Sorrento Road at Doug Ford Drive: Latest on the Signal Installation

FDOT will be installing a signal at Doug Ford Drive and Sorrento Road as a part of their current project on this roadway.  I have not seen any work on this signal over the last 10 weeks, so I requested an update from our traffic engineer Chris Phillips, and he recently got this update from his counterparts at FDOT, below:

"Utility companies have been notified to schedule their relocation work at the proposed foundation location.  There are three underground communication lines to be relocated / adjusted to accommodate the 60” concrete drilled shaft.  To date we have heard no response from the underground utilities on when their work will begin. In January 2023, the contractor estimated up to 20 weeks to have the mast-arm and cabinet delivered to the project.  Which could potentially be sometime early June 2023.Based on the above, I am estimating the foundation to be installed approximately mid to late April, and the signal installation / operation to be sometime mid to late June."

 

FDOT Moving Forward with Signalization at Sorrento and Doug Ford Drive

This particular traffic light is being very well-received by the residents with whom I have spoken and made aware of it's impending installation....

Who would've ever thought that a traffic light's installation could bring some much positive energy?

In many instances--a new traffic light brings angst, frustration, and disappointment--especially if it will slow down a commute.

This light is different, though.  This one is being praised by just about everyone that hears it is coming--because it will greatly enhance safety on one of the most dangerous, accident prone roadways in Escambia County--Sorrento Road.

Lately there have been many improvements made on Sorrento--to include rumble strips, blacktop repair, multiple intersection improvements, and freshly-painted lines.  Many of us believe the road needs to be a four lane road, and that project is with the TPO currently and has been bumped way up on the priority list for funding by the state within the last year.

One issue many of the residents of that area have clammored for is a light at the entrance to the Perdido Bay Country Club at Sorrento Road and Doug Ford Drive--the site of much congestion during the peak tourist season and an area where too many wrecks have occurred.

After many years of diligent requests from our office and from the County--the good news came about 6 months ago that this signalized intersection warrant was approved by FDOT.  Last week came word that the project has been designed and is funded and will be added to an existing project being completed on Sorrento Road right now.  The construction of this signal has begun, and will be completed within the next "few months"  according to the email I received last week on this topic, below:

"To All:

 Traffic Operations received the signed and sealed plans last week.  We are currently working with the contactor to incorporate the signal construction into the existing project.  Construction efforts should begin this month, which includes the procurement of the necessary equipment (mast arm, controller, signal cabinet, etc.) and could take a few months.  Please feel free to reach out to Georgina Acierto-Kent...to track the status of the signal installation.

 Thank You,

 Brian Pettis

Traffic Operations

Traffic Services Program Manager"

Traffic Light at Doug Ford Drive and Sorrento---UPDATE

Improbable as it may seem--when, not if, but when we complete the project to install a long-needed, much anticipated stop signal at the intersection of Doug Ford Drive and Sorrento Road in District 1--it will be an achievement of monumental significance.

The scene of countless accidents and near misses, this intersection has been difficult for the residents, guests, and visitors to Perdido Bay Country Club for decades.

Over and over, the initiative to add a light was rejected by the state.

Fast forward to earlier this year and at long last the project has been warranted by the state and they (FDOT) will be constructing this signal in the very near future.  This comes hot on the heels of their completion of numerous safety improvements on Sorrento Road in the wake of a string of fatal accidents on this roadway.  At last week's massive town hall meeting in Perdido--this was a subject that came up on multiple cards.  And I said it then, half in jest, that "If there was ever a traffic signal's installation that will warrant a press interview on site upon completion--it will be this one."  

So when this is completed, I will do a press release and news conference from the site.  Because this light will make things safer and more convenient for residents and visitors and most importantly--it will save lives.  

Here, below, is the very latest on the progress toward completion of this signal---directly from an FDOT email string from early this week:

"A signal warrant analysis was recently completed for Doug Ford Road and a signal is warranted.  We are currently looking at opportunities for signal construction.  It was determined that profiled thermoplastic be used for the centerline and edge line markings for the limits of this project too.  Our consultant is going to update the plans to include them...The signal at Doug Ford Road is current in design with anticipation of constructing the signal either as part of the active RRR project, or directly following the RRR project if there is significant delay in procuring the signal equipment."

So this is great news.  It's coming.