Pedestrian killed on Arlington Expressway

[thelakelander]

http://jacksonville.com/arlington/2012-01-04/story/pedestrian-killed-arlington-expressway

An unfortunate event, due to poor urban planning.  Pedestrians either have to walk a mile out of the way and back, in  our extreme climate or risk their lives running across Arlington Expressway to get to the other side of the street.  The site of this accident is in the immediate vicinity of where a pedestrian overpass, funded by the mobility fee, would be installed.

[duvaldude08]

I am not shocked. Even with a fence I have seen so many people dart across arlington express for as long as I could remember. I am Glad there will be eventually be a cross walk for pedestrians.

[Bativac]

It seems like they keep trying to put up barrier after barrier to keep people from crossing - wouldn't it make more sense to just give them a way to cross safely?

[Bridges]

I saw this yesterday.  Drove by right after it had happened.  Victim still on the ground with a sheet.  Tragic.  2 lives ruined. 

Few minutes earlier and it could have been me in the accident.  I drive this way frequently and I'm always on the lookout for people crossing unexpectedly.   But it was dark, and that makes it very hard to see. 

[Jaxson]

It is quite scary to see pedestrians try to navigate the Arlington Expressway as it approaches the Regency area.  I have seen people of all ages making a run for it in a deadly game that reminds me of Frogger.  The speed of traffic is far too fast and people's sense of their own safety is far too inaccurate, thus combining to create a potential for disaster with every passing day.  There indeed is a large gap between safe pedestrian crossings on the expressway that test the patience and energy of those who rely on this route to handle what are supposed to be safe, normal errands.  In my opinion, the fences and landscaping were mere Band-Aids that could not prevent these needless deaths.  A more reliable overpass is past due for the area.

[I-10east]

I agree with everyone concerning this unfortunate incident. Is it me or is that pedestrian bridge on the top post overbuilt? Do we really need a mini-Dames Point Bridge? It seems like an old school '45th & Moncrief' type catwalk would be cheaper.

[Jaxson]

Very true, I-10 east. 

[duvaldude08]

I agree with everyone concerning this unfortunate incident. Is it me or is that pedestrian bridge on the top post overbuilt? Do we really need a mini-Dames Point Bridge? It seems like an old school '45th & Moncrief' type catwalk would be cheaper.

It may just be the rendering. It would actually be nice to have a more up to date pedestrian bridge. The height in the rendering may be exaggerated some. ( I would hope LOL)

[thelakelander]

^Yes, that rendering is just a concept sketch from the Arlington/Beaches Visioning Plan the city did a few years back.  However, when the mobility plan was developed, it was noted that a pedestrian overpass was needed and the community wanted one, so funding for it was included within the mobility plan. 

[Charles Hunter]

How much was put aside in the (now unfunded) mobility plan?  IIRC, the one on Southside at Ivey cost more than $1million - don't know how the distance compares near Townsend.  Even after an overpass is built, you will still have some people who don't want to walk to the new overpass, and will still go through the fence.  And there are lots of pedestrians crossing in between Cesery and University or Cesery and Arlington - less than a half mile and three-quarter mile, respectively.

I know I am always extra wary along the Arlington Xway, especially at night. I don't what the solution is, and an overpass around Townsend could help.

[thelakelander]

I don't have the exact numbers in front of me but I believe around $2 million or so.  To be honest, that area could easily use at least three pedestrian overpasses.  That community is completely divided by the expressway and you're screwed if you don't have a car.  The ultimate solution is to stop planning, designing, and implementing transportation infrastructure improvements from an autocentric standpoint.  If that is done, when the time comes to rebuild the highway/replace the Mathews Bridge, etc., the entire corridor could be properly redesigned.

[JeffreyS]

I have already asked the council how they sleep at night knowing their mobility fee moratorium continues our development stratagem that keeps us ranked high for pedestrian deaths.  I guess their insider GOB buddy's will get to  keep passing the buck on the impact of their developments.  It's Jacksonville please stay inside your vehicle at all times.

[duvaldude08]

Me and a colleague of mine were talking last night about how bad things are in Jacksonville (transportation wise). We were driving down Arlington Expressway shaking our heads. I also mentioned that Arlington Expressway needs atleast three pedestrian bridges.