High-tech solution to 301 traffic falls flat

[Dan Hildebran]

One new solution to Starke's persistent 301 traffic jam  fell flat last month because of an old obstacle.  

Tony Falotico, a Florida Department of Transportation traffic operations manager, told Bradford County's Community Traffic Safety Team last month that D.O.T. wa s looking at a high-tech answer to 301 backups.

"We are conceptually looking at the possibility of putting a more sophisticated traffic control system on 301- a closed loop system," he said.  "This would be a computerized system; we're talking about putting cameras where somebody can see what's going on.  It's the type of system that Jacksonville, Miami, and Ft. Lau derdale have."

But Mr. Falotico said the idea came with one significant obstacle.  " The problem is, it needs someone to operate it and monitor it, almost on a daily basis."

The traffic manager said the operator of such a system had to have specialized skills.  "You need somebody who knows how to handle timing, corridors, and who kn ows how to change patterns."

Mr. Falotico added that D.O.T. traffic managers have had difficulty filling similar positions in Gainesville.  "We've got four positions open in Gainesville rig ht now and they can’t find the people.”

And Starke Police Chief Gordon Smith, who is a member of the traffic  safety team, said Starke's recent difficulty in finding personnel for less complex tasks m akes it unlikely the city could staff Mr. Falotico's idea.

"We can't even find a crossing guard," he said.