Signs warn drivers of a new traffic light at the Beira-Mar Norte exit towards the Colombo Salles bridge in Florianopolis. Approximately 90 meters from the signs, there is a safety lane and lighting equipment that directs those crossing the city center to the Walter Lange Marine Park.

Residents and Athletes Rejoice at New Florianopolis Traffic Lights, But Point Out Shortcomings – Photo: Reproduction/NDTV RecordTV

For Odilon Maria Martins the system is approved. Three years ago, a 93-year-old rower was injured trying to cross the avenue.

“I was already in the middle of the track, and the car was racing at high speed. I tried to run, tripped and hit my chin on the floor. If I didn’t run, he [o carro] caught me,” Martins said.

The new traffic light system is activated at the push of a button. It takes exactly two and a half minutes for the vehicle signal to close and turn green for pedestrians and cyclists. However, some people do not have the patience to wait that long and run to the other side, even when the light is still closed to those walking or cycling.

According to Florianopolis Assistant Secretary for Mobility and Urban Planning, Ivan Couto, “When pressing the button, the pedestrian will have to wait two and a half minutes until the traffic light closes and can start the crossing when it appears, signaling.”

The green doll burns for 3 seconds and then turns red. This confuses even those who have barely set foot on the track. “At the crossroads he has no time [o pedestre] run, walking fast is not for him, he can cross at his usual speed. Flashing red signals the pedestrian to complete the crossing, then turns red again,” Couto explained.

The prefecture said it will post a notice of the safe crossing time. The traffic light has a timer. Over time, the lights go out to allow drivers to slow down the vehicle.

Those who visit the Marine Park have been waiting for a solution for several years to guarantee the safety of those who pass through this place.

Federal civil servant Enedino Ribeiro said that “now he can let the kids cross the road here. Rowing starts at 11, 12 years old. So children should cross the road safely.”

Real estate consultant Marcos Rocha often travels on the way to the center. “Here is a place of movement, rapid rotation of cars. So a podium would be perfect here,” he said.

The state government even considered partnering with City Hall to build a walkway under the bridges using a structural span.

“This area belongs to the municipality, the responsibility of the state ends when the path actually ends. The state can be a partner. Who knows, maybe we will have a good partnership, in which the municipality will develop a project, and we will be able to easily complete the path. Even because it is necessary,” said Secretary of State for Infrastructure Thiago Augusto Vieira in an interview with the publication. NDTV in December 2021.

The idea didn’t move forward. On Monday morning, the SIE (State Department of Infrastructure) reported that the area is municipal and the work must be carried out by the mayor’s office, but guarantees the transfer of resources to carry out services.

Florianopolis city hall refused to talk about it. The secretariat of Capital Mobility said they are monitoring the impact of the traffic light on traffic, but have not yet noticed any negative effects.

See the report for more details. General balance of Florianopolis!