The Florida Department of Transportation established the Memorial Marker Program to commemorate those who have died as a result of a vehicle-related accident on the State Highway System. In an effort to increase public awareness of highway safety, it is the Department's policy to allow the placement of memorial markers within the state road right-of-way.
The Florida Legislature has authority to add a name to a roadway, structure or building. The steps to adding a name to a facility or structure include:
Resolution of support from local government;
Support from legislative representative to introduce to convening legislature;
Legislature passes bill with designation’s official name;
Motorists may call 511 from their mobile phone while traveling in Florida to reach the automated Florida traffic information service. It will notify you of accidents and delays on any major Florida roadway. You can also access Florida's traveler information system online by visiting www.fl511.com.
The roadside litter removal program is called the Adopt-A-Highway Program. Volunteer resources, guidelines and instruction are available via the Adopt-A-Highway Program website.
Motorists can obtain around–the-clock, real-time traffic information by calling 511. Voice prompts will guide you through to the roadway(s) in which you are interested and supply information on traffic conditions as they truly are.
The Department strives to maintain access to businesses and residences at all times. There are occasions when it is necessary to temporarily close a driveway to perform project related work. Whenever this is necessary, the project team makes every effort to coordinate with the property owner in advance to minimize impacts.
The following steps can be taken to make it easier to navigate through any construction zone: give yourself a little extra time to reach your destination; drive the posted speed limit – reduced speed limits are strictly enforced; obey all signs posted within the construction zone; watch for portable message boards, these provide timely traffic information; never walk in a construction zone.
District Three represents Florida's Panhandle. Its 1.4 million residents are spread over 16 counties and 11,500 square miles. The counties covered by District Three include: Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton and Washington.
Florida Statutes provide for speeding fines to be doubled in work zones when workers are present. The phrase, where workers are present, applies to situations where workers are on or near the road while operating heavy equipment, acting as flag persons, and working with hand tools on the ground. Motorists are urged to exercise caution when entering a work zone since workers might be operating behind equipment and not clearly visible.
FDOT and other utility companies work hand-in-hand before and during construction to prevent utility outages. However, there are times when services are disrupted accidentally. In these instances, the contractor notifies the utility owner immediately so they can arrange to make any necessary repairs. If, for any reason, you experience a utility outage during construction, please contact the District Three Public Information Office toll-free at 1-888-638-0250, extension 1205 so we can determine the cause of the problem and facilitate repairs where necessary.
The Florida Scenic Highway Program is designed to enhance travelers’ experience. This, in turn, provides subsequent benefits to the local community. The designed scenic highways promote heightened awareness of the state’s exceptional resources and unique history through educational and visual experiences.
Title VI and Race, Color and National Origin Discrimination. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects people from discrimination based on race, color or national origin in programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Title VI states that: No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
The Department works hard to minimize all project-related impacts, but you might experience one or more of the following during construction: increased dust, additional noise, reduced speed limits, temporary detours and/or lane closures, temporary sidewalk closures and pedestrian detours, heavy machinery and equipment moving in and around the construction zone, flagmen directing motorists around construction activity, and project personnel moving in and around the project area.
If you feel that your property has been damaged by construction-related activities, please contact Mr. Tracy Strickland, District Three Safety and Health Manager, toll-free at 1-888-638-0250, extension 1672. If it is determined that the damage was caused during construction, it is the contractor's responsibility to restore damaged property to its original condition prior to completing a construction project.
FDOT often does not post a slower speed limit in work zones, but motorists are advised to slow down and proceed with caution whenever signs of road work are present. Motorist and worker safety depends on how well you drive.
FDOT and its contractors place signs and other traffic control devices while work is being performed. However, frequently traffic control devices are left in place during non-work hours to prevent injury to motorists who might attempt to drive in travel lanes not yet suitable for use.
The development of the construction schedule is based on a number of different factors. Prior to construction, the project's design engineers review the impacts and look closely at the project area before determining how and when the work should be performed. In some instances, work is scheduled for daytime hours or nighttime hours only. In other instances, work is scheduled for both day and nighttime hours. The goal is to complete the work as quickly as possible, while minimizing impacts. Some factors that influence the work schedule include: safety of workers and the public, impacts on motorists through the work zone, and impacts on area schools, hospitals, and more.
The Department does not provide monetary compensation to businesses within the construction zone. We do, however, take measures to minimize any construction-related impacts. FDOT strives to maintain access at all times and provide business operators with timely information about construction activities that might affect them.
