Sanibel Island Traffic, Via Creative Commons, James Lin.
Kevin Ruane, Mayor of Sanibel, Announces Traffic Strategy Approach
Long term plans include:
- Utilizing technology to provide real-time information to motorists. Our plans include live-streaming of traffic conditions, instant-messaging traffic alert systems, and electronic signage before the toll booth advising motorists of on-Island traffic conditions;
- Hardscape to change traffic patterns. The City of Sanibel is participating in a regional study to determine the feasibility of installing a roundabout on Sanibel to alleviate stop-and-go traffic;
- Behavior modifications, including developing a culture of employers utilizing flex-time schedules and carpooling during the weeks of peak season; and
- Information sharing to help residents and visitors make informed decisions. Starting immediately, we are sharing and disseminating detailed information on Sanibel’s traffic patterns so motorists can best plan their Island travel to avoid peak congestion.
The following is a video and the full text of the release from Kevin Ruane, Mayor of Sanibel.
“As the Mayor of Sanibel Island, I can attest that the number one complaint we receive from our residents is the negative impact of traffic congestion during peak season. The factors that have created peak season traffic congestion on Sanibel have developed over many years, and implementation of efforts designed to ease congestion will require long-term solutions.
This past year, our City Council and Planning Commission held workshops to develop a strategy to address this challenge. We brought together a partnership of our residents, represented by COTI (Citizens of the Islands) and CASI (Condominium Associations of Sanibel), our Chamber of Commerce, realtors represented by the Sanibel & Captiva Island Association of Realtors, hoteliers, business owners, the Planning Commission and City Staff to implement the strategy that will improve everyone’s Sanibel experience during peak season. We are also coordinating these efforts with Lee County and the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau.
Sanibel Roundabouts?, Roundabout Sign by The Tire Zoo, Via Creative Commons.
Our long-term plans include:
- Utilizing technology to provide real-time information to motorists. Our plans include live-streaming of traffic conditions, instant-messaging traffic alert systems, and electronic signage before the toll booth advising motorists of on-Island traffic conditions;
- Hardscape to change traffic patterns. The City of Sanibel is participating in a regional study to determine the feasibility of installing a roundabout on Sanibel to alleviate stop-and-go traffic;
- Behavior modifications, including developing a culture of employers utilizing flex-time schedules and carpooling during the weeks of peak season; and
- Information sharing to help residents and visitors make informed decisions. Starting immediately, we are sharing and disseminating detailed information on Sanibel’s traffic patterns so motorists can best plan their Island travel to avoid peak congestion.
We all know that excessive traffic congestion during peak season negatively impacts our quality of life as Island residents. Additionally, we believe Island visitors do not want to spend their vacation in traffic jams and with accurate real-time data, they may alter their travel plans to and around the Island.
Sanibel Causeway Toll Booth, Via Creative Commons, Tracilyn.
Through a careful analysis of our traffic patterns, we can now provide guidance on how motorists can avoid the worst of the congestion during peak season. In peak season, nearly 13,000 vehicles come onto the Island daily, with heavy on-bound traffic congestion between the hours of 8 a.m. and noon and heavy off-bound traffic from 2:30 to 6:30 pm. On a weekly basis during peak season, Saturday traffic volumes are the highest, and traffic volumes are the lightest on Sundays and Tuesdays.
This week, the City of Sanibel released a video to our visitors that shares our message, which is:
- To enjoy your visit to Sanibel between now and April:
- Avoid driving on and off the Island during these peak times
- Plan in advance to travel around the Island by foot and bike
- Remember the best way to enjoy the Island and avoid traffic is to stay on Island – have dinner and shop on Island to avoid traffic delays
- Check the City of Sanibel website at www.mysanibel.com for traffic updates
This video will be available through a number of venues including the City’s website, www.mysanibel.com, under Traffic Alerts. We also are distributing flyers with our message to off-Island residents so they can assist guests in planning their Island visits to avoid peak traffic, as well.
Sanibel has a proven track record of solving difficult challenges through cooperation and partnership. I believe if we bring together our wisdom and talent, over time we can also improve our traffic issues. I look forward to working with our entire community to achieve this goal.
Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable season,
Kevin Ruane
Mayor of Sanibel”
Feature image via Creative Commons, Rudy Guy.
