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We
can monitor U.S. 1 via phone, radio just fine |
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Click here for Last Stand
Action Alert on this issue |
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Recently the DOT has
received a lot of mail and calls in opposition to the Dynamic Message
Signs (DMS) beginning to be installed in our Keys. Instead of DMS,
however, we have several useful alternatives. One of them also part of
the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) currently being implemented
statewide. This handy little travelers' aid is the "Smart Traveler
Information Service," or the 511 line.
In the articles I've seen
about this issue (I could have missed some), I've not come across a
mention of the DOT's 511 road-alerts number. A helpful friend recently
told me about this, however, and so far it seems to work. I have called
it several times and have been told traffic is 'moving smoothly' with no
Keys highway problems posted, however, I cannot be totally confident of
its efficacy when a problem occurs somewhere on U.S. 1.
To use the service, dial
511, then the applicable code, 1* (for U.S. 1), then 14* (for
Florida City to Key
West). That's it. If you wait for the voice to explain the service prior
to punching the codes, it will at first mislead by saying the service is
for Palm Beach,
Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties. If you wade through the long menu,
however, they do allow for U.S.1/Monroe as well. To bypass all the
gobbledygook and myriad codes, as soon as the machine answers, just
punch in the codes above, 1* and 14*.
Another alternative to DMS,
of course, are the regular WLRN public radio traffic reports which also
use the information provided by the ITS cameras, the inevitable part of
the larger, partially-installed, ITS system; tune in from Miami to Key
West, first at 91.3 FM (out of Miami), then from repeaters at 92.1 FM
(Key Largo/Plantation/), 93.3 FM (Grassy), 89.1 FM (West Summerland),
89.9 FM (Key West). A third and very popular alternative for alerts is
U.S.1 Radio (104.1 FM). An excellent alternative, especially when I have
a plane to catch, is calling the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. And
finally, during hurricane evacuations, the Monroe County Hurricane
Hotline is just what's needed and more.
Bottom line: We don't need
the monster-ugly signs; we have excellent options. The DMS are
superfluous, grotesque, a likely safety hazard, and a nasty slap at our
Scenic Highway and Overseas Heritage Trail.
I just called again and was
told traffic is moving smoothly throughout the Keys. Ahhhh. Thanks, DOT,
for 511, but please drop DMS from the Florida Keys.
Tina Henize
Cudjoe Key |
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