The intersection of Timberlane Drive at Alexander Street, part of the Walden Lake entrance, has been criticized for its traffic problems.
Two options for creating better traffic flow were presented at the May 26 meeting after both sides of the intersection were studied at peak traffic hours. The first option, presented to the commissioners as Option A, would include re-striping one part of the intersection, in addition to adding one left turn lane.
The second option, presented as Option B, would include the new left turn lane in addition to adding a separate right lane. Resurfacing and re-striping the intersections would also be done to create better traffic flow.
Although Option A was cheaper, both the eastbound left lanes and eastbound right lanes saw more improvement with Option B. The board approved Option B with a vote of 5-0.
“If you look at the traffic counts, by having those lanes changed to through and turn combined…I believe that will greatly lower the commute time,” Mayor Rick Lott said.
It is expected that the modifications to the intersection will take approximately 90 days, from August to November of this year. The cost of these improvements is expected to be $175,000.
FIRE RESCUE EARNS AWARD
Plant City Fire Rescue was presented with an award from Kathy Fenelon, regional vice president of the American Heart Association. It was recognized for being one of the best in the nation for its ability to recognize STEMI, the deadliest form of a heart attack.
Plant City Fire Rescue was also recognized for having the proper equipment in their vehicles and the proper staff to identify such an attack.
“It is the speed and expertise that this group has shown that has really earned them this recognition,” Fenelon said.
The award was presented to Chief Dan Azzariti before the board of commissioners.
“We’re appreciative to have our fire rescue department be recognized as one of the finest in the nation,” Lott said of the award. “We’re very proud of the men and women that serve in that department.”
In Other News
Don Walden, who served on the advisory board of the Metropolitan Planning Organization for over 10 years, was thanked at the meeting yesterday for his service. The Metropolitan Planning Organization is responsible for all transportation in Hillsborough County.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com