New tunnels south of turnpike not lighted

[PhilR]

We had the misfortune to have our Yamaha stop running the other night on the way to Monarch Grove from the Tracy. The cart literally stopped in a tunnel at McNeil and Bexley. It was dark, and we had to use our cell phone flashlights to alert oncoming carts to our presence as I pushed the cart out of the tunnel, and was changing the blown fuse. It struck me that while the tunnel as well as the paths in the tunnel complex, were not lit, that Tunnels in the north are lit. Does anyone know if this is a new direction in the construction of the. Ew areas, or has the developer just not gotten around to it yet?

[Bogie Shooter]

Hasn’t been that long for lights up north………

[villagetinker]

OP, if the tunnel in question is in a new CDD, I would ask them first, if not that I would contact the developer. I agree I would consider this a serious safety concern.

[Kenswing]

The tunnel under Meggison at Warm Springs didn’t have lighting to begin with either. It does now. Patience.

[Number 10 GI]

The tunnel under Meggison at Warm Springs didn’t have lighting to begin with either. It does now. Patience.

Villagers having patience, please!!!!!!!

[MrChip72]

Some outdoor lighting between the Brownwood Bridge and the Meggison tunnel just North of Richmond would be nice as well.

It's pitch black along that stretch and gets lots of golf cart traffic every night until well after the entertainment at Brownwood has shut down. Definitely a safety concern if there were ever an accident or emergency along that stretch at night.

I'm really not sure who to contact about that.

[charlie1]

The lights in the tunnels were added by the CDD. The CDD's also painted the tunnels white. Probably will happen once the developer turns over control to the CDD that is responsible for the area. (unless the CDD in the area feels it is not important. Remember, the CDD will at some point be elected positions filled by people that live in the CDD)

[fdpaq0580]

OP, if the tunnel in question is in a new CDD, I would ask them first, if not that I would contact the developer. I agree I would consider this a serious safety concern.

Agree! SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. Tunnels should have been built with lights with emergency backup power. Tunnels without working lighting should be closed to night traffic. Golf carts have lights, but if they should go out, ?

[mtdjed]

I don't believe lights were included in any of the tunnels as originally built. But it is apparent that over time responsible persons recognized the need. The need is not one of convenience but one of safety. The tunnels are navigable by golf carts at night but less so by walkers. I believe that tunnels are marginally unsafe any time for walkers. I would rather walk across Morris Boulevard near Sumter Landing rather than walk through the Stillwater / Morris tunnel.

If there was a significant incident causing Injury that incurred in an unlit tunnel, you can bet that a litigation lawyer would seize upon the opportunity. They could use as proof that this was known by the "owners" by evidence of their adding of lights to other tunnels.

I am a supporter of the Villages and I would hope that they recognize their liability and responsibility as they build new tunnels. Do the right thing and Install lights before opening. That would be the smart thing to do and be a good faith signal to all of us residents and newcomers. It would be an inexpensive indication of their care for their customers and supporters.

[denniskathyb]

I love the lights and think they are a great addition. I also love the epoxy paint in the tunnels.

[Wilson02852]

Can tell most people in TV did not come from rural areas.

[Marathon Man]

Agree! SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. Tunnels should have been built with lights with emergency backup power. Tunnels without working lighting should be closed to night traffic. Golf carts have lights, but if they should go out, ?

Why would you continue drive a cart at night after the lights go out? Have you done this?

[kimgarwel12@gmail.com]

I contacted the Infrastructure Dept about this very issue some months ago and they were happy to know which tunnels weren't lighted when lights were there but not on. Definitely a safety issue. They got back to me saying the sensors for those tunnels were not operating correctly and would be fixed immediately. They also told me they were painting ALL tunnels bright white inside to further enhance visibility, starting in the northern villages and working south. I don't imagine they have anyone regularly monitoring the lighting in the tunnels and pretty much depend on Villagers to alert them to lighting problems. I'm also sure painting the inside of the tunnels has taken a back seat to building of new homes, although I was assured that safety is of paramount concern. I think constant reminders to the Infrastructure Dept are a must to get these things accomplished.

[Lottoguy]

The south is experiencing short cuts to save the builder money and make more profit. It is why in many neighborhoods dowm there do NOT have curbs on their streets or the concrete ribbon on the golf cart paths. Eventually the owners in those areas will have to pay large amounts of money in repair costs to the golf cart trails. The concrete ribbon protects the asphalt from spreading in the hot Florida sun.

[jcreason5616]

Y’all might just want to stay in after dark. Serious safety concern? Next thing we will hear is you want caution and warning signs at every turn and blind corner. Perhaps the whole MMP needs to be street lamped! Tunnel lighting with back up generator power! Let’s cover the path so it won’t get wet and slippery. And here I thought we were all adults riding around in low speed golf carts. Just how did we all survive to this point? Silly me.
Everyone was being so kind and respectful which was refreshing, and then someone came along…