Traffic Issues Raised During Budget Discussions

The issue of traffic flow on Marco Island was raised during city council’s recent budget discussions.

There was agreement that immediate efforts were needed to improve the island’s congestion and traffic flow.

City council members voiced their support of interim Public Works Director Mike Daniel who has begun a professional analysis of Marco’s traffic issue, through an “Intelligent Traffic Study” of the island’s major bottlenecks.

During his presentation, Daniel noted issues at Barfield Drive and Collier Boulevard as specific areas needing improvement. Council Chairman Erik Brechnitz concurred, citing the need for better “stacking lanes” at the intersection.

“This is a study that would be done by an outside firm which is familiar with this type of work. We do not have the expertise in-house to do this,” said Daniel.

Councilor Becky Irwin questioned the study’s timing, raising the concern that it is not done during off-season. Daniel assured council members that for accuracy, the studies would occur during heavy seasonal traffic at peak hours.

According to Daniel and City Manager Mike McNees, the determination of how much of the existing equipment may be integrated into a modern system will also be part of the study.

“This last year we’ve seen the need for this project demonstrated, as we do recognize that the issues will not simply go away with time,” said Chairman Brechnitz. “I can fully support this expenditure,” said Vice Chair Jared Grifoni.

Depending upon the scope of the study, the cost could range between $250,000 to $500,000. It is not anticipated that all intersections will be studied, but only the main arterial areas that funnel the greatest amount of traffic.

Council will finalize the 2022-2023 budget in September, after further deliberations and public meetings.