News

Posted August 13, 2009

NOTE from APTAWEB – At the August 8th APTA meeting Steve Fling, a local resident, discussed the need for new speed limits, speed humps, and crosswalks on Alligator Drive and asked for APTA support to pursue these ideas with the Franklin County Commission. APTA wants to learn more from the community regarding these or other proposals. Please note the aerial photos linked to the article show initial suggestions for the traffic regulations discussed in the article. Speed zones were expanded during discussion at the APTA meeting to include additional hazardous areas.

PROPOSED CHANGES TO ALLIGATOR POINT TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

By John Murphy, APTA President

I’m sure everyone has enjoyed the smooth ride on Alligator Drive since its repaving last winter. Unfortunately, along with the improved road surface there seems to have been an increase in car accidents. At the August meeting of the Alligator Pt Taxpayers Association, several ideas were suggested as possible remedies to this dangerous situation. They include:

  • Reduced speed limits. On Alligator Drive from Highway 98 to the first Pine Street intersection, the posted speed would change from 55 to 45 MPH; from Pine Street to the Bald Pt Road intersection, the speed would drop from 45 to 35 MPH. The remainder of Alligator Drive would remain 35 MPH except for potential trouble spots such as the rock revetment area, the "S" curve, public beach access points, and the marina. In these stretches the speed may need to be reduced to 25 MPH.
  • Install speed humps. These would be limited to high congestion areas such as public beach access points, and areas of limited visibility.
  • Install crosswalks. Beach access points and areas with significant pedestrian activity.

I realize lower speed limits and traffic-calming devices can be a nuisance to motorists, but when weighed against the possible property damage, injury, and even loss of life resulting from an auto accident, I think we’ll all agree that it’s worth the inconvenience.

I encourage everyone to attend APTA’s general membership meeting on Saturday, September 5 at 10:00 am, at the Mission By The Sea church if you have any questions or comments regarding these proposals, or if you have any ideas of your own on how we can further ensure health and safety in our community. You may also contact APTA at aptaweb@apta-fl.org