Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln and Commissioner Jim Scholl were among the local officials who recently took a tour of the Florida Department of Transportation’s District 6 management center in Miami for an in-depth look at the technology used to monitor and manage traffic throughout South Florida and the Florida Keys.
The visit focused on FDOT’s Transportation Systems Management and Operations program, which uses real-time data, advanced traffic signal coordination and integrated communication to improve road performance, reduce congestion and enhance safety without requiring major road expansion. They met with District 6 Secretary Daniel Iglesias and other key staff members.
“This tour really highlighted how much is happening to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently along U.S. 1,” Lincoln said. “With limited space in the Florida Keys, these types of smart, technology-driven solutions are critical for both our residents and our visitors.”
In Monroe County, the number of traffic management devices has grown from a few in 2005 to dozens of coordinated systems today. This includes 95 cameras, 37 traffic signals, dynamic messaging signs, pedestrian beacons, emergency signals and nearly 60 roadside units supporting corridor operations.
Staff at the center actively monitors road conditions, coordinates responses to crashes and lane closures and communicates with partner agencies, including Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol and emergency services.
In 2025, 476 scheduled roadwork events, 130 crashes and 23 disabled vehicles, among other things, caused lane blockages on U.S. 1.
Joining Lincoln and Scholl in the visit were Bob Shillinger, county attorney; Emily Schemper, growth management director; Kristen Livengood, public information officer; Kacey Hunt, executive aide; and Leo Morin, of public works.
