Professional Traffic Analysis of Perdido Key Roundabout's Performance is Completed-------So What Does it Say?

The study for the Perdido Key Roundabout, pictured above, comes with analysis, data, and recommendations.

I am now in receipt of and am going through, meticulously, the professional traffic study analysis of the Perdido Key Roundabout in District 1.

I requested it in the face of mounting displeasure by the residents in Perdido over this traffic feature that was meant to assist with traffic flow and safety--but that instead has apparently exacerbated the traffic problems out on Perdido Key.

Staff has sent me the full report, which I will be presenting in detail at a town hall meeting in Perdido to be held Monday, Sept. 18th at 6:00 PM.

With the report, staff also provided their initial thoughts and recommendations, which I will consider thoughtfully as we find a way forward on this issue.  

From the email:

Commissioner,

 Attached is the report submitted by HSA-Columbia for your review.  I have highlighted a few key points below:

1. Observations were conducted on July 22 and July 29… two consecutive Saturdays with good weather (sunny and hot)
2. Video counting measures were taken both north and south of the circle with 3 intervals north to record backups.  Traffic was also counted on Johnson Beach Rd.
3. Southbound backups were observed from the roundabout northward over the bridge to the Publix driveway on July 22 only between approximately 4 to 5 pm.  The same was observed on July 29 around 3 pm for 15 minutes and again from 4 to 5 pm.  The delay times for these instances to travel from Publix to the roundabout was 6 to 7 minutes.  Travel times from Gongora Drive to the roundabout were generally 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Northbound backups related to signal timing were discovered from the signal to the roundabout on one of the observation days around 10:30 am.
5. Analysis for a west bound (Johnson Beach) to northbound (PK Drive) bypass lane was analyzed with favorable results.
6. The conclusions on page 10 indicate a delay of around 5 minutes beyond expected times on peak, special days (holidays, Blue Angels events, etc).

I would like a chance to get the camera installed on the condo so we can look on that side of the bridge, similar to what we have done at Pensacola Beach to time the signal (see #4 above) to prevent delays northbound.  We are working with County Legal and the Condo Legal to get an agreement worked out for liability and maintenance. 

I will inquire with Natural Resources relating to wildlife impacts regarding the addition of the bypass lane (see #5 above) to help with the hesitation associated with the close quarters of the southbound leg and westbound leg being so close together.  Right of way and wildlife impacts have long been an issue with the size of this circle.

In summary, I don’t believe we have enough information yet to justify removal of the circle.  I believe that it will function as intended during the “off season”.  I would like an opportunity to observe further from the circle to the bridge exactly what backups are taking place.  I believe the community is getting more used to the circle in that I have not heard of any more mishaps of running through the center of it nor any collisions.  If you hear of any of these instances, please forward them to me.

Read the full report, here.