Dear editor,
Concerning the Press Gazette’s recent article where Councilmember Jimmy Messick suggested drafting a letter to the [Florida Department of Transportation] reaffirming a previous-elected council's stance in support of widening Highway 90, I have to once again disagree with widening Highway 90 through Milton.
I do agree with Mayor Wesley Meiss and Councilmember Alan Lowery, who voiced their support for learning more from the Project Development and Environment study. This PD&E’s study will be a valuable asset in order to make the best decision for traffic flows through Milton.
There is a better option than disrupting historic buildings (i.e., moving the Fisher Hamilton building) and converting this Highway 90 route into a four-lane. Also, think of the cost of replacing the existing bridge across Blackwater River to accommodate four lanes.
It would be financially prudent to just convert this Highway 90 route into a one-way route heading east from Burger King and Stewart Street to across the existing Blackwater River bridge. Build one new bridge, just to the north of the existing bridge and intersect (heading west) at the intersection of Willing Street and Berryhill.
This new bridge would handle one-way traffic heading west. At Willing Street and Berryhill, turn slightly left across the back parking lot of the First United Methodist Church. From there, it intersects with Yew (Elm street on maps) and this intersects with Margret Street.
Margret Street parallels U.S. Highway 90 and is just two blocks to the north and it intersects with Stewart Street to the west. From there, turn left to Highway 90 and to where the existing four-lane ends at Burger King.
This small roadway modification involves less than a half-mile and traffic flows would not be slowed/disrupted significantly. Margaret Street is straight and relatively open with little community impact; however, making this change will spread out and facilitate traffic flows, plus ameliorate future commercial development along this route.
Having a second bridge will be prudent in case of upgrading/replacing either bridge in the future. Future hurricane evacuations will also be facilitated by having a second bridge to the north of Highway 90.
Just something to consider. Thanks!
BILL CALFEE
Milton
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This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Try this alternative to widening Highway 90