An update on I-10 bridge, greenway concerns, railroad crossing bumps

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An update on I-10 bridge, greenway concerns, railroad crossing bumps

Q. Frank asks when the I-10 bridge at mile marker 248 be completed? And why does the construction speed limit begin 3 miles from the construction site?

A. This is a major bridge replacement project in Madison County which has had its share of rain and high-water delays. The good news is the current expectation for opening the new bridge for two eastbound lanes is Spring 2025. The other good news is both westbound lanes will be shifted into the median to begin construction replacing the westbound bridge.

All in the name of keeping Florida’s infrastructure safe. During major construction projects such as this we all benefit when exhibiting a little patience. Although we must reduce speed in all construction zones we will continue to have four fully operational lanes of traffic.

As for the responsibility of traffic control which includes construction zone advanced warning/ speed reduction I refer to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control (MUTCD) Part 6, chapter 6A 11: quote; TTC (Temporary Traffic Control) plans and devices shall be the responsibility of the public body official or the owners of (on) site roadways open to public travel having jurisdiction for guiding road users.

That is to say if any of the named responsible parties fail in the attempt to reduce vehicles traveling 80 mph to 60 mph before arriving at a heavy concrete barrier across two full lanes of Interstate Highway the cost of construction could include the ****** of one or more construction workers and or motorists. Indeed, history tells us speeding through work zones includes just such deaths.

Meeting: Miccosukee Greenway supporters unhappy with ‘compromise’ struck by Leon County Commission

Greenway advocates flex power

Q. Ruth is another staunch advocate for keeping Greenway walkers, runners and children separated from vehicles. Trees, canopy roads, greenway parks/ greenway trails are cherished by Tallahassee and Leon County citizens. The Commission under ordinance, comp plan 13.1.4(c) and Florida Statute 14.295 has the authority to protect our precious attributes by re-establishing all the above as a Special Protection Corridor.

At the July Leon County Commission meeting we are told we are confused. Your constituent’s coherent message is this. You that portend to represent us must understand WE are the creators and vigilant stewards of these beautiful parks, canopies and greenways. It is not we who are confused. In 1985 we constituents got together and prevented the FDOT from widening Miccosukee Road, which now ******** the only fully canopied road in Leon County.

People are one with nature, people know the value of greenways and green spaces, for their healthy biochemical reactions and we will keep the greenways we created. We call on our neighbors to contact Leon County Commissioners to demand our experience and expertise be included in all discussions involving publicly owned spaces.

We have a proven record of designing, providing and managing green spaces. We expect our current commission to include and respect the expertise we bring. We will only elect commissioners who do.

A. If ever there was a doubt in the minds of Leon County Commissioners that Citizens here will protect our green-space parks read the uproar created when the State of Florida floated a development proposal for Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County, Florida.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, realizing the idea of monkeying with the people’s greenways was a bad one. He was met with such disdain he quickly and wisely withdrew any support. The citizens of that community and those in St. Augustine over a proposed destruction of a portion of Anastasia State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach.

Citizens’ livid flare-up was so recognized I believe our Governor watched his political future flash before his eyes as a slice of burnt toast. Lesson learned, Leon County Commissioners. We are not going to lay down and let you design a way to allow fast moving motorized vehicles cutting through our Greenways.

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A thin vegetative buffer separates homes in the Canopy at Welaunee development from a trail at the Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway near the northern section of Dempsey Mayo Road and Ardmore Lane.

Dempsey Mayo extension implications

Q. John, education improvement advocate, believes the proposed Dempsey Mayo Extension brings enormous consequences for the residents of Westminster Oaks, children attending WT Moore Elementary School and the Greenway itself is another asking Street Scene for a personal sit down for discussion.

A. You are quite correct, John, with your foresight of dire consequences for all concerned. I will add the unlucky devastated motorists who run over and ***** people on the Greenway. There is nothing I would rather do than visit your group about the plan Leon Commissioners have to intentionally intersect Greenway pedestrian traffic and motor vehicles. I just don’t have the time to schedule so many requests.

Rather, I ask each of your group and others, to write to Street Scene allowing us to communicate the many legitimate concerns and proposals directly to our local body politic via the Tallahassee Democrat-USA Today publication. Street Scene is well respected by our elected and appointed representatives as we bring forward the Citizens’ mighty voice. And vote.

Additional dangers for bike lanes

Q. Keith says thanks for your articles about a Greenway bridge over the new Dempsey Mayo Road extension into Welaunee.

1. How about a wide median, speed bumps and user actuated red light? Other dangerous places for bicyclists:

2. Cars going south on Capital Circle SE turning right merging with Blair Stone Road. The bike lane is on the outside of the merge lane where the bicyclists should not expect a car driver to see them.

3. A short 200-foot section of Maclay Road from the power line bicycle trail and the entrance to the State Park opposite Bobbin Brooke. The road is narrow, busy, and cars drive fast here. A simple dirt path alternative for bicyclists along the shoulder might save a life.

4. How about better signage for crosswalk button switches. At many intersections it isn’t clear which button is for which direction.

A. Keith, number 1. The Dempsey Mayo extension is only one of many proposed roadway intersecting and cutting through the Greenway. The objective is to separate pedestrians from vehicular traffic. 2. The bike lane takes us southbound to a 90 degree right turn onto Blair Stone. Bicyclists, be innovative and careful, choose the safest way to get yourself and your bicycle through this intersection. 3. Good idea, let’s ask our city, county and state bicycle experts to team up for a small worthwhile life saving addition at this location. 4. We ask our traffic engineers to review all pedestrian signal push-button activation signs to ensure no confusion.

Railroad Crossings need repairs

Q. Jeannie reports two known railroad crossings in need of immediate repair. West Tharpe Street at Mission Road and Fred George Road east of Woodbriar Lane. They are both in really bad shape and very bad for your car. The only thing the railroad company did after receiving complaints was put up “Rough Crossing” signs. Well, Duh! They should be repaired.

A. As all levels of government; local and distant Railroad brass are known to read Street Scene. Today we ask our good friend, President and CEO Joseph Hinrichs to kindly bring these two crossings up to CSX high standard. Thank you.

Remember Street Urchins let us know the location of any signals, signs or pavement markings blocked by foliage or debris. Also pavement markings in need of repaint for visibility.

Philip Stuart is a retired Florida State Trooper, Traffic Operations Projects Engineer and Forensics Expert Witness. Write to *****@*****.tld.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat:

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#update #I10 #bridge #greenway #concerns #railroad #crossing #bumps

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