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FDOT making changes to traffic signal at Jacksonville intersection where 8-year-old was killed

Changes are being made to an intersection where an 8-year-old boy was killed and his sister and mother were injured in a crash on Monday.

On Tuesday afternoon, Florida Department of Transportation crews began work on the traffic lights at the intersection of Argyle Forest Boulevard and State Road 23.

Several people complained about the intersection to FDOT after the deadly crash.

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A petition was started Tuesday after 8-year-old Angel Rios was killed in a crash at this intersection. Hundreds of people signed it, and FDOT checked the intersection on Tuesday and decided it needed to make some changes.

Drivers say it's impossible to see cars driving through the light on Argyle Forest Boulevard from the opposite direction.

They want to change the east and westbound lanes to a red light after green arrows to turn left are finished.

FDOT will be changing the traffic signal. Moving forward, drivers on State Road 23 will only be allowed to turn when the traffic light arrow is green. FDOT released the following statement:

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“First and foremost, our condolences to the family involved. The loss of life in the motor vehicle crash which occurred yesterday at the intersection of SR 23 and Argyle Forest Boulevard is a tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Angel Rios.

“We have heard from several citizens today and take their concerns very seriously. FDOT conducted field reviews of the intersections within the involved, active construction limits today, investigating the potential for improved safety. Where changes or improvements are warranted, they will be made.

“Based on today’s assessment of the intersection where the crash occurred yesterday, crews will work tonight to change the traffic signal so that it includes a protected left turn using solid red/green arrows. This safety improvement may cause general delays at the intersection and we ask drivers to exercise patience while the work is being done this evening and after the changed signal pattern takes effect.”

A memorial has been set up near the intersection for Angel and a GoFundMe page has also been set up for the family. As of Tuesday night, his mother was released from the hospital and his 10-year-old sister who was in critical condition is now stable.