Item E
Engineering Division
1100 Simonton Street
Key West, FL 33040
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Mayor Dixie M. Spehar, District I
Mayor Pro Tern Charles "Sonny" McCoy, District 3
George Neugent, District 2
David P. Rice, District 4
Murray E. Nelson, District 5
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(305) 294-4641
Apri121,2005
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Ms. Dori Vorce
Project Manager
Florida Department of Transportation
District Six
1000 NW ll1th Ave.
Miami, FL 33172-5800
RE: ITS, US1 Monroe County
Dear Ms. Vorce:
On 4-20-05 the Monroe County Commission discussed concerns associated with the proposed
ITS project being implemented in Monroe County. Some of these concerns stem from the fact
that this is a designlbuild contract and thus far we have not been able to see the plans. However,
the County Commission voiced their concerns over the possible overhead sign structures
associated with the DMS. They felt that these structures do not fit in with the character of the
Keys. One of the strongest attractions and beauty of the Keys is its natural environment. The
County is striving to do everything possible to maintain and enhance the esthetic features of the
Keys and therefore feels that any overhead sign structures would be counterproductive. And
while we feel that monitoring traffic throughout the Keys and conveying timely information to
the motorists is a valuable service, we also recognize that there are some negative features to
consider.
In addition to the unsightly overhead sign structures, we believe that the overhead messages could
result in inadvertent traffic congestion and possible rear end collisions. Therefore, we would
respectively request that FDOT consider eliminating most if not all of the dynamic message sign
structures. Instead, we would ask that FDOT consider using signs on the side of the road with
flashing lights that get activated when urgent traffic conditions warrant it. Then the motorists can
be directed to tune to a certain radio station for the message.
As mentioned above, Monroe County is desirous of improving the scenic vista of all the Keys.
With that said, we would like the Department to review all existing signs on US I and determine if
any can be eliminated. We especially note the nwnerous signs on Big Pine Key within the fenced
area. We are copying this letter to District Secretary John Martinez and Traffic Operations
Engineer Rory Santana so the appropriate personnel can be assigned this task.
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Ms. Dori Vorce
April 21, 2005
Page Two
Thank you very much for your cooperation and assistance in this matter and we would like to
thank the Department for all their hard work and efforts in Monroe County.
Sincerely,
David S. Koppel, P.E.
County Engineer
DSK/jl
ITSUS 1 MonroeCoFDOT. DOC
cc: All County Commissioners
Tom Willi
Secretary John Martinez
Rory Santana