By Katrina Salokar | East Lee County News
Lee County is working on a big new plan to make our roads safer for everyone—drivers, bike riders, and pedestrians. It’s called the Safe Streets for All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, and it’s one of the most important transportation projects our community has ever taken on.
Why the Plan Is Needed
Over the last five years, there were more than 500 fatal crashes and over 2,400 serious injury crashes in Lee County. That means almost nine people die every month on our roads. These aren’t just numbers—they represent friends, neighbors, and family members.
Each crash also comes with a big cost to the community—from emergency response to medical care and property damage. Experts estimate the yearly cost of these crashes is nearly $2 billion.
What the Plan Does
With support from federal funding and the help of local governments, this plan lays out a strategy to make our roads safer through:
- Better road designs – Narrower lanes, more sidewalks, and safer intersections
- Improved lighting – Many crashes happen at night, especially for people walking or biking
- Slower speeds – Lowering speed limits and using roundabouts or stop signs to calm traffic
- Public education – Teaching people about road safety, especially young drivers and families
- Smarter enforcement – Using technology like speed signs or cameras in high-risk areas
The goal is simple but powerful: zero deaths on Lee County roads.
What the Data Shows
Most deadly crashes happen on county and local roads, not highways. Dangerous areas often lack crosswalks or sidewalks—especially on roads with speed limits of 40–45 mph, which are particularly hazardous for pedestrians and cyclists.
A special map called the High Injury Network (HIN) was created to show where most serious crashes happen. These locations will get priority attention.
Listening to the Community
Planners didn’t just look at numbers—they talked to people. Over four major stakeholder meetings and two public events, local leaders, police, health workers, and residents shared stories, ideas, and concerns.
Residents spoke of kids waiting for school buses in unsafe spots, drivers ignoring stop signs, and families losing loved ones to preventable accidents. Community members asked for better lighting, more crosswalks, and safer school zones.
What’s Next for Lee County’s Safe Streets Plan?
- Public Input Opportunities
A public workshop was held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Lakes Regional Library. If you missed it, you can still share your thoughts through an online survey at leempo.com. The virtual room and survey will remain open through the end of 2025. - Finalizing the Safety Action Plan
The Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is finalizing the plan using crash data, public feedback, and expert analysis. Draft versions will be reviewed in upcoming MPO meetings. - Applying for Federal Implementation Grants
Once finalized, Lee County will apply for Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Implementation Grants to fund real-world improvements—like infrastructure upgrades, safety education, and smart traffic enforcement tools. - Monitoring Progress
The MPO has created a crash data dashboard to monitor changes and track whether roads are becoming safer over time.
A Safer Future
Lee County’s future doesn’t have to be shaped by traffic tragedies. With strong community support, smart planning, and bold action, we can build a county where safety is the rule—not the exception.
Every safer road we build is a promise kept to the people who live, work, and travel here every day.
