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County Scores Well in National Traffic Signal Study
Apr 20, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LEE COUNTY SCORES WELL IN NATIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNAL STUDY FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 20, 2005) - Lee County's Department of Transportation gets high marks in a national assessment of traffic signal operations - scoring well above the national average. TODAY, the National Traffic Signal Report Card was announced in Washington, D.C. Lee County's traffic signal system and maintenance program has been rated with a solid "B" score. The national average was an index score of 62 - a "D-" rating (for more information, including the national media release, visit http://www.ite.org/reportcard/). The score is based on performance in six key areas: Proactive Management The assessment was organized by the National Transportation Operations Coalition, an alliance of national associations, practitioners, and private sector groups including the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), American Public Works Association (APWA), the Intelligent Transportation Society of America and the Institute of Transportation Engineers. The purpose of this assessment was to determine how well the nation supports traffic signals; build a case for more attention and investment; and provide a benchmarking tool for agencies. The 378 participants represented 49 states, 62 counties and 242 cities. "We are pleased with our score but recognize we have to continue to search for ways to improve traffic flow through our signal system," said Harry Campbell, the county's Chief Traffic Engineer. "Our resources and budget are focusing more and more on retiming traffic signals, fine tuning for the daily and seasonal variations, and developing plans for an advanced traffic control system. We are keenly aware that we must maintain the entire traffic signal infrastructure properly if we are to maximize its life span and realize the full benefit of the signal system." The county's traffic signal section ensures county maintained traffic signals and systems, warning flashers, streetlights, aerial signs, permanent counting stations, and the electrical systems for drawbridges and fender lights are properly installed, maintained, and repaired. This work effort also includes the maintenance and operation of the traffic signals and other similar facilities owned by the cities of Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Town of Fort Myers Beach and the Florida Department of Transportation. All work is done in accordance with Federal, State, and local standards and practices. Maintenance and installation is done through inspections, work orders, the Capital Improvement Program, citizen requests, and emergency responses. Inspections are performed on a scheduled and unscheduled basis. |