Instructions: Click on the questions to locate the answers.
Answers
 What is being done to address congestion problems on Pinellas County roads?
Although Pinellas is the second smallest county in Florida, it is the most densely populated. During the past two decades Pinellas County's population has grown so rapidly that it has been impossible for transportation projects to keep pace. We've outgrown our existing roads, and the building boom has driven up the cost of land needed for new roads.
It is anticipated that solving Pinellas County's future transportation problems will require a greater use of technology and mass-transit options. For this reason, in addition to seeking funds for road building and improvement projects, your MPO and its partners have been looking for ways to enhance and expand Pinellas County's menu of transportation alternatives such as bike and walking trails, mass transit, and hi-tech applications that permit more efficient movement of traffic on existing roads (Intelligent Transportation Systems).
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Why does it take so long to build a new road?
Nationwide studies suggest that it takes 7 years to construct a new roadway from the time the location is selected. However, some roads take longer. It is difficult to predict because a number of issues are involved. For example, land acquisition may go beyond simple appraisal and purchase. Litigations which include acquisition of right of way and condemnation proceedings can delay projects for years. Environmental assessments, soil conditions, and local land use issues must also be carefully evaluated. Economic impact studies must be conducted to determine fairness and to ensure that the people and businesses impacted receive adequate assistance and advice.
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Is the traffic signal system in Pinellas County timed?
Ideally, Traffic Signal Progression ("timed" signals) is a process by which the signals along major roads are programmed to permit cars traveling at the posted speed to travel uninterrupted through a series of green lights. Signal progression has been used in major cities across the United States for decades.
While major roads in Pinellas County are already programmed for signal progression, there are factors that undermine the success of such a system, including accidents, an excessive number of intersecting driveways between lights, gridlock (back-ups that block an intersection) and interruptions due to heavy pedestrian signal use. In addition, drivers who speed, change lanes too frequently or drive too slowly will arrive at the next signal too early or too late, and will disrupt the signal progression for other drivers.
The major disadvantage of programmed signal technology is that it lacks flexibility - it can't sense road conditions and adapt accordingly. In the event of a car accident on US 19, for example, signal timing can't detect an accident or expedite the delivery of emergency or law enforcement services, nor can signals on timers advise motorists about alternative routes or adjust timing to correct delays.
For these reasons Pinellas County and major cities throughout the United States are now turning to Adaptive Traffic Management Systems (ATMS), a component of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)  technology. ATMS adjusts signal systems automatically to respond to changes in traffic flow. While ATMS won't solve all the congestion problems created by population growth and land scarcity, it should have a positive impact when combined with other transportation enhancements.
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What is being done to make travel safer for pedestrians and bicyclists?
The MPO collects and analyzes crash data with specific attention paid to accidents involving bicyclists and pedestrians. This information guides decision making about signals, signs, sidewalks and bike lanes.
The MPO partners on projects with local governments, the Pinellas County School Board and community groups to make roads and sidewalks safer for pedestrians and bicyclists and to provide safety education programs. The MPO has a plan for a countywide network of bike/pedestrian facilities including stand-alone trails such as the Pinellas Trail, bicycle lanes on roads, and sidewalks on major roads. The MPO also supports the development of livable communities and of greenways and trail systems throughout Pinellas County and regionwide.
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How are my transportation tax dollars being spent?
The Florida Department of Transportation Federal Obligations- Highway Project Detail  table provides information about Federal projects. Also read the section of the Long Range Transportation Plan entitled "Cost and Revenue" and the webpage for Penny for Pinellas.
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How can I make the MPO aware of a transportation issue that is important to me?
There are many ways to do this. One way is to send an email to the MPO, or mail a letter to the address at the bottom of this page. You are also invited to make a brief comment during the "Citizens To Be Heard" segment of the next MPO meeting. Another way is to watch this website for public involvement workshops or programs. Announcements are published on this website and in the local newspapers. There are also opportunities to serve on MPO advisory committees.
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What are the hurricane evacuation routes in Pinellas County?
Go to Pinellas County's online interactive hurricane maps. (Note that by checking or unchecking the boxes on this page you can select the information that interests you, including routes, shelters, mobile home parks and hurricane evacuation zones.)
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How can I find out when a road project will be completed?
Check the Pinellas County Road Construction Map to get a description of projects, including starting and completion dates.
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