Lee County getting traffic signal at Century Road and U.S. 19

LEESBURG — Lee County is getting a traffic light at U.S. 19 and Century Road, an intersection that has been the site of several deaths and dozens of traffic accidents over the past decade.

The decision to place a traffic signal at the intersection culminates an effort that stretches back to at least 2006. The intersection sits near the crest of a hill which makes it difficult to see oncoming traffic on U.S. 19. At least two deaths occurred when pedestrians were attempting to cross U.S. 19 on foot. Other fatalities have occurred when motorists attempted to cross U.S. 19 on Century Road.

“The good news is we’re getting a traffic control light at U.S. 19 and Century Road,” said Lee County Commission Chairman Rick Muggridge during Tuesday night’s commission work session. “We need to thank our legislators, past and present, for that.”

What’s unknown is when the traffic signal will be installed, Muggridge said. “I’ve been informed that the signal has been approved, I just don’t know when,” he said.

Currently, there is a flashing yellow light at the intersection.

Once the light on U.S. 19 is installed, Muggridge said the most pressing need for a light in Lee County will be on U.S. Highway 82 at Hickory Grove.

“You’ll have Forrester Parkway phase one on the other side,” Muggridge said. “I think once that happens we’ll get a traffic light there…Check that intersection at 8 in the morning and you’ll see traffic all backed up.”

Meantime, Bobby Watkins, Lee’s Public Safety Director, told commissioners his department is struggling with mechanical problems involving its fleet of ambulances.

“We have an issue with our ambulances now,” Watkins said. “We have eight ambulances, including five front line units and three spares…Now, we’re down three front line ambulances. We pray we don’t have another one go down. If so, we’ll have to look at some options.”

County Manager Ron Rabun said repairs are being made as quickly as possible, but the turnaround time on the repairs is an issue. “We can’t continue to operate with three ambulances down,” he said.

“This might be a good time to get together and talk about the trucks (ambulances) and a new station on the north side of the country…It might be better to lease vehicles and keep newer vehicles,” said Commissioner Billy Mathis.

Rabun said the leasing possibility is already being considered.

Commissioners also had an opportunity to meet Jim Weaver, who has been hired as Lee’s first fire training officer. Weaver said he has 15 “dedicated volunteers” who are undergoing training weekly to become volunteer firefighters. Commissioners believe the establishment of a strong volunteer fire unit is a critical element to improving fire services in the county.