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Dr. Delay

38th Avenue N drivers: Take heart, be patient

By LORRIE LYKINS
Published August 21, 2005

A reader inquired this week about 38th Avenue N, the often maligned bit of lumpy, bumpy patchwork muddle of a road. That description is for motorists unfamiliar with 38th Avenue.

If you've driven it even once in the last few years, you know what I'm talking about. No description is necessary. It's that memorable.

While reading the most recent reader e-mail, which pulsed with exasperation, it occurred to me that when 38th Avenue is finally smoothed over, the volume of mail I receive from readers is likely to decrease significantly.

The reader wrote:

"With the exception of the area around I-275, 38th Avenue North has not been resurfaced since the road was widened in the 1970s, and the stretch from 16th Street to 58th Street seems to be miles of patched holes. Are there any plans to resurface this heavily traveled road?"

I asked Ken Jacobs of Pinellas County's public works department, and he checked into it.

The good news: There is hope - 38th Avenue N is indeed scheduled for rehabilitation.

The not so hot news: The budget year is for 2006.

Jacobs wrote in an e-mail this week that repairing the road is "in next year's budget, sometime between October 2005 to September 2006. Those segments of 38th Avenue (from 34th Street to 49th Street and 55th Street to 58th Street) should be resurfaced."

When we get solid dates and more information, you'll be updated.

No racket relief. Here's a note I received from a reader whose home is located near the interstate:

"I live between the 38th Avenue and 54th Avenue North exits on the east side of I-275. My understanding is that sound barriers were supposed to be erected at the time the interstate was built. I am on a crusade to get the government to fulfill its obligation to us. Can you help?"

I went to the Florida Department of Transportation with this one, and Kristen Carson responded:

"That section of interstate was constructed in the late 1970s-early 1980s, and any warranted noise barrier would have been built at that time.

"If there is ever a plan to add capacity (by adding through lanes) in the area of question, a noise study would be required as part of the Project Development and Environment process.

"Federal regulation provides the DOT with the procedures and requirements related to studying and abating traffic noise. The Department analyzes traffic noise level changes on proposed projects that will increase capacity - for example, the addition of lanes - or change the vertical/horizontal alignment of a facility in the state highway system."

So in other words, there are no sound barrier plans on the horizon. Sorry.

Although we are less than three weeks into the new school year, readers have begun contacting the Doc with their observations and concerns regarding school buses.

Reader Corrine Broskette wrote: "How about getting those school bus drivers to slow down and obey the rules? In the past week, I have witnessed: buses running red lights, buses making left turns after the light has turned red and speeding in 35 mph residential areas. Some of these buses have children on board. I am sure they are rushed to get the children where they need to be; still, it is no reason for anyone to break the law. Especially those entrusted with the safety of our kids."

Sterling Ivey of Pinellas County Schools told me that the fleet of school buses is huge: 742 vehicles. Ivey said that 46,000 student rides are completed every school day, and that amounts to about 12-million miles per school year. School bus drivers have tough jobs and are under a great deal of pressure to be on time and to safeguard our children. But occasionally, some drivers may make poor decisions. It is the duty of concerned citizens to contact the school system if they witness unsafe driving on the part of school bus drivers. Note the number on the bus, the time of day and the intersection or location where the infraction took place. Then, make a phone call. Contact the school system's transportation call center at 587-2020.

More DOT news:

The public is invited to attend the DOT's second statewide summit on Aug. 25 at the Quorum Hotel, 700 N West Shore Blvd., Tampa from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The DOT is soliciting public input on its long-range plan for Florida's roads and interstates. This involves creating policy for allocating more than $100-billion that will be spent to meet the transportation needs of residents, tourists and businesses between now and 2025.

So if you have something to say, plan to attend. For additional information about the summit, contact Lisa Stone at 850 414-4562 or visit www.ftp2025.com

Until next week, happy and safe motoring!

Please share your traffic concerns, comments and questions with Dr. Delay via e-mail at docdelay@yahoo.com

[Last modified August 21, 2005, 00:50:20]