New Causeway information from Mike Bauman

AS A FOLLOW-UP TO HIS Q&A AT THE BELLE ISLE MEETING ON JAN 18TH, MIKE BAUMAN OF THE COUNTY HAS SENT THE FOLLOWING:

To all;

Thank you for the opportunity to meet with your association last night. I'd like to follow-up by listing the concerns expressed by your members and provide you with some details about each issue.

1) Changing the pass lanes from extreme right to extreme left.

I tried to explain that changing the pass lane would only provide space for two more vehicles, but for some reason this was not understood by all. Perhaps I, or the residents are not understanding the issue. I am open to meeting with anyone on-site to better understand the issue. Aside from that, we are currently hiring more Toll Collectors to staff additional lanes so that traffic backups do not develop when the bridge re-opens. This will bring much more relief from traffic jams.

2) Notification of Bridges Stuck in the Open Position
This morning, I personally checked with the supervisor at the Venetian Toll Plaza in regards to this issue. She showed me the "Bridge Closed" signs for each direction and let me know that whenever they are called by the bridge operators, the signs are placed in the up position and motorists are informed of the problem. In the future, we are planning to install a flashing signal with a sign to advise motorists. However, anytime the bridge is stuck, residents need to understand that there will be a period of time when the bridge is determined to have a problem and calls are made to repair personnel and the toll plaza. This may take 5 to 10 minutes and a hundred vehicles may pass in those 5 minutes. Those 100 motorists will be upset that we do not have a method to advise them when the bridge is broken. This issue will not go away as long as we have bridges that open and close for marine traffic.

3) Broad Causeway Bridge Openings Vs Venetian Causeway Bridge Openings
I have contacted the Broad Causeway to determine if there are differences in Bridge Opening schedules. The following information is for your reference:

Broad Causeway (from their website http://www.bayharborislands.org/webpage/Text/causeway.htm )
The portion of the Causeway which crosses the Intracoastal Waterway includes a drawbridge to allow the passage of marine vessels. Between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. the bridge opens to marine traffic only on the quarter hour and three-quarters hour, with exceptions required by the U.S. Coast Guard for tugboats, scheduled vessels, and vessels declaring an emergency. For those exceptions, the draw span is required to be opened at any time.

Venetian Causeway (from DOT Coast Guard Regulations)
The draw of the East Span of the Venetian Causeway bridge, between Miami and Miami Beach, shall open on signal except that from November 1 through April 30 from 7:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Monday through Friday, the draw need not be opened. However, the draws shall open at 7:45 a.m., 8:15 a.m., 5:15 p.m., and 5:45 p.m.. If any vessels are waiting to pass. The draw shall open on signal on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Washington's Birthday. The draw shall open at any time for public vessels of the United States, tugs with tows, regularly scheduled cruise vessels and vessels in distress.

As an interesting side note and having nothing to do with bridge issues, residents on the Broad Causeway or Bay Harbor Islands pay $250 per year for unlimited passage, which is 10 times the amount Venetian residents pay.

4) Inadequate lighting above lane signs
This problem resulted from the elimination of the Variable Message Signs previously planned in the new Toll Plaza construction. The solution is in process. Your patience is appreciated.

5) Missing weight restriction signs
Hurricane Wilma knocked down the weight limit signs. We have requested the signs be replaced and are monitoring the progress. Your patience is appreciated.

6) Lack of weight enforcement
We frequently request enforcement from law enforcement agencies on the Venetian Causeway. We will continue to request their vigilance. Our Toll Collectors distribute a flyer to any vehicle that might be overweight. These flyers advise motorists of the weight issues.