MY VIEW: Mayor Bill Partington outlines ideas to address traffic concerns

'My vision extends beyond infrastructure and transportation systems alone. I am acutely aware of the importance of community engagement and collaboration.'


  • By
  • | 4:00 p.m. June 12, 2023
  • Ormond Beach Observer
  • Opinion
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As your mayor, it is both my privilege and responsibility to ensure that our beloved city of Ormond Beach continues to thrive and flourish for generations to come. The elephant in the room is the fact that Granada Boulevard, because of how the city has developed over the last hundred years, is the only east/west corridor. This creates issues that must be addressed. It is with this in mind that I have unveiled some visionary ideas for addressing these pressing traffic concerns that have become a significant challenge along our community’s busiest road.

We all know that traffic congestion can cause frustration, wasted time, and a negative impact on our overall quality of life. It is an issue that affects not only our daily commutes, but also our local businesses, visitors, and the environment. Recognizing the urgency and importance of finding a sustainable solution, I have devoted considerable time and effort to develop a comprehensive discussion of possible solutions that could revolutionize our approach to transportation.

First and foremost, my vision revolves around investing in smarter and more efficient infrastructure. I am committed to working closely with transportation experts, residents, business owners and government officials to identify and implement innovative traffic management technologies. By leveraging cutting-edge tools such as intelligent traffic systems, adaptive signal control, and real-time data analysis, we are already optimizing the flow of traffic, reducing congestion, and improve travel times along our busiest road. But more can be done. 

My vision extends beyond infrastructure and transportation systems alone. I am acutely aware of the importance of community engagement and collaboration. It will take a collective effort involving the entire Halifax area. This collective effort will enable us to gather diverse perspectives, identify specific pain points, and develop solutions tailored to our unique needs. I firmly believe that together, we can achieve meaningful change and forge a brighter future for Ormond Beach and the greater Halifax area.

Just some of the items we will discuss/debate/consider moving forward to improve the conditions on Granada/S.R. 40 and overall east/west traffic flow in the Halifax area:

  1. A Diverging Diamond Interchange at S.R. 40 and I-95, similar to that proposed for U.S. 1 and I-95.
  2. At least one extra lane both ways on S.R. 40 west of I-95 all the way to Airport Road.
  3. A Hand Avenue overpass/extension.
  4. Create frontage road on S.R. 40 to LPGA on the west side of I-95.
  5. Extend Tymber Creek Road from LPGA to Granada Boulevard.
  6. Additional east/west connectors at Fleming Avenue and Calle Grande Street; Williamson Boulevard to U.S. 1.
  7. Commercial property available west of I-95 (i.e. Publix/bank/fast food/dry cleaners/salon.)
  8. Accelerate/decelerate lanes placed at strategic hot spots to maximize flow.
  9. I-95 interchange access at Airport Road overpass.
  10. A social Media campaign on “know when to go” that will encourage retirees to use off-peak times for driving needs.
  11. The improvements coming with the new Tomoka Elementary will provide quite a bit of relief to Granada before and after school times, as the capacity of the school's drop-off and pick-up traffic circle will be greatly expanded.
  12. A bridge over LPGA to beachside A1A to increase east/west mobility and keep trips south of Ormond Beach.

In conclusion, addressing the traffic concerns along Granada is a complex and multifaceted challenge. Nevertheless, I am confident that with your support and our shared commitment to progress, we can overcome these obstacles and transform our transportation landscape. As mayor, I am steadfast in my dedication to making Ormond Beach a model city known for its efficient and sustainable transportation infrastructure.

 

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