Clermont seeks study for safer crossings on State Road 50, proposes downtown and Blossom locations

Mayor Warren and public services staff told the City of Clermont council workshop they want a consultant study to evaluate “alternate pedestrian crossings” on State Road 50 at multiple locations near downtown and other high-use corridors.

The presentation asked for a study covering four intersections — East Avenue, Lake Street, Fifth and Eighth — and noted the consultant work would typically include traffic and pedestrian counts, speed and sight-line studies, concept plans and cost estimates. Mayor Warren said the study would let the city rank candidate crossings and use the resulting document to pursue grants.

Council members suggested adding Blossom (Bloxham) and discussed mid-block crossing risks. One council member said Blossom sees heavy pedestrian crossings and fatalities and described past school-district concerns that the physical constraints there limit possible improvements. Staff said the resurfacing timetable and conversations with the Florida Department of Transportation could be coordinated with the study.

The council and staff discussed funding avenues: using the study to pursue federal and state grants, potential Department of Commerce opportunities tied to trails and “string of pearls” bicycle-route planning, and framing the work as remedying the impacts of a state highway bisecting the city. Council members urged the administration to frame requests to state and federal partners as infrastructure that addresses a state-maintained highway and to include trail connections, parks and regional bike-trail networks where appropriate.

No formal funding or contract awards were taken at the workshop; staff said a study would be a next step to generate grant-ready concept plans and costs.