A new pedestrian access system will be established on BR-116 South in Feira de Santana, Brazil, following local residents' demands for enhanced safety. This decision came after a tragic incident where an elderly woman was killed in a traffic accident on the highway, prompting the community to organize protests seeking better safety measures. A meeting was held on Thursday between community representatives and officials from the Polícia Rodoviária Federal (PRF), the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT), and the Municipal Mobility Department (Semob) to address these concerns.

As a result of this meeting, plans have been approved to install a staircase and ramp that will connect the highway to an existing tunnel near the police station. This initiative is viewed as an immediate response aimed at improving the accessibility of the underpass for pedestrians, thereby decreasing the likelihood of future accidents in this high-traffic area. The importance of this development lies not only in providing a safe passage for pedestrians but also in acknowledging the residents' voices and concerns regarding their safety on the road.

Overall, this decision reflects a proactive approach from both the community and government officials to prioritize pedestrian security, particularly after the recent fatality. It underscores the critical need for infrastructure that protects residents, especially in the wake of tragedies that highlight the dangers pedestrians face in areas not adequately designed for their safety. Subsequent monitoring and community feedback will be essential to ensure that the newly implemented measures effectively enhance safety on BR-116.