Community Corner

Technology Expected to Make Drive to Beach Smoother

It's not going to stop traffic jams during spring break, but cameras, sensors and computers are expected to make the ride from Tampa Bay to the Gulf of Mexico much easier.

Let’s just get it out of the way right now, beach traffic is bad. There's not much to alleviate those spring break or summer traffic jams.

Not even the most advanced technology.

“It’s not going to help spring break,” said Paul Bertels, the city’s director of traffic. “Nothing’s going to help spring break.”

However, Bertels, said the last piece of a traffic management system being installed along State Road 60 from Damascus Avenue to Island Way is expected to help make the ride smoother to the beach during most any other time.

The Intelligent Transportation System uses a series of cameras, sensors and computers to predict and adjust green and red light timing to traffic flow.

The system also includes adding digital message board signs to let drivers know of delays, alerts and evacuation information.

The displays will be installed along eastbound Gulf to Bay Boulevard at Island Estates and Glen Oaks Park. A sign for westbound traffic will be at the Courtney Campbell Parkway.

The message boards are similar to ones already in use along Gulf to Bay Boulevard near Crest Lake Park.

The traffic management system also will add nine cameras to its network. The cameras will only be used to monitor traffic. It is illegal to use the system for traffic enforcement under state law. They work in real time, and do not record, Bertels said.

The first phase of the system was installed near Hillcrest Avenue around 2005, Bertels said.

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