HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Florida Department of Transportation LetterRICK SCOTT
GOVERNOR
'14
Submitted Into the public
record in connection
Item 11H . on Z- /0-
Priscilla A. Tho
City
Florida Department of Transportation
1000 NW 1111h Ave
Miami. FL 33172
January 10, 2011
Ms. Alyce Robertson, Executive Director
Miami Downtown Development Authority
200 S. Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 2929
Wachovia Financial Center
Miami, Florida 33131
STEPHANIE C. KOPELOUSOS
SECRETARY
RE: Brickell Ave Roadway Project Public Information Meeting and Miami Herald Article
Follow-up
Dear Ms Robertson,
In receipt of your letter dated December 15, 2010, the Department of Transportation has
prepared the following list of responses to all the requests listed in an effort to communicate the
Department's steps to address your concerns.
Request #I: Reducing Speed limit on Brickell Ave to be compatible with the current and
growing residential and urban character of the corridor (Biscayne Blvd / US1 / SR 5 to the
North has a posted speed limit of 30 mph.
Response: The Department has recently completed the traffic data collection for the spot speed
study along Brickell Avenue. The Department's guidelines state that the speed limit shall not
differ from the 85th percentile speed or upper limit of the 10 mph pace by more than 3 mph and it
shall not be less than 8 mph. Said speed study resulted that the 85' percentile speed from SE
26th Rd to SE 15" Rd is within 3 mph of the current posted 40 mph posted speed limit. Based on
this study supported by supplemental investigation of the existing geometry of the road, we were
able to reduce the posted speed to 35 mph within limits mentioned above. We are also
modifying our plans to reduce the inside lane from 11 feet to 10 feet as a traffic calming feature.
Request #2: Installing additional new signalized crosswalks at the north legs of the intersections
at SE 13 Street, SE 10 Street and SE 8 Street, and one new unsignalized crosswalk at SE 14 Terr.
Response: The Department is modifying the plans to include one new unsignalized crosswalk at
SE 14th Terrace and new signalized crosswalks at the north legs of the intersections at SE 13th
Street, SE 10th Street and SE 8th Street. We are in the process of reviewing the existing Local
Funding Agreement for the decorative crosswalks along Brickell Ave. As soon as the amended
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Ms Alyce Robertson
January 10. 2011
Submitted Into the public
record in connection with
item nig. on Z
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Page 12
agreement and quantities are ready, we will send it to the DDA for review and approval of
additional funding required.
Request #3: Installing new street and pedestrian lighting compatible with the modern/
contemporary character of Brickell Ave.
Response: FDOT has investigated the possibility of replacing the proposed lighting from SE 15th
Rd to SE 5th Street for a modern contemporary light fixture. The attached Exhibit A shows the
new proposed roadway lighting. Exhibit B shows the new proposed pedestrian lighting which
alternates with the roadway lighting. During the design phase of the project, the design team
participated in numerous Brickell Homeowners Association meetings and held two workshops
where commitments were made to the community regarding the proposed lighting as shown
currently in the plans. In order to proceed with changing the contract plans with the new lighting
fixtures, we need the City of Miami's approval as well as DDA, Miami -Dade Public Works
Department and the Brickell Homeowners Association. To mitigate impacts to the project
schedule, it is imperative that the City of Miami provides FDOT with a signed resolution letter
from the City approving the new light fixtures by January 31g, 2011. Any cost increase for the
project due to delays related to the change of light fixtures shall be compensated for by the City
of Miami or the Miami Downtown Development Authority.
Request #4: Ensuring that pedestrian signalization and its supporting infrastructure be the most
technologically advanced system utilized by Miami Dade County to reduce signalization failures
and allow for real time responses while modifying or repairing the system.
Response: Miami Dade County Public Works Department is the maintaining agency for all
traffic signals in Miami Dade County. They currently use the most advanced traffic signal
technology to operate all of the traffic signals along Brickell Avenue. The entire system is
remotely controlled by the Miami Dade County Control Center. As part of the project, we are
also installing internally illuminated LED street name signs on all the mast arms within the
project limits.
Request #5: Removing all temporary pavement markings along the corridor as a requirement of
the substantial completion portion of the project.
Response: Temporary pavement markings within our project limits will be removed prior to the
completion of the project.
Request #6: Ensuring that the approved maintenance of traffic program provides continuous
access to residential, retail and office buildings along and adjacent to Brickell Ave during
construction.
Response: All maintenance of traffic requests will be reviewed and approved by our office to
ensure access is always maintained. In the field FDOT will ensure that the approved MOT is
implemented and that we coordinate with the local businesses/residents to discuss any potential
impacts.
www.dot.state.fl.us
Ms Alyce Robertson
January 10. 2011
Page 13
The Florida Department of Transportation continues to work with the community to find
reasonable solutions to the issues that has been voiced by the residents and stakeholder groups of
Brickell Ave. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any additional concerns. Should
you require additional information, please contact me at (305) 470-5464 or by email at
Harold.Desdunes@dot.statenus.
Sincerely,
Harold Desdunes, P.E.
Director of Transportation Development
Enclosures:
Exhibit A - New Proposed Roadway Lighting
Exhibit B — New Proposed Pedestrian Lighting
Gus Pego, P.E., District 6 Secretary
Debora Rivera, P.E., Director of Transportation Operations
Tony Crapp, Jr, City Manager
Ernesto Cuesta, President of the Brickell Homeowners Association
Randy Olen, President, Brickell Area Association
Bruno Barreiro, Miami -Dade County, District 5 Commissioner
Carlos Gimenez, Miami -Dade County, District 7 Cotrunissioner
George Burgess, Miami -Dade County, Manager
Bob Williams, Miami -Dade County Public Works, Traffic Signals & Signs Division,
Chief
Submitted Into the public
record in connection with
item II.1 on z-/a-li
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
www.dolstateitus