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Transportation
U-Turn
New DOT Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos ordered officials to redirect traffic on the Mathews Bridge. [Photo: The Florida Times-Union, Rick Wilson] |
The DOT’s initial response sounded typically bureaucratic: Too difficult logistically, too expensive. But as complaints intensified, newly appointed DOT Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos, a former legislative analyst in Washington, took a trip to Jacksonville to see what all the fuss was about.
Next thing you know, DOT had agreed to daily lane shifts: In the morning, both usable lanes now head west for motorists on their way to downtown from Arlington. During evening rush hours, when more cars head east, both usable lanes are open for commuters headed back home.
Officials expect to complete the construction project later this month. Transportation officials estimate the cost of reversing the lanes at $1.5 million in addition to the original project cost of $13 million. Local leaders say it’s a small price to pay for the time and aggravation saved. Meanwhile, Kopelousos’ response bodes well for other Florida communities seeking more flexibility from the DOT, not to mention for this year’s hurricane season, when quick lane reversals may be a matter of more than convenience.