Gresham Smith to Design Traffic Signal Upgrades for State Route 212
Gresham Smith has begun work to design new traffic signals at eight intersections along the busy thoroughfare of State Route 212/Beach Boulevard from Linden Avenue to Marion Road in Jacksonville, Fla.
The goal of the project is to replace all traffic signals with newer equipment and improve safety along the corridor for all users including pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users by improving intersection lighting. Services to be performed include completing field reviews to understand needs and constraints, and a cost benefit analysis of various designs. Utilities, right-of-way, signage, ITS equipment, signal equipment costs, disruption of signal operations during construction of new signals, foundation requirements and project life cycle will be considered.
From a safety perspective, the new traffic signals will include CCTV, illuminated street name signs, one signal head with back plate per lane, flashing yellow arrows for left turns, pedestrian signals and upgrade of the fiber optic interconnect. For the elementary school crosswalk, a pedestrian hybrid beacon and an overhead rectangular rapid flash beacon in addition to fully signalizing the intersection are being considered.
After reviewing the last five years of crash data, the project team is evaluating other safety recommendations such as adding turn lanes. The design work is expected to be completed in early 2021 with construction to start in 2022.
“We are excited to be continue our collaboration with the Florida Department of Transportation in north Florida,” said Tyler Strickland, P.E., Florida state transportation leader at Gresham Smith. “Making these improvements will greatly improve safety at these busy intersections near downtown Jacksonville.”
Gresham Smith’s transportation professionals deliver comprehensive management, planning, design, environmental, and construction phase services for highway, transit, aviation and rail facilities throughout the Southeast. The staff of engineers, planners and scientists capitalize on the firm’s diverse blend of markets and disciplines to offer a truly integrated and sustainable approach that considers all perspectives and offers practical, forward-thinking solutions.