Non-Working Traffic Light at Collier Boulevard Shopping Center Raises Safety Worries

Since 2022, the traffic signal at Collier Boulevard and Pebblebrooke Center has led to 59 accidents. The wrapped-up light, meant to control left turns from the plaza, sits unused while problems mount.

"It's getting busier and busier year by year," said Larry Demski, a resident near the Pebblebrooke Shopping Center, according to WINK News. He spoke up about this issue during a North Naples YMCA meeting.

Without a working signal, cars must either swing right for U-turns or risk cutting across busy traffic streams. Michael French shared a near-miss at the spot. "People don't realize they must turn right and can't turn left. I'm going to just do it anyway, and it's a crisscross, hazardous," French said.

The road falls under private control, not county oversight. Before activating the signal, the shopping center must widen both entry and exit paths to accommodate dual lanes.

These changes would cost $437,000. East Gate Alliance, which owns Pebblebrooke Shopping Center, promised funds for the signal but hasn't sent payment. Attempts to reach the New Jersey firm went unanswered.

"It could probably be changed on short order, I would say, a day or so, and get things rolling," Demski said about the fix. French weighed in, "I would say the expense is worth it. It's a busy area here, and it keeps growing."