TAMPA, Fla. — People who walk and bike near Bruce B Downs Boulevard and Bearss are calling for change after a child was hit trying to cross the busy intersection Thursday evening.
“It's terrible," said Quin Jackson. "It’s terrible."
Angel Villa Gomez, 9, ran eastbound in the crosswalk across Bruce B Downs Blvd from the center median. Angel Villa Gomez did not have the walk signal and ran out in front of the vehicle, deputies said.
Now, a day later, fellow pedestrians are asking for all drivers, as well as those who walk and bike, to pay better attention.
August McMullen often travels through the busy intersection and said many times she feels unsafe.
"Sometimes I'll have to wait through multiple cycles, just to get through," she said.
ABC Action News went to Hillsborough County Public Works engineers to see what may be done to help make the intersection safer.
Hillsborough County has already widened the road at Bruce B. Downs Boulevard from six lanes to eight lanes. Engineers are hopeful this will help improve traffic flow.
However, this year a sidewalk and Stormwater project is set for the next six to nine months. The project will stretch from Bearss to Fletcher Avenue. The main focus of this will be a pedestrian safety.
Gomez was transported to TGH where he is being treated for non-life threatening injuries. His condition is currently stable, according to deputies.
No charges are expected for the driver, the sheriff's office said.
