TAMPA, Fla. — A growing trend is expanding to crowded Tampa roads.
FDOT is looking to eliminate left-hand turns on Dale Mabry between Gandy Blvd and Pinewood Street near MacDill Air Force Base and instead, encourage people to make U-turns.
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The state feels it’s a safer solution than the current situation, but people who travel along South Dale Mabry are at odds over the proposed changes.
“You’ve got thousands of people at a time coming and going to the Air Force Base. Having to make U-turns in front of either way is just not safe,” said Andre Torres, a daily commuter of Dale Mabry.
Not everyone agrees with Torres though, others agree with FDOT.
“The current system now is complete chaos. You’ve got these big wide open medians that sometimes two, three, four vehicles cram into,” said Jeff Nietupski, President of Gandy Civic Association.
FDOT is proposing these changes after a safety study. They are hoping to reduce crashes at intersections without traffic signals, and improve safety and the flow of traffic.
“Raised medians will create a little more control, little more organization,” said Nietupski.
But other drivers don’t see the problem with the current situation. They say the proposed changes will only add more time to an already congested area.
“There’s no need to block access from either side coming from east or west to get on to Dale Mabry freely or to cross Dale Mabry freely,” said Torres.
Regardless of opinion, FDOT wants to hear it. They’re holding virtual public hearings in Tampa on Jan. 30 from 6-7 p.m. where you can voice your concerns or support for the proposed changes.
You can register to attend the virtual public hearing here.
If you don’t have a way to participate virtually, you can attend the hearings in person at the following locations:
- Florida Department of Transportation, District Seven, Flamingo Conference Room, 11201 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
- Community Viewing Location: Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa, FL, 33611
