LAS OLAS BOULEVARD &ISLES
26
S
taff explained what’s happened since the original
study in 2013, including a one-way street
conversation analysis. Staff balanced these three
plan objectives:
1) reducing traffic volumes/speeds along
local roadways in Colee Hammock
2) reducing congestion on SE 15th Avenue to make it
easier for motorists to get to the beach
3) improving safety and multimodal mobility along
Las Olas Boulevard
Staff presented the short-term and mid-term improvements
that were approved by the City Commission in February
2014 as well as new analysis and recommendations. The
most significant change since the 2014 study is staff’s
recommendation against pursuing one-way street
conversations and to instead, add dedicated left turn lanes
at SE 15th Avenue at Broward and Las Olas Boulevards.
Below are the most significant questions that were raised
during the meeting. For a complete list of questions and
expanded answers, or to find project contact information,
go to: fortlauderdale.gov/departments/transportation-and-
mobility/transportation-division/building-community-
today#lasolas
1.
What are the short-term and mid-term improvements the
Commission approved?
Answer:
The Commission approved several improvements
including signal modification, special event signal
modifications, permanent traffic calming improvements to
streets within Colee Hammock, striping changes to certain
intersections to accommodate truck-turning movements,
lighting analysis, a temporary (paint on the ground) road
diet along Las Olas Boulevard, and more.
2.
What do “Road Diet” and “Right Sizing” mean?
Answer:
That refers to removal of one travel lane in each
direction to the section of Las Olas Boulevard from SE
15th Avenue west to the Himmarshee Canal. This will be a
12-month trial to determine if it makes sense to make the
change permanent.
3.
Will the on-street parking along Las Olas Blvd remain
in place?
Answer:
Yes.
4.
How does the “Right Sizing” affect the existing parklet
and the parklet program?
Answer:
The parklet within the “Right Sizing” area along
Las Olas Boulevard will remain as is. The designers will
design around the space. The cycle track will run on the
south side of the parklet next to the travel lane and then
move back to the curb. The overall parklet program will
still be available to those businesses that would like to take
advantage of it.
5.
How will bicyclists make left turns?
Answer:
Bike Boxes are being considered at signalized
intersections, where bicyclists will have the ability to wait at
Local Issues
15
th
Street
Traffic Plan
City staff made a presentation to citizens on Oct. 26
about the Las Olas Boulevard Mobility and Safety
Study focused on balancing mobility, access,
pedestrian safety, and neighborhood traffic calming.