The families of three teenagers hit crossing six lanes of traffic on Hillsborough Avenue made emotional pleas to the Florida Department of Transportation during a press conference Monday.

They want a new traffic signal and crosswalk in the area where Norma Valasquez-Cabrera and her sister were hit. Last week nearby, another high school student was hit crossing the street.

Norma Valasquez-Cabrera's sister stood by her mother and friends, asking for a new signal.

"You see all those lights and signals downtown, and we can't get one here?" screamed a friend of the family.

FDOT spent the last three weeks studying that question. The answer isn't a simple one.

FDOT says the study shows the agency can justify adding a signal because of the high volume of pedestrians. But part of the land where the signal will go belongs to an apartment complex. FDOT cannot build on it without authorization.

The nearest crosswalk though, is only a tenth of a mile away. Residents at the complex say it's a pain to walk that distance. Instead, they take their chances crossing six lanes of traffic. Many cross right next to a roadside memorial for Vasquez-Cabrera, who was killed less than one month ago.

FDOT has tried several times to launch education campaigns in local schools to teach kids to cross the street using crosswalks. But Councilman Frank Reddick argues it's not all about personal responsibility.

"You can pass out t-shirts, you can pass out education brochures, but people are still going to do it. If you can save a life by putting measures in place, we should do it," Reddick said.

Several community members at the press conference told Bay News 9 they believe their pleas are ignored because of the area where they live.

"Let me ask you a question, do you think this would happen in South Tampa, or another prominent community?" asked one man.

FDOT has studied the area before after another Middleton High School student died in 2011 crossing outside of a crosswalk. The agency placed flashing pedestrian signs to warn drivers.

FDOT will meet with city and state leaders Tuesday to announce the findings of the study on the intersection near Middleton High school on Hillsborough Avenue.

Possible options include the apartment complex donating the land. Even if that happens, the signal would not be erected for another year. FDOT says that is the standard amount of time for a new signal.