The new traffic light is now operational at the intersection of Palm Valley Road and South Roscoe Boulevard at the base of the bridge crossing over the intracoastal waterway.
It has been an initiative that has been talked about and in the works for some time now, with signs posted in both directions along Palm Valley Road warning drivers that a light would soon be coming.
That day is now here, and the light has created a safer option for vehicles turning onto Palm Valley Road from South Roscoe Boulevard, which before the light was a stressful situation, especially for those wanting to turn left across essentially three lanes.
However, it has also created an adjustment to be made for those who drive along the road during peak hours.
Just days after the light began functioning and directing traffic residents noticed that it was creating backups along Palm Valley Road at certain times.
Amy Storm is someone who drives along the route daily, and she noticed it taking her children to school in the morning and while picking them up in the afternoon.
She understands the reasons for the light and the safety aspects involved, but she was also surprised by the traffic and the light’s cycle is something she hopes will be looked at further and tweaked depending on the traffic patterns.
“It took 30 minutes to get to where I needed to go to PVHS, when it would usually take 10 minutes within the 3:40 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. window,” Storm said.
At times when traffic was heavy, it backed up from the light to the roundabout at Palm Valley Road and Mickler Road during certain red-light stanzas, which in turn led to some congestion on the roads emptying into the roundabout during those instances.
According to Storm, the placement of the light so close to the bottom of the bridge is another concern that she has, especially coming from Nocatee because of not being able to see the other side until you clear the top of the bridge.
“I have teenagers that drive, and I know how that bridge is difficult to see over,” Storm said. “Having lived in Sawmill (Lakes), I can’t imagine what it is like getting out of there now.”
Sawmill Lakes is a neighborhood along Palm Valley Road and the nearest neighborhood to the light with an entrance and exit way along the route.
