Traffic and infrastructure during peak season

[DuneLaker]

Thanks for bringing this up, Goodwitch. We need to sit together in a room with our laptops and maps and plot some paths for traffic relief. Then, post the results for comments. Another poster recently mentioned that we don't push the bike path so much, but instead encourage the old fashioned way of walking along the beach for exercise and family fun. That would help 30A. For 98, I don't know. Weren't there some plans developed? A trolley would be nice. DeFuniak has a cute one someone could rent.

 

[GoodWitch58]

Thanks for bringing this up, Goodwitch. We need to sit together in a room with our laptops and maps and plot some paths for traffic relief. Then, post the results for comments. Another poster recently mentioned that we don't push the bike path so much, but instead encourage the old fashioned way of walking along the beach for exercise and family fun. That would help 30A. For 98, I don't know. Weren't there some plans developed? A trolley would be nice. DeFuniak has a cute one someone could rent.

I think there are many options that could be considered: Panama City has a nice trolley system that appears to work well;

it seems to me that staggering the check-in/check-out times could help (where is it written that everyone must check-out at the same time? is there some reason that staggered times, even staggered days would not work?)

I have often had clients and customers ask why they could not check in on Friday instead of Saturday? I am not in the rental business, so I have no idea if there is a valid reason for most checking out on Saturday morning at 10 a.m.

I think some folks could take 98 to Highway 79 which is now 4 lane and access I-10, especially if they are heading East or West of here; others could take 79 to 20 to 81 if they are going to DFS and north; I am sure there are other configurations...

the inconvenience of sitting in stalled traffic is a PITA; however, I am especially concerned with the safety issues and the question of what happens if there is a need for an emergency vehicle...

and we have not even spoken the dreaded "H" word...

to be honest, I guess the real truth is that visitors only would encounter this gridlock situation once during a vacation week or two; while those of us who live here, encounter it every time it rains, and every Saturday a.m. for about three months.

I love the fact that people get to come to our beaches, I just wish that our local planning for traffic flow was more in sync with our marketing for more visitors...and I wish there was someone, somewhere in the local government establishment, or some enterprising business person somewhere, who was thinking about this and coming up with a viable solution.

 

[puglet]

I think it is really going to get worse. I was recently in Baltimore (one of Southwest's new non-stops to the new airport) and they are running t.v. ads for their $99 flights like crazy. They are pushing golf and solitude in this region. When that crowd gets here and they all get their rental cars, watch out!

 

[GoodWitch58]

what about when they try to find some solitude...

 

[North Lake]

The county has been urging the four-laning of 331 since the 1970's. It is our only north-south artery, unless you count SR 81. The new airport may bring a new look at SR 81; but you've still got to get from SoWal to SR 20 to get to 81...except for the locals who know their way around 3280 to get there. Maybe we can keep that a secret.

As far as keeping the cars moving on check out day, holidays, and the like, that will be the sheriff's watch.

 

[Will B]

The new airport may bring a new look at SR 81; but you've still got to get from SoWal to SR 20 to get to 81...except for the locals who know their way around 3280 to get there. Maybe we can keep that a secret.

I'll meet you at the Outpost for a bucket of cold long necks!

My sister left Friday, and my mom is leaving today just so they could / can avoid traffic. A friend of mine was at Gulf Place last week. He came home, yesterday, and said that while traffic was heavy it wasn't as bad as he had expected. That is until he got to where I-185 and I-85 north merge. He said it was horrible!

 

[John R]

LSV's will make all your troubles go away.

 

[NotDeadYet]

LSV's will make all your troubles go away.

What are we gonna do, issue one to every tourist and make them park their suv for the duration of their stay? :roll:

 

[DuneLaker]

what about when they try to find some solitude...

They should be able to find solitude at any number of places along our 26 miles of beach away from the bike path. ;-) Take a walk along the beach. It is free. There are parts of the bike path that aren't so congested and should prove quite peaceful for them.

It might help safety along the bike path if just one person had a large can of paint and some shrub clipping shears. The crosswalks don't match up to some of the changing traffic patterns and new neighborhoods and developments. A blinking solar light or two at some major crosswalks are sure needed imho. The large public parking area complete with restrooms between WaterColor and Seaside has a very poorly marked crosswalk. Shrubs at Lakewood and 30A at the overly landscaped vacant commercial development are a real hazard. The corner palmetto needs to be completely removed. Many of the recently planted shrubs, especially along 30A, need to be cut way back or removed. Line of sight for bike path and road makes a dangerous intersection more so.

 

[North Lake]

I'll meet you at the Outpost for a bucket of cold long necks!

My sister left Friday, and my mom is leaving today just so they could / can avoid traffic. A friend of mine was at Gulf Place last week. He came home, yesterday, and said that while traffic was heavy it wasn't as bad as he had expected. That is until he got to where I-185 and I-85 north merge. He said it was horrible!

SC,

You're on for the bucket at the Outpost. Can't wait for them to get cranked up on weekends again. Maybe they'd let us sit in with the band.

Traffic has been light down here this week...a lull in the Spring Break I suppose. Sorry the fams had problems as they neared Hotlanta.