Re: FDOT: No observation of nest from south side of Pines Boulevard

Posted by NewMexiKen on
URL: http://bald-eagles-of-broward-county-florida.17.s1.nabble.com/FDOT-No-observation-of-nest-from-south-side-of-Pines-Boulevard-tp3668573p3676652.html

Yes, Trisha. Since the sidewalk on the north side of the street is quite low, the nest may more likely be obscured by branches in front of it. To get a better view, people will tend to walk up the shoulder and stand very near the pavement-- nearer, in fact, than would be necessary on the south side. At least the road will be in front of them. On the north side, observers tended to back up toward the pavement.

The issue with FDOT seems not be be whether it is safer for PEDESTRIANS, but rather that ANY barrier, whether a hard concrete "Jersey barrier" or a soft one like a plastic mesh fence strung between water barrels, is a hazard to the MOTORISTS. Even if room is left for a 10 foot shoulder, the barrier would cut down on the "clear zone," as mentioned in the FDOT report of our meeting.  (I think that refers to the wide area beyond the shoulder that allows vehicles a measure of safety in case of loss of control, but am not entirely certain).  

Trisha wrote

It's hard to understand why it's safer standing on the north side of the road as opposed to the south. Yes, there's a sidewalk on the north, back from the road, but how do you suggest to people to stand on it, especially if the nest is not visible? It also seems that FDOT is putting parked cars and nest watchers back in to the same corridor. I also fail to see how this is a safer situation.

Hopefully, something like a nest cam could be worked out to monitor the young eagles in their unique urban setting.