Drivers can expect intermittent traffic delays while the Town of Miami Lakes installs safety devices in mid-block crosswalks on Fairway Drive and Montrose Road.
The new crosswalk on Fairway Drive and the existing crossing on Montrose Road will have flashing lights to alert drivers that pedestrians are present.
Work began Jan. 19 and the crosswalks will be built simultaneously, said Carlos Acosta, director of public works.
“The contractor will set up lane closures as needed and drivers may experience traffic delays,” Acosta said in an email.
Construction is scheduled to happen through May, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
Traffic may be directed to one lane at those times, Acosta said.
Officials’ discussions for the improvements began after a woman was severely injured in 2019 in a crash while walking across
Fairway Drive at Bedlington Road.
In 2017, a woman pedestrian was fatally struck by a car at Miami Lakes Drive and Fairway Drive.
The incidents prompted the town council to approve funding for the crosswalk improvements in July 2021.
At that time Mayor Manny Cid called the crosswalks a public safety issue.
“I literally saw a pedestrian dodging traffic and cars,” Cid said then about a visit to Fairway Drive.
Estimated construction costs are $110, 385 for the Fairway Drive location and $81,409 for Montrose Road, the public works department said on Jan. 25.
Both roads are busy with traffic and people exercising, walking dogs and visiting the Cypress Village Shops, Park Centre Shops and Veterans Park.