councilman Joe Carlucci last week, FDOT is finally taking action that will hopefully prevent the loss of innocent life again.
Mitchell and Everett should be here right now, but years of concerns and complaints from local residents fell on deaf ears with our local leaders.
I am thankful for those who joined me in starting this effort. We are not finished yet, but the heavy lifting is nearly complete.
My prayer is that another family never has to experience what we did on May 16th. God rest their souls and bless our dear friend Mary as she continues to rebuild her life.
