A Citywide Procedure for Traffic Flow Mitigation was implemented in 2014 to ensure the maximization of traffic flow along major thoroughfares, especially during rush hours Monday through Friday. As per the procedure, rush hours are defined as 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. No lane closures are permitted during these hours with the exception of emergency projects of an engineering nature. The classification of major thoroughfare shall be exclusive to the following roadways (see Attachment):

•       Alton Road

•       5th Street

•       West Avenue

•       16th Street

•       Collins Avenue

•       17th Street

•       Indian Creek Drive

•       Dade Boulevard

•       Pine Tree Drive/La Gorce Drive

•       41st Street

•       Abbott Avenue/Harding Avenue

•       71st Street

•       Washington Avenue

            •       63rd Street

Lane closures are typically required for work in the public right-of-way, crane installations, or private work affecting public spaces.

Since the implementation of this new procedure, City staff has reviewed traffic conditions and traffic demand along major thoroughfares with the intent of measuring the effectiveness of the time restrictions. Based on the traffic patterns and traffic demand in the City, at the May 13, 2016 Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee (NCAC) meeting, staff recommended adjustments to the rush hour times to reduce conflicts with commuter traffic. Staff recommended that the current rush hour period be extended from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

In reviewing the City’s current right-of-way permit policy, staff identified other potential odifications to the existing ordinance that may be warranted, including developing a more aggressive fee schedule for lane closure permits and crane installation permits for construction work blocking travel lanes along major thoroughfares during the allowable (non-rush hour) time periods. At the May 13 NCAC meeting, the Committee endorsed the concept of implementing an increased fee schedule for these types of right-of-way permits.

 If the NCAC recommendation is accepted by the City Commission, the Administration will immediately commence the process of amending the existing ordinance codifying the recommended times for permitted closures in the rights-of-way; and subsequently bring a separate item to the City Commission amending the existing ordinance to include a more aggressive fee schedule for lane closure permits and crane installation permits along major thoroughfares.