It took two years, which is lightning fast when it comes to highway improvement projects, but it’s done. The FDOT, working together with the City of Marathon and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, has made some fixes to the corner of Aviation Boulevard and U.S.1.
“Thanks to the Florida Department of Transportation, we have a better traffic flow, moved an electrical pole and upgraded the pedestrian sidewalks,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay.
For years, residents of Marathon have called for a solution to the busy intersection that leads to one of the most populated neighborhoods in the city. The intersection also sees a lot of trailered boat traffic with the boat ramp on one side and a gas station that sells Rec-90 (boat gas) on the other. The long wheel-base of a trailer behind a vehicle makes the turns even more challenging, traffic notwithstanding.
In September 2018, with the City of Marathon’s blessing, Ramsay met with FDOT to come up with a plan: an extra turning lane for southbound traffic onto Aviation Boulevard; reconfigured left- and right-turn lanes exiting Aviation Boulevard onto the highway; and shortening the nearest concrete median of the highway at both ends.
“I’m not seeing backed up traffic as frequently at that intersection, so I think it has relieved some of the congestion, too,” Ramsay said.
His next project? He’s set his sights on the intersection of U.S.1 and Sombrero Beach Road — the crossroads of a bank, two supermarkets, the beach and a museum.
“When headed north, motorists are using the third lane as an acceleration lane. It’s a very dangerous situation for drivers trying to make a right on red as they enter onto the highway from Sombrero Beach Road,” he said.
