City of Winter Haven, FL:
If you’ve traveled through the intersection at Avenue C SE and 3rd Street lately, you’ve probably noticed increased activity—more cars, more pedestrians, and more nearby development. That’s exactly why the City of Winter Haven is implementing a change at this busy intersection to enhance safety and improve overall traffic operations.
What’s Changing?
After a professional evaluation by our traffic engineering consultant, Kimley-Horn, the City is transitioning this intersection from signal control to an all-way stop.
Why the Change?
This recommendation came after careful analysis of:
- Vehicle and pedestrian volumes
- Conflicting traffic movements
- Limited sight distances
- Proximity to schools, churches, and downtown businesses
The goal is simple:
- Slow down traffic through downtown
- Improve pedestrian safety
- Create more predictable driving patterns
Timeline of Changes
- July 7, 2025 – Informational signage were put up at the intersection to notify the public.
- July 21, 2025 – The traffic signals will switch to flashing red in all directions, functioning as an all-way stop. This setup will remain for at least 90 days while City staff observe how traffic adapts.
- October 20, 2025 – The signal heads will be removed, and a plan for removing overhead infrastructure will follow.
Common Questions
- Why not keep the signal? – Traffic engineering guidance (based on MUTCD standards) suggests all-way stops can actually function more safely and efficiently in certain conditions—especially when vehicle volumes are balanced and sightlines are limited.
- Will this slow down traffic? – Actually, yes—and that’s intentional. Slower, more controlled traffic improves pedestrian safety and ensures smoother turns and crossings in busy, mixed-use areas like this.
- How much will it cost? – Initial signage and striping costs are minimal—about $300. Additional expenses will be evaluated later, depending on what’s needed to remove or modify the overhead signal equipment.
- Can I provide feedback during the 90-day trial? – Yes! We encourage residents and businesses to share their experience. Your input helps us evaluate how the new configuration is working.
Looking Ahead
This intersection is a key connector for downtown Winter Haven, and these changes are part of a broader commitment to thoughtful infrastructure planning. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we implement these improvements to create safer, more efficient streets for everyone.
