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Should toll roads be used to combat congestion here in the Bay area?  Post your thoughts now!

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Several of you wrote wanting to know more information about the McMullen Booth Railroad Construction.  Thanks Mahshid Arasteh, Director of the Pinellas County Public Works, for the additional information. 

Most of the work occurring in the first phase of construction (which will shut down McMullen Booth Road) is operated by CSXT.  Over the initial three weeks of the project, the old railbeds and rails will be removed and replaced.  Two temporary lanes will be constructed by the County contractor, who will be working around the clock to “fast-track” this phase as much as possible.

CSXT has informed Pinellas County officials that the rail has to be replaced in one piece so partial closure of the roadway was not an option.  Also, the rail bed has to be compacted by rail cars passing over the rails.  Pinellas County has hired a “work train” so that crews do not have to wait for the normal train activity which would have added more time to the closure.

This repair was scheduled for 2002 but was delayed to allow time for the construction work on the US-19 overpasses.  Officials further note that at this time, the rails are loose from wear and tear and the work can not be postponed any longer.

Safe travels.
Alicia

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Fox 13’s Chris Field, Marti Ryan, Alicia Roberts

Video: Foster Mom Monday

Special thanks to Marti Ryan and everyone from the Hillsborough County Animal Services on Falkenburg Road for welcoming me yesterday to Foster Mom Monday.  Lots of really sweet animals need a loving home and some TLC for a few weeks until they are old enough to be permanently adopted.  If you are interested in fostering a special kitten or puppy, call HCAS at 813.744.5660.  And if you need a little more convincing about adoption, check out the above video ... 5 of the 8 puppies in this litter need a home.  So darling! 

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Get your hard hats ready to go… CSX construction crews have already begun preliminary preparations for their railroad road repairs along McMullen Booth Rd.  The bad news is that officials will be CLOSING McMullen Booth Road in both directions between SR-580 and Drew Street beginning Friday evening, May 25th, for approximately 2-3 weeks. Southbound traffic is recommended to use SR-580 to US-19 as a detour.  Northbound traffic should follow Drew Street to US-19.  As you well know, this is going to cause major delays in the area, so officials warn to leave extra time to get around.  For more information you can call the Pinellas County Public Works Department at (727) 453 - 3320. Calls made to the Information line will be returned by a Pinellas County Construction Representative during regular business hours. 

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TGIF… and Happy Mother’s Day.  I hope every Mom gets a chance to RELAX this weekend!  And if you are heading out this Mother’s Day weekend, here are several construction reminders.  Some carry through to next week as well.  Thanks to John McShaffrey, Public Information Officer from FDOT, for the updates. 

Interstate 4 through Ybor City
Two lanes will be closed east and westbound along I-4 between I-275 and 50th Street from 11:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights, May 13-17.

Columbus Drive/50th Street ramp to westbound I-4 closed Sunday night
The entrance ramp to westbound I-4 from Columbus Drive/50th Street will be closed between 11:30 p.m. Sunday, May 13, and 5:30 a.m. Monday, May 14.  Motorists should use the MLK or 21st Street entrance ramps to access westbound I-4.

Daytime lane restrictions on westbound I-4 Exit 3 to 50th Street
There will be lane shifts and one lane closed on the westbound I-4 exit ramp to 50th Street between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, May 14-18.

Daytime lane closures on 21st/22nd streets at I-4
One lane may be closed on both 21st Street and 22nd Street in the I-4 area between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, May 14-17.

Traffic impacts on 14th and 15th streets under I-4
Watch for local detours in place along 14th and 15th Streets between Palm and 14th Avenues for ongoing construction work.  No note at this point as to when this construction will be completed.

26th Street closed under I-4
26th Street remains closed under I-4 between Columbus Drive and the south side of I-4 until further notice. 

Tuesday night lane closure on 34th Street at I-4
One of two lanes will be closed on northbound 34th Street from Columbus Drive to 13th Avenue between 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, and 6 a.m. Wednesday, May 16, for paving work.

Lanes closures on 40th Street under I-4
One lane will be closed on southbound 40th Street under I-4 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, May 14-18.  On Sunday and Monday nights, May 13 and 14 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., all traffic will be shifted to the east side, allowing one lane for each direction.

Night lane closures on I-75 between SR 60 and I-4
In Brandon, one to two lanes of three lanes will be closed on northbound and southbound I-75 between State Road 60 and I-4 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights, May 13-17.

MLK ramp to southbound I-75 closed Sunday and Monday nights
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard entrance ramp to southbound I-75 will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday and Monday, May 13 and 14.  Traffic will be detoured west on MLK, then north on U.S. Highway 301, then east on I-4 to southbound I-75.

Southbound I-75 Exit to State Road 60 The southbound I-75 exit ramp to State Road 60 will be closed between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday nights, May 15-17.  Traffic will be detoured to the Crosstown where motorists can head west on the non-toll portion of the Expressway, then exit at U.S. 301 and go north to State Road 60.

Night lane closures on I-75 at Bruce B. Downs
The left lane will be closed on northbound I-75 at Bruce B. Downs Boulevard between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday and Monday nights, May 13 and 14.

Night lane closures on I-75 and I-275 near the Hillsborough/Pasco line
One of two lanes will be closed for paving operations on northbound and southbound I-275 and I-75 between the very north end of I-275 and State Road 56 Sunday through Thursday nights, May 13-17.  Southbound closures will be in place from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. each night.  Northbound closures are set to run from 9:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. nightly.

I-75 lane closures in Pasco County
The left lane will be closed in each direction of I-75 between State Road 52 and County Road 577 from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, May 13-17.

Night lane closures on westbound SR 60 on east end of Courtney Campbell
One of three lanes will be closed on westbound State Road 60 on the Courtney Campbell Causeway in the Bayport Drive area from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Friday night , May 11, and Sunday through Friday nights, May 13-18.

Westbound State Road 60 to be closed near TIA early mornings
Westbound State Road 60/Memorial Highway will be closed between I-275 and the Tampa International Airport from 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. Monday through Saturday mornings, May 14-19, for bridge work over the roadway.  The northbound I-275 exit ramp to Cypress Street will also be closed.

Safe Travels.
Alicia

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The National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running is dedicated to reducing the incidence of red light running in the United States and the fatalities and injuries it causes. The Campaign has assembled a team of leaders from the fields of law enforcement, transportation engineering, healthcare and emergency medicine, and traffic safety, to tackle this crucial safety issue. For more information, please visit http://www.stopredlightrunning.com or call (202)828-9100. 

Also, below is the official position of AAA on Red Light Cameras.  Thanks to Gregg Laskoski, Managing Director of Public and Government Relations, for the AAA Auto Club South. 
- AAA recognizes the dangers and the alarming increase of crashes due to red light running.  AAA strongly supports traffic safety measures designed to reduce red light running, including reasonable traffic-engineering improvements (e.g. signal-timing studies, lane improvement, sight-distance evaluations, signage, etc.) AAA believes that such measures should be coupled with education and other law enforcement strategies that can help reduce red light running traffic crashes.  Further, AAA believes that law enforcement officers are the most effective means of deterring violations of traffic laws and regulations.  However, AAA recognizes the potential of traffic-infraction detectors, such as red-light violation cameras, to perform critically important enforcement functions.  At urban locations with a substantial number of intersection crashes, there is evidence that red light running cameras are deterring traffic infractions.  In instances where red light running cameras are implemented, the following safeguards must be in place:
- Local agencies should consider other physical and operational improvements to intersections prior to installing red light cameras;
- Red light camera technology is used to promote traffic safety, not to generate revenues for government or technology vendors;
- Red light cameras should be operated only under the direct supervision and control of state-certified law enforcement personnel;
- Per citation payment to contractors is prohibited;
- Traffic signals at red light camera sites comply with all applicable traffic engineering principles and standards of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) including minimum yellow light intervals consistent with comparable non-camera intersections;
- Red light camera programs must focus on intersections with a demonstrated pattern of violations and crashes that can be reduced through use of red light cameras;
- Local agencies, not contractors, must be responsible for intersection selection verifying proper camera installation and operation, and determining that a violation has occurred;
- Strict evidentiary standards assure the fairness of procedures for issuing red light camera citations;
- Reasonable enforcement “cushions” are provided so that flagrant, rather than nominal or marginal infractions, are targeted;
- Penalties for this offense should be levied against the driver, not the owner;
- Only those citations that have been reviewed and approved by law enforcement may be issued;
- Implementation of enforcement via red light cameras should be coupled with an intensive public information campaign which informs motorists of the effort and begins prior to the effective date of enforcement in a jurisdiction;
- Motorists should be informed that such devices are in use by prominently displayed signs indicating their operation within the jurisdiction. 

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Alicia Roberts hosting Saturday Night Baseball at The Trop

Rusty and Alicia Roberts before the Devil Rays Game

Special thanks to the Devil Rays for inviting me to host Saturday Night Baseball at Tropicana Field… Cinco de Mayo edition.  Mas Maracas! And what a game is was… tied up until the bottom of the 12th inning when our Devil Rays pulled ahead to win 3-2… GO RAYS.

Alicia Hosting Saturday Night at Tropicana Field

Rusty and Alicia

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Traffic Solutions for Your Commute

Mornings

I-4
- Along Westbound I-4 near 75, volume peaks between 6:15 and 7:45am.  If you drive through this point by 6 o’clock, you’ll be spared some of the gridlock. 
- Heading toward 275, aim to be at 50th Street before 6:15am when volume tops off. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with almost 20 percent more volume in the next fifteen minutes alone and through 7:15am.

275
-Southbound 275 traffic slows down at Fletcher Avenue between 6:15 and 6:30am.  If you can be here before that, you’ll cruise into downtown with speeds above 50 MPH.
-South of Fletcher, traffic bottlenecks through MLK Boulevard at 6:15am. Again, hit this point before 6:15 and you’ll bypass the heaviest 35% congestion surge.
- Meanwhile, Northbound 275 traffic into the downtown interchange slows at 6:45 am, holding steady then through 8:15am. Here, it’s a good idea to get to Howard/Armenia by 6:30am to dodge the oncoming delays.

75
- Another morning hotspot is I-75 Southbound.  Southbound traffic into Bruce B. Downs Blvd reaches some of its highest volume levels at 6:30am with the lowest speeds recorded through 7:45am.
- Just before I-4, you’re tapping the brakes beginning at 6:45am, so work to get ahead by making your way toward this junction closer to 6:30am.

Veteran’s and Crosstown
Along the Veteran’s and Crosstown Expressways, roadway sensor information is not available.  But we looked at traffic logs from several weeks to develop some general patterns.
- You’ll want to be as far south along the Veteran’s by 6:30am to avoid the steady build-up of brake lights through 9 o’clock.
- Westbound along the Crosstown, the hot-spot is 78th Street at 6:30am, as drivers from the East and the Brandon area make their way in.

Evenings
Wednesday nights, more people stay late at work than any other night during the week.  Therefore, the rush on Wednesday afternoon starts usually at least ½ hour later and subsequently ends anywhere between ½ hour to an hour after the normal peak congestion periods during the remainder of the week, excluding Fridays.  And with everyone trying to get a jumpstart on the weekend, the rush begins and wraps up earlier on Friday than any other day of the week. 

275
- Near Fletcher, traffic along northbound 275 screeches to a halt just before 5:15pm, so plan to get there either before this time or plan your leave time to hit this point after 6:00pm to avoid sitting in the most significant delays.
- Southbound 275 stacks up early as drivers make their way toward the Veteran’s and the Howard Frankland typically between 4:30 and 5:00pm.  The slow merge onto the Veteran’s particularly halts traffic generally thru 6:30pm. 

I-4
If you are heading east along I-4, the heaviest delays through 50th Street generally occur between 4:45pm and 5:30.  Again, if you can plan your night around that knowledge you won’t sit in the virtual parking lot of this notoriously sluggish zone.

I-75
- If you are traveling northbound along I-75 through Bruce B. Downs on your way home, patience is a good virtue to have.  This was a hard one to pinpoint the specific time when traffic peaks, because we see a very steady and building rush from 4:30 – 5:30pm here.  But good news, if you can stay late at the office one night, you will avoid some of the delays if you make sure not to drive through this point before 6:15.
- Drivers who make their way out along the SB lanes of I-75 approaching the 1-4 Junction must factor in delays occurring along I-4 as well as the existing congestion on I-75.  Generally 4:00pm is the hot zone here, so if you don’t have to cross through this point during the brunt of the delays you will be partially spared from the sluggish gridlock.

Veteran’s
With all of the construction, the on-ramp from 275 to the Veteran’s is a virtual parking lot beginning sometime between 4:30 and 5:00pm.  After that, the headlights begin once again approaching Hillsborough Avenue through past Anderson Road until at least 6:30pm. 

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Red light cameras are being installed in intersections across the county in an effort to prevent dangerous accidents.  According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, red light runners are responsible for an estimated 260,000 crashes each year, of which nearly 750 are fatal—and the number is rising.

In April, Bill 1247, which allows cities and counties to install the cameras, unanimously passed in the State House.  But for the fourth year in a row, the Senate put the brakes on the legislation. 

Proponents argue the cameras are a proven way to increase public safety.  Opponents of the policy believe these cameras violate a citizen’s right to privacy.

SO WHAT DO YOU THINK?  ARE THE CAMERAS NECESSARY OR IS PRIVACY BEING JEOPARDIZED IF THE MEASURE BECOMES LAW?
POST YOUR THOUGHTS HERE AND LATER IN THE WEEK WE WILL SHARE SOME OF YOUR OPINIONS ON-AIR. 

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Just before noon, authorities reopened the intersection of Hillsborough and Armenia Avenues.  An earlier truck accident and chemical spill had the highway shut down for nearly 5 hours. 

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Just after 6:30 Tuesday morning, officials responded to an accident involving a truck carrying 10-12 liquid substance barrels at the intersection of Hillsborough and Armenia Avenues.  As a result of the impact, 2 of those containers fell off of the truck and spilled onto the roadway. 

HAZMAT and DOT response teams were called to clean-up approximately 60 gallons of sodium silicate, a slippery compound used for a variety of purposes including auto cooling system repairs, passive fire protection, and textile and lumber processing.  Sodium silicate in this form is not toxic to breathe.

At last check, officials predicted that the scene will not be reopened to traffic for up to several hours.  Traffic is jammed in both directions along Hillsborough Avenue from Macdill through to Nebraska Avenues.  Tampa Police Officer, Lisa Parashis, advises motorists to avoid the area.  Alternate east and west routes include Sligh Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard.

The truck driver was charged with failure to properly secure a load. 

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As you travel through Brandon, watch out for overnight construction this week along I-4.  The eastbound I-4 (Exit 9) ramp to southbound I-75 will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday nights (April 23-26).

Traffic will be detoured east to the next exit (County Road 579, Exit 10), where motorists will turn left at the top of the exit ramp onto CR 579, cross over I-4, then turn left and enter westbound I-4. Drivers can then take the next exit ramp (Exit 9) to I-75. Once on the ramp, drivers need to be in the left lane to take the ramp to southbound I-75.

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The southbound I-275 ramp to eastbound I-375 (Exit 23A) was REOPENED to traffic this weekend.  The ramp had been closed since a tanker fire on March 28.  Crews wrapped up work nearly a week early.  The estimated cost of the project was $2.5M.  But the insurance company will foot the bill for this one rather than taxpayers. 

A spokesperson from Pinellas County advises motorists to expect additional intermittent lane detours in June as repairs are made to roadway expansion joints.  But for now, commuters can breathe a sigh of relief as the significant repairs and closures are complete!

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See More Photos

So I actually hit the ball… miracles never cease!  And believe me, I was as shocked as anyone.  In fact, I never expected to make contact so I was even more excited to remember to run in the proper direction (in Beepball, if you hit to the right side of the field, you run to third base and vice versa).  Our very own Steve “The Slugger” Jerve played this morning too and he also had a great hit.  Go Channel 8!

Before the start of the game, a moment of silence was held to honor our friend and colleague, John Winter.  John was a long-time supporter of Tampa’s Lighthouse for the Blind.  I am positive he was one of our “angels in the outfield.”

I want to say a big thank you to Coach Steve Otto who invited me to play and made me feel so welcome.  It was a pleasure to meet all of the athletes and fans, what a great morning we had together!

Check out pictures from the game too!

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Beep! Beep! Beep!  And no, this time it’s not the sound of car horns in the middle of rush hour!

I am looking forward to joining Steve Otto from the Tribune for my first Beepball game Saturday morning.  Growing up, I played softball every summer.  But somehow I suspect I might need a little bit of luck to actually get a hit.  That’s because you have to try to hit the ball while blindfolded.  The ball beeps as a guide, but still, my chances don’t seem too good.  Oh well, I am always up for a good laugh!  And judging from Steve’s comments this morning in his column, our opponents - The Lighthouse for the Blind squad - appear to be a formidable crew. 

Stop by to cheer on both teams.  The game will begin at 10 a.m. at the New York Yankees’ Community Field, which is right next to Legends Field, off Dale Mabry Highway.

And check back Monday morning for pictures!

By the way, here is the link to Steve’s column: http://www.tbo.com/news/metro/MGBTW1I1Q0F.html

Play Ball!
-Alicia

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