COUNTY OFFICIALS TOUR FDOT TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT CENTER IN MIAMI; HIGHLIGHT FLORIDA KEYS TRAFFIC TECHNOLOGY

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln and Commissioner Jim Scholl recently took a behind-the-scenes tour of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Six Transportation Management Center in Miami for an in-depth look at the technology used to monitor and manage traffic throughout South Florida and the Florida Keys. They met with District Six Secretary Daniel Iglesias and other key staff members. 

County representatives also included County Attorney Bob Shillinger, Growth Management Director Emily Schemper, Public Information Officer Kristen Livengood, Executive Aide Kacey Hunt, and Leo Morin of Public Works. 

The visit focused on FDOT’s Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSM&O) program, which uses real-time data, advanced traffic signal coordination, and integrated communication systems to improve roadway performance, reduce congestion, and enhance safety without requiring major roadway expansion. The program focuses on maximizing the efficiency of existing infrastructure through innovation, data, and collaboration.

“This tour really highlighted how much is happening to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently along U.S. 1,” said Lincoln. “With limited space in the Florida Keys, these types of smart, technology-driven solutions are critical for both our residents and our visitors.”

In Monroe County alone, the number of traffic management devices has grown from just a handful in 2005 to dozens of coordinated systems today, including 95 cameras, 37 traffic signals, dynamic messaging signs, pedestrian beacons, emergency signals, and nearly 60 roadside units supporting corridor operations.

The staff at the center actively monitors roadway conditions, coordinates responses to crashes and lane closures, and communicates with partner agencies, including Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, and emergency services. In 2025, there were 476 scheduled roadwork events, 130 crashes, and 23 disabled vehicles, among other things, that caused lane blockages on U.S. 1. 

The tour also included an overview of upcoming projects, including signal improvements at College Road, flood mitigation and signal upgrades near Eisenhower Drive, and Key West Triangle improvements. 

For more information on FDOT District Six programs, visit www.sunguide.info. For more information or links to projects happening in the Florida Keys, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/engineering.