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Safety Studied By Plant High

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK

jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com

Published: December 24, 2008

PALMA CEIA - Slow down, look both ways and cross roads at designated crosswalks, says a pedestrian road safety audit of the area surrounding Plant High School.

Commissioned by Hillsborough County school and government agencies, the city of Tampa and the Florida Department of Transportation, the study was a response to two students who were hit in separate accidents - one in March 2006 and another in August - as they tried to cross South Dale Mabry Highway.

School and government officials hoped the study would offer ways to make students safer.

"The number one issue is education of parents and students on campus," said Irvin Lee, director of Tampa's public works department at a city council meeting Dec. 4. "We need to have the administration educate students as to the dangers that exist. That's our number one recommendation."

Hillsborough commissioners received a copy of the report last week.

The study focused on roads surrounding the campus at 2415 South Himes Ave. It includes an assessment of the intersection of South Dale Mabry and West San Carlos Street, which is at the main entrance to the school's parking, where there is a traffic signal and pedestrian crosswalk.

Suggestions to improve pedestrian safety include installing more paved sidewalks, reducing foliage and enhancing pavement markings.

Studies show the average speed was 38 mph on South Dale Mabry in front of the campus, which is below the posted speed limit of 40 mph, Lee said.

City leaders, at Councilman John Dingfelder's suggestion, decided to ask state transportation officials to consider reducing the posted speed limit on South Dale Mabry and adding other traffic safety measures near the school.

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 259-7661.

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