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FDOT makes changes to dangerous intersection after two teens killed in crash

Posted at 5:55 PM, Sep 28, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-28 18:23:34-04

FDOT is making changes to the intersection of SR-64 and Pope Rd. after a deadly crash earlier this month. Crews plan to close the left turn lane near Pope Road starting on Monday.

“It’ll be fewer vehicles using the intersection so you will only have traffic going one way,” said Burch.

Lakewood Ranch students Chase Coyner and Matthew Powers were in the center lane, making a left turn onto SR-64, when their vehicle was hit by another vehicle earlier this month. Both teens died at the scene.

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“It is important that we do something now in light of the crashes,” said FDOT spokesperson Zach Burch.

Burch said the ultimate plan is to build a roundabout at the intersection to slow traffic down, but the construction for the roundabout is scheduled until 2023.  Burch said the agency periodically adjusts project timelines as need, so the construction of the roundabout could happen sooner.

Some residents living in nearby Greyhawk Landing are hoping for a stoplight instead of a roundabout.  FDOT leaders said the intersection doesn’t meet traffic requirements for a stoplight.