HIGHWAY authorities are sending out warnings after revealing state-of-the-art traffic monitoring systems that can open new lanes and issue fines.
Florida drivers are getting new “flexible” lane systems to help ease traffic congestion. But new road laws could impose fines of $164.
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“We want people to be alert,” Brian Hutchings, communications manager for the Central Florida Expressway Authority, told the Florida-based NBC affiliate. WFLA.
“This is something new to Central Florida, so it might take a little getting used to.”
The state is installing new digital boxes on the lanes of the SR-417 and SR-429 highways.
Florida’s new system is called “flexible lanes” – the signage is intended to ease traffic congestion.
The digital boxes will allow drivers to use the hard shoulder when approaching an accident.
Florida officials said the additional lane will help drivers get past accidents more quickly.
They are the first tracks of their kind in the state, the broadcaster said.
“Using the flexible lanes, we were able to open the shoulder temporarily to allow traffic to bypass the crash site,” Hutchings added.
“This will keep traffic moving.”
State agencies also said the shoulder is uniquely equipped to handle more traffic.
“These innovative lanes use a wider median to allow traffic to continue flowing,” the Central Florida Expressway Authority wrote in its report. Web page.
“If a serious accident slows traffic, the flexible lane will be opened to allow traffic to safely pass the accident at a reduced speed.”
Digital boxes will show three colors.
Yellow lights mean the shoulder is in the process of opening or closing.
Green lights mean drivers can use the shoulder to proceed.
Red “X” symbols mean the shoulder is closed to traffic.
More “flexible track
Here’s what you should know about “flexible lanes”
Florida is set to bring crash-avoidance lanes to state roads 417 and 429.
Drivers will be able to pull onto the shoulder to pass accidents when the mounted digital signs flash green.
Yellow lights mean drivers should start moving to the shoulder; Red lights mean the shoulder is not available for passing.
Drivers caught using the lanes while the lights flash red are subject to $164 fines.
Digital signage will be completed by the end of 2025.
Officials believe they will eventually be able to use the signage to help ease traffic during rush hour.
Drivers who begin driving on the shoulder while signs are showing red are subject to fines of up to $164.
They may also receive points on their license, making car insurance more expensive.
The state said the signs will be fully implemented by the end of 2025.
There will be 55 signs when construction is completed.
After a brief evaluation period, Florida officials will look into the possibility of expanding the use of the “flexible lane.”
“In the future, we may activate [the lanes] during peak times,” Hutchings added.
“So when there’s morning rush hour [traffic]we may be able to open these flexible lanes temporarily to allow additional traffic to pass through.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
