|
Traffic lights can be a major source of frustration for drivers. To name a few: they can cause unnecessary stops, like when thereās no cross-traffic or pedestrian but youāre stuck at a red. The synchronization of the lights can be off, like when youāre driving the speed limit on a stretch of roadway and every traffic light you encounter is red. Or, it can seem that the lights do not consider the differing flows of traffic, causing unnecessary backups.
If only traffic lights could see what is happening around them, talk to one another, and act accordingly, we would improve the flow of traffic and give people back their time while reducing environmental impacts. This is called adaptive signal technology, and itās something that Gregg has been advocating for since he became a county commissioner. It is also what prompted him to work with stakeholders in a successful request for a multimillion dollar appropriation for signalization upgrades on Okeechobee Boulevard. While improved signalization wouldnāt resolve all of our traffic woes, it would help reduce driver frustration. Palm Beach Post transportation writer Chris Persaud took an in-depth look at how traffic lights work in Palm Beach County.
While weāre talking about frustrated driversā¦ at the August 28th comprehensive plan meeting, under his comments, Gregg asked staff to do something to complete long-stalled road projects. Several road projects have been halted for more than a year without any noticeable progress. They include intersections at Military Trail & Gateway Boulevard, and at Hypoluxo & Jog roads.
These intersection improvements are at a standstill due to a contractor not paying its sub-contractors and failing to complete the jobs. County staff has been working through the legal process with the surety company to get the work completed, but this has taken a considerable amount of time and has, so far, not produced tangible results.
Annoyed by the lack of progress, and frustrated with the process, Commissioner Weiss spoke up at the August 28th meeting. The District 2 commissioner asked staff to look into the possibilities of changing the process of how jobs are awarded, to prevent disasters like this from happening again in the future. He also asked staff to look at taking money out of the county reserves to complete the projects without having to wait for the legal process to conclude. Other board members appeared supportive. Staff will report back at a future board meeting, and we will be sure to keep you apprised of what happens.
On Monday, the Port St. Lucie express will make its maiden voyage. The express bus line offers direct services between West Palm Beach and Port Saint Lucie during weekday mornings and evenings. This is to help employees who work in Palm Beach County but live in St Lucie County.
God bless America!
Thanks for being a reader.
| 
