JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Drivers who take the Arlington Expressway know just how heavy the traffic can be—on both sides—throughout the day.

Nick Naulty has been commuting along the Arlington Expressway for the past month and is concerned about children crossing the busy road.

Now, he’s determined to spark action to  protect those kids and every driver on this road.

“They’ve been getting out into of the middle of the way then hopping the fence where there is a little opening,” Naulty said. “Then once they make it across the side, they’re battling traffic coming the opposite direction as well.”

Both in the morning and afternoon, Naulty said he sees kids finding ways around the fence installed by the Florida Department of Transportation to prevent these crossings.

“Most recently on Monday I saw a kid trying to cross first, and then he had a group of three that crossed with him,” he said. “He was helping them hold the fence to make it through the other side.”

He’s not just concerned for the children but also for the drivers behind the wheel.

“Then it’s also the risk to other drivers that are breaking and trying to avoid them,” Naulty said. “First thing first is the risk of the children, they’re all young. You know there’s been reports of other people getting hit on this road as well.”

In fact, according to police, Oct. 8 2024, a pedestrian died after being hit by two cars on the expressway.

The Florida Department of Transportation told First Coast News: “The fencing was installed on the Arlington Expressway to deter pedestrians from crossing the roadway. FDOT’s asset maintenance contractor is responsible for monitoring this area. When a breach is discovered the AM contractor makes the repairs.”

However, Naulty believes more needs to be done.

“I also think the fencing should be reexamined,” he said. “Things deteriorate all the time. I mean this road is like an ocean dividing both sides, people risk their lives trying to get across it seems.”

He also urges parents to talk to their children about the dangers. “I think parents in the area should be advised of where their kids are going. it’s okay to ask them and alert them of the risk of crossing this road. It’s dangerous.”

First Coast News reached out to city council members today about these safety concerns pertaining to children crossing the expressway.

Councilmember Ken Amaro sent us a statement saying: “I would discourage anyone, especially children, attempting to cross this busy roadway to don’t do it. You are putting yourself in extreme danger. The fence line is there for just that purpose, to prevent anyone from trying to cross the Arlington Expressway on foot. Please use the safe intersections. The shortcut is not worth your life.“