New safety measures are being considered on N. Meridian Rd. after a Chiles High School student was critically injured in a crash over the weekend.
The single car crash happened between Gardner Rd. and Summerbrooke Dr. It’s the same area where two Chiles students were killed last year.
Leon County Commissioner Brian Welch says radar flashing signs are being installed to alert drivers about their speed and call attention to the upcoming curve. Reflective markers and other pavement markings are being added, and an analysis of the area’s speed limit is underway.
Welch says more potential safety improvements are being evaluated.
Commissioner Brian Welch’s Facebook post Tuesday:
Hey neighbors, At our urgent request, new safety measures are being evaluated to further improve the safety of Meridian Road.
The addition of radar flashing signage is underway. The equipment has already been ordered and they will be installed ASAP. These will alert drivers actively of their current speeds and bring immediate attention to the upcoming curve.
Additional paint refreshing, reflective markers, and pavement markings will also be installed. A reanalysis of the speed limit in the area is also underway.
All possible safety mitigation options are being evaluated. Please continue to slow down, use caution, and pay attention on the road.
Thank you.
Welch’s post from earlier this week:
Sadly, we have had another tragic vehicle accident along North Meridian Road involving a student at Chiles High School.
This time, it hits closer, as the student involved was previously one of my own. He is a wonderful young man and my heart hurts for his friends and family. The safety of our NE roads is personal to me.
I know everyone is concerned about this stretch of Meridian, and I can assure you, I am as well. However, I would encourage everyone to focus your energy on praying for this young man and his family as he fights to recover.
I have made traffic safety a strategic priority at Leon County and promise we will look at all available improvements, in addition to the reflectors, and chevron signs already put in place.
Thank you.
