Florida Department of Transportation September 6, 2005 Ms. Theresa Segal Bridge of Lions Rehabilitation After extended research of both the FDOT and RS&H Design Team files I am responding to your letter of February 6, 2004 regarding the height of the outside railing replacement with the Bridge of Lions Rehabilitation project. I offer the following in response. I agree that the experienced bicyclist will travel in the travel lanes. The construction plans require that “share the road” signs be placed to warn motorist that bicyclist will be sharing the travel lanes. We also have required that signs be placed to direct bicyclists on the sidewalks to walk their bicycles across the bridge. The proposed 4'6” height railing shown in the construction plans is a constant safety feature, while intense code enforcement fluctuates. The directive to walk bicycles across the bridge is largely to slow down and minimize bicycle and pedestrian conflicts. At the June 12, 2001 meeting with SHPO, 4 railing alternatives were presented. The alternative show in the current construction plans was chosen to best address safety, esthetic and historic concerns. Although the distance from the top of the rail was historically 2'10” and will now be 3'8”, the chosen alternative is most closely proportional to the original in relation to the posts, pedestals and height above sidewalk. Thank you for your continued interest and support of this project. Please call me at (386) 961-7703 if you have any further questions. Sincerely. Craig A. Teal Cc: David C. Gibbs, Federal Highway Administration
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