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At long last, the Vanderbilt Drive bridges can safely be opened to automobile traffic! I know how frustrating this project has been to North Naples residents, and I know I speak for county staff when I thank each of you for your (mostly ) cheerful patience during the construction process and those aggravating detours.
We are all so happy that the construction was able to be completed nearly 2 full months ahead of schedule and within budget, despite the setbacks from Hurricane Irma. We look forward to seeing lots of area residents enjoying the new paths, pedestrian bridges, wider shoulders, and most importantly, strong, safe bridges!
You will continue to see workers along the route finishing details, and the bridge will need to be closed for periods - at night - to complete some remaining work. So keep an eye out for updates -- we'll be sure to let you know when that will be happening. In the meantime, enjoy your new bridges!
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As you might imagine, traffic planning, road construction, and the traffic it can cause, has been a frequent topic in your recent calls and emails to the District 2 office, so I thought I'd devote the rest of the newsletter to this subject. Read on to learn more about innovations in traffic design, and how you can weigh in on road network planning for Collier's future.
Andy
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Ever heard of a ‘Diverging Diamond’ intersection? How about a ‘Continuous Flow’? While America's first Continuous Flow intersection opened in 1994 in New York, these unconventional intersections have swept across the US in this century, with nearly 70 spread across 22 states just since 2009. Sarasota just opened the first diverging diamond (DDI) in Florida, which also happens to be the largest one in the country.
What makes these intersections so unique? An allergy to left turns across traffic. These aren't just dangerous, they're inefficient. In busy intersections, through traffic loses valuable green-light time to those left turn arrows. Studies from the Federal Highway Administration and state highway agencies show that DDIs and CFIs have lots of other advantages as well, including many fewer accidents, significantly lower construction costs and shorter construction time -- making the intersection available to motorists sooner with few construction-related interruptions. DDIs minimize environmental and right-of-way impacts and are less disruptive to surrounding businesses. For drivers, these intersections save gas and reduce fumes from idling cars.
So what's the down side? Most concerns we’ve heard at the District 2 office involve driver discomfort with the nontraditional intersection. But when a CFI was studied in NY they found that “about 80 percent of the first-time users of the intersection expressed positive comments about the design.” In addition, “after about a week of use, 100 percent of the daily drivers sampled expressed positive comments about the design.” The study concluded that “the intersection is easily negotiated by drivers who are initially unfamiliar with the design and that after a short learning period, nearly all drivers are familiar and comfortable with the intersection.”
Solving our traffic woes within our existing resources is a challenge. I applaud staff for seeking innovative possibilities for easing traffic congestion and saving you money while doing it.
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I *know* District 2 residents have opinions about the future of Collier's roads. Now is your opportunity to share them in a forum where they can make a difference. The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO - the entity responsible for establishing and guiding a county-wide vision for our transportation plan) is preparing to amend the Long Range Transit Plan (LRTP - a multi-modal long-term plan that incorporates the transportation needs of bicycle/pedestrian, freight, bus, and vehicular travel).
The intention in the 2040 LRTP is to assist the citizens, businesses, and elected officials of Collier County in cultivating their transportation vision for the County through the next 20 years. The MPO is seeking your input to help identify, review and comment on the transportation needs:
MPO Public Meeting
Thursday, March 15
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Peace Lutheran Church
9850 Immokalee Road Naples, FL 34120
This meeting will give you the chance to learn more about the 2040 LRTP amendment currently underway. The proposed amendment is intended to reallocate growth in the eastern part of the county and to identify potential changes to the adopted Needs Cost Feasible Plans. What are the Needs Cost Feasible Plans? They are items, among all potential projects in the LRTP, which are both needed and have funding identified. This workshop will provide you an opportunity to provide comments related to the amendment.
Members of the LRTP team will be available at various display stations to answer questions and talk one-on-one with attendees. Can't make the workshop? You can view the current LRTP HERE, and send your comments to colliermpo@colliercountyfl.gov.
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