The South Royal Poinciana Blvd project is coming to a conclusion, but like so many government projects, it needs another round of improvements. Why do it right the first time?
Before we get started, we want to say that the project has most definitely beautified the area. It’s probably the most dramatic change to the area since the removal of the old ficus trees that used to provide a glorious tree canopy across this section of South Royal Poinciana Boulevard. To be clear, we’re talking about the new median and trees that were added along the stretch of South Royal Poinciana Boulevard between Lejeune Road and East Drive.
We’ve already explained how the project never provided a turnaround or traffic circle to let residents in the area return home. You can read more about that here.
Today we want to highlight the need to bring back two lanes on westbound South Royal Poinciana Boulevard for the small section approaching East Drive. This section does not have a median. This section has space for two lanes. But one lane was unnecessarily removed in order to provide a bike lane?
Look at the picture above and you’ll see what it used to look like. A dedicated right turn lane for drivers seeking to cross the bridge into Hialeah. A dedicated lane on the left for vehicles that want to continue driving westbound on South Royal Poinciana Boulevard.
After the changes, you can see we have a bike lane to nowhere. Plus, we have a single lane for continuing west or turning right. Furthermore, we still have two traffic signals. One for the old left lane and one for the dedicated right turn lane.
Of course, drivers have already expressed their opinion about the new bike lane with their actions. They don’t care what Miami-Dade County (who technically controls this road) or Bermello Ajamil (the guys who got paid for this) think about the bike lane. As you can see, drivers have the space to safely split the road into two virtual lanes. It’s what’s been there for decades and the new bike lane isn’t stopping anyone.
This is just silly and somewhat embarrassing. The solution is clear. End the bike lane before this section and bring back the two dedicated lanes. As you can see below, we still have two dedicated lanes for eastbound traffic in this section. Why didn’t they keep the two lanes on the westbound section?
Clearly the drivers don’t care for the design change made by people who don’t live and drive in the area. We encourage the City of Miami Springs to work the County to correct this flaw in their design.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments section at the bottom of this page or via social media.
