TRANSPORTATION

Lee County's Traffic Management System (TMS) places closed circuit television cameras (CCTV), traffic sensors and traffic count data collectors at specific intersections to analyze traffic conditions in real-time and adjust signal timing to keep traffic moving. Control devices, connected together through a network monitored at the Lee County traffic operations center, allow staff easier coordination of signals, promoting smoother traffic flow along some of Lee County's busiest roadways.

Smooth flowing traffic benefits everyone traveling in and around Lee County.  TMS enhances Traffic flow by giving Traffic operations center staff feedback on traffic conditions in real-time. CCTV cameras display current conditions on screens in the traffic operations center so technicians can see what's affecting traffic around Lee County. Roadway sensors monitor traffic volume and speed (increasing steady, decreasing). That data is relayed to traffic operations center staff who adjust signal timing when conditions warrant.

Lee County's TMS allows adjustments to signal timing at important intersections to be made as traffic patterns shift.  At the TMS projects conclusion, traffic staff can adjust signal timing when unexpected conditions occur (congestion or crashes).  Then as traffic patterns return to normal, further adjustments can be made. The project repairs damaged and non-functioning equipment, replaces outdated copper wires with fiber optic cables, and installs uninterruptible power supplies at key intersections, improving the systems reliability.

Crews will install TMS equipment at 61 Lee County roadway intersections including US 41, Bayshore Road, Bonita Beach Road, Colonial Boulevard, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Pine Island Road, and some streets in downtown Ft. Myers. Equipment like domed CCTV cameras and traffic sensor antennas may be easy to spot. Equipment including fiber optic cable and uninterruptible power supplies will be installed underground and in cabinets out of plain sight.

CCTV cameras will be installed at 36 locations:

Information gathered at each intersection is relayed to Lee County's traffic operations center. Staff in the center monitors traffic conditions and makes adjustments to optimize traffic flow through the network of signals identified in phase one.

No, traffic operations center staff does not record the CCTV camera images.  TMS cameras only relay real time traffic images operations center.

No.  Cameras only provide information for staff to manage traffic at the identified intersections.

Design finished in summer 2013.  Installation of components in the field began summer 2013 and is expected to finish by fall 2014.

Construction occurs in stages throughout the project. Crews will complete construction at the traffic operations center. Crews then install CCTV cameras, traffic sensors, and uninterruptible power supply equipment at intersections in Lee County. Crews also will repair and/or replace damaged and non-functioning control cabinets. Different stages of construction may require crews to return to the same work sites several times during the project.

Drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists should use caution in construction areas. Always remember, work zone safety is everyone's job.

Although some roadway shoulder closures will occur during daytime work, most shoulder and lane closures will occur at night/overnight (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.) to minimize inconvenience to the traveling public. Installing equipment and upgrading sidewalk ramps could temporarily close some sidewalks, and crews will post signs directing pedestrians around construction. Always use caution in work zones if you are driving, biking or walking.

During the job, the project team will provide information about each week's work activities to school transportation and Lee Tran staff. No changes to school bus schedules and local bus routes are anticipated.

Cost to design the job, install TMS components at the traffic operations center and at Lee County intersections, and integrate the system to the operation center is $6.7 million.

Crews are installing equipment at the Lee County traffic operations center and in the field at this time.