State Road 951 in Collier experiencing construction boom
State Road 951 in Collier experiencing construction boom
The day is coming soon when some of Collier County’s most dangerous intersections will have blue light technology that will hopefully help reduce an aspect of Southwest Florida traffic that is unlawful and dangerous: running a red light.
How soon the blue lights will be operational is the big question, especially as we are experiencing the peak of tourist and snowbird season.
What is Collier County’s blue light plan for intersections?
Last year, a crash in September claimed the life of a 47-year-old woman and injured two middle-schoolers, sending them to the hospital. A semi-truck ran a red light at the intersection of Immokalee Road and Logan Boulevard. As a result of that crash, the Collier County Commission brainstormed ways to increase law enforcement efforts to crack down on red light runners.
The Commission considered several alternatives and even contemplated bringing back red light cameras. It was decided that by using blue lights at major intersections, the county would be able to double its law enforcement capabilities to stop the dangerous and unlawful practice of running red lights.
At the Nov. 12, 2024 commission meeting, the Board approved $160,000 to install red-light indicators (blue lights) at 20 ‘dangerous’ intersections chosen from based on data and in coordination with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.Â
Blue light vs. Red light camera: What’s the difference?
Red light cameras photograph vehicles that enter an intersection when the light is red.
With a blue light intersection, law enforcement is directed to specific locations where data shows a high probability for incidents. Officers visually observe the intersection. When the blue light is activated, an officer can stop individuals and the officer will either give a warning or issue a citation.
The big difference compared to monitor intersections before blue lights are installed: one deputy can monitor the intersection where before it took multiple deputies to monitor one intersection.
When will Collier County’s blue lights be operational?
According to Collier County spokesperson Connie Deane:
“I have checked with our Transportation Engineering Division staff and have been advised that a contractor has been hired and they have ordered the materials needed. Once the materials are delivered then installation work may begin. That may be as early as this spring.”
What is the penalty for running a red light?
In Collier County, if you are issued a ticket for running a red light, it will cost you $261, according to the Collier County Clerk of Court website.
In Lee County it will cost you $259.
What Collier County intersections will have blue lights?
These are 20 intersections and approaches where the blue lights will be installed:
- Golden Gate Pkwy / Santa Barbara Blvd
- Vanderbilt Beach Rd / Livingston Rd
- Immokalee Rd / Collier Blvd
- Vanderbilt Beach Rd / Collier Blvd
- Immokalee Rd / Livingston Rd
- Golden Gate Pkwy / Livingston Rd
- Pine Ridge Rd / Livingston Rd
- Immokalee Rd / US 41 (State Road)
- Pine Ridge Rd / Collier Blvd
- Pine Ridge Rd / Airport Pulling Rd
- Davis Blvd / Collier Blvd (State Road)
- Immokalee Rd / Juliet Blvd
- Collier Blvd / Golden Gate Blvd
- Rattlesnake Hammock Rd / US 41 (State Road)
- Davis Blvd / Santa Barbara Blvd (State Road)
- Davis Blvd / Airport Pulling Rd (State Road)
- Pine Ridge Rd / Goodlette-Frank Rd
- Golden Gate Blvd / Wilson Blvd
- Vanderbilt Beach Rd / Airport Pulling Rd
- Immokalee Rd / Logan Blvd
Poll: Policing SWFL’s red light runners
What are your thoughts on red light runners in Southwest Florida and the best ways to reduce the number of drivers who are running red lights? Will the blue lights Collier County is going to install at 20 intersections work? Should red light cameras be brought back?
Share you opinion here:
SWFL traffic crisis: What’s on your mind?
Your emails are pouring into my inbox and I love it. Keep them coming. Remember, it’s OK to vent and tell me what is driving you crazy when it comes to our traffic crisis. Of course, your observations and ideas for helping to solve the crisis are always welcome!
Email anytime to mbickel@gannett.com.
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