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TPO adopts pavement, bridge and system-reliability targets; requests staff report on 'block-the-box' enforcement options
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Summary
The Hillsborough TPO adopted previously set pavement, bridge and non-interstate travel-time reliability targets and asked staff to report back on strategies used elsewhere to reduce intersection 'blocking the box,' including engineering and enforcement options.
The Hillsborough TPO on March 12 adopted performance targets for pavement and bridge condition and system reliability and asked staff to return with a separate report on intersection 'block-the-box' measures.
Conor Trejos McDonald presented the performance-targets item after Council member Hertek asked to pull it from the consent agenda for one-slide discussion. McDonald confirmed the board is retaining targets set in prior years (2019 baseline figures) for travel-time reliability on non‑interstate facilities. The motion to adopt the targets was moved by Commissioner Cohen and seconded by Commissioner Bowles; the board approved the targets by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
Council member Hertek framed a related operational problem as the practice of motorists entering intersections without room to clear when signals change — commonly called “blocking the box” — and asked staff to research remedies and present options. Board members discussed existing statutory language that prohibits blocking intersections and the limits of enforcement without enforcement resources. Secretary Guinn noted pavement markings and signage may be used, but enforcement is difficult without space to safely stop vehicles.
Board members and staff discussed engineering, controller-configuration and enforcement approaches. Hillsborough County Traffic Management Center staff said the county already tracks travel-time and reliability metrics and that signal-controller strategies can prioritize approaches waiting longest and otherwise be fine tuned during deployment. Council member Hertek asked staff to coordinate with local governments and return in late fall with a report on engineering and enforcement strategies other communities use to reduce blocking the box.
The combined action adopted performance targets and provided direction for a future staff report; no new ordinance or enforcement program was authorized at the March 12 meeting.
