Lee County, Fla. -- A serious crash along Lee Blvd in Lehigh Acres has highlighted an issue residents say is putting their lives at risk.
Olympia Pointe property managers say they have been trying to get a traffic light installed at the intersection leading into their development for years.
"Residents feel like the county doesn't care," said Jane Owen, Board
Thursday a driver identified as Myriam Knight was critically injured leaving the development at the intersection of Olympia Pointe Blvd and Lee Blvd.
Fox 4 news learned, Knight succumbed to her injuries while being treated at Lee Memorial Hospital on Friday.
Residents who live at Olympia Pointe believe violent crashes like the one that led to Knight's death could have been avoided if a traffic signal was installed at the intersection. of Olympia Pointe Blvd and Lee Blvd in Lehigh Acres.
"It's not safe at all and you don't feel safe either doing it," said Ashley Catrucco. "I shouldn't have to feel scared."
Lee County Department of Transportation told Fox 4 news that they currently don't have any plans to add traffic signals at the intersection. However, the agency will be reviewing available crash data and will make changes regarding safety, if needed, after their analysis.
The intersection is sandwiched between two large residential developments; Olympia Pointe and Sherwood.
Residents living in Sherwood say getting in and out of their neighborhood isn't any easier for them.
"One time a car almost hit me," said Yves Lamonge.
She told Fox 4 she often takes a back route into her development to avoid the intersection.
Expecting mother Catrucco says each morning is a hassle.
"For me being pregnant and I have a 7 year old in the back seat trying to get to school in the morning. I'm just so nervous. I mean I'm just scared to be on the road period," said Catrucco.
Fox 4 news asked Lee County DOT for a report of the number of crashes that have occurred at the intersection since January. A spokesperson said the data wasn't readily available but will release the numbers once they have collected all the data.
