Expect an upgrade to Pines Boulevard in 2019

Doctor Detour answers your transportation questions.

Q: In the 12 years since Hurricane Wilma, pretty much every intersection in the area has replaced old-fashioned wires that hold the traffic lights with metal poles. But not the Flamingo Road/Pines Boulevard intersection. Why are the county and state ignoring this? — Stu Cowitt, Miramar

A: Pines Boulevard is a state road and the Florida Department of Transportation says that intersection will be upgraded in 2019, but replacing the current span-wire-concrete-pole configuration with mast-arms is not part of those plans. That may change if the funding is found. Each conversion costs between $150,000 to $250,000, depending on the size of the intersection.

Neighboring intersections, such as Red Road and Miramar Parkway to the south, have had mast-arms installed.

Counties and cities also are making the swap as fast as budgets permit. Since Hurricane Wilma, Broward County has devoted about $3 million annually to convert 12-15 county intersections to the mast-arm traffic signal supports that can withstand winds up to 150 mph.

“In terms of traffic volumes and safety issues, Pines Boulevard at Flamingo Road and Pines Boulevard at University Drive would be my first recommendations for conversions,” said Karl Kennedy, Pembroke Pines city engineer.

Q: Do you have an update on the I-75 express lanes? I