But didn't the cars cutting through help those in line move faster?

Yes, but not by much. Here’s how it worked. A majority of the traffic and May/San Marco turns south to reach U.S.1 based on Florida Department of Transport (FDOT) analyses. Of the cars headed north those using the cut-through represented about 10% of the total traffic volume. Those cars that cut through did make the line shorter but reduced travel time by only 1 to 2 minutes in moderate traffic. 

Heavy Traffic

In heavy traffic - weekend evenings or “Nights of Lights”- when traffic lined up to the far end of the bridge the reduction was just 3 to 5 minutes. In peak season it’s easy to think that eliminating the cut-through opportunity is to blame for backed up traffic, but the data tells a different story.

Current Estimated Travel Times

Traffic ConditionsFrom Magnolia to San MarcoFrom Vilano to MagnoliaTotal Travel Time
Light2.5 to 3 Minutes2 to 2.5 Minutes4.5 to 5.5 Minutes
Moderate2.5 to 3 Minutes6 to 10 Minutes8.5 to 12 Minutes
Heavy2.5 to 3 Minutes20 to 25 Minutes22.5 to 28 Minutes


Continuing Traffic Challenges

There will continue to be traffic challenges in our community and we all will need to adapt our schedules to avoid our own version of rush hour or those weekend days when we know visitation is heavy. There is also a much greater use of WAZE or the traffic feature on Google Maps to check traffic conditions before departing on errands, a very simple way to avoid the shock of gridlock.

Show All Answers

1. What was the issue?
2. How was it confirmed that there was a problem?
3. Was any action taken prior to the delineator posts?
4. Is there a problem with emergency vehicle access?
5. Is it legal to limit access to City streets?
6. How much time did cutting through Nelmar save?
7. But didn't the cars cutting through help those in line move faster?
8. Why not wait until the San Marco / May Street project is completed?
9. What about the illegal left turns at Magnolia?
10. Did the limited access solve the problem for Nelmar?