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Brevard County OKs full traffic‑calming plan for James Road after residents plead for safety
Summary
After hours of public testimony and technical briefing, the Brevard County Commission on Dec. 3 approved the traffic‑calming measures recommended for James Road — including speed tables and guardrails — to address sustained speeding and safety risks tied to an upcoming development.
The Brevard County Board of County Commissioners voted Dec. 3 to approve the traffic‑calming plan recommended for James Road, endorsing speed tables, lane‑marking adjustments and guardrails intended to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety for residents.
Public Works Director Mark Bernath told the board the measures flow from a stipulated settlement agreement tied to nearby development and that the county and the developer, Taylor Morrison, had worked on a design meant to reduce vehicle speed without removing existing pavement. Bernath said lane narrowing standardizes lanes to 10 feet and provides the needed standoff from speed tables for guardrail installation.
Residents and property owners urged action, describing repeated speeding and near‑misses while walking, biking or accessing mailboxes. “I saw a car go by doing at least 60 miles an hour,” said Margaret Bassett, who lives on James Road. Multiple speakers said surveys showed strong resident support for speed tables and noted daily pedestrian activity, deep ditches and nearby concrete utility poles that increase crash risk.
Taylor Morrison attorney Tom Sullivan told commissioners the developer is prepared either to construct the improvements now or to post a bond to secure completion later. County counsel explained a bonding option would allow the county to complete work using those funds should the developer not perform, and it would carry cost‑overrun risk for the county.
Commissioners debated guardrail aesthetics versus safety, maintenance timing, and the prospect that nearby roads (notably Friday Road) could see increased traffic as development proceeds. Commissioner Delaney said the county should press the developer to fund the measures now while also pursuing infrastructure fixes on adjacent roads.
After discussion, Commissioner Delaney moved to approve the staff‑recommended package (option 1, all recommended traffic calming measures). The motion was seconded and passed by roll‑call vote.
The board directed staff to coordinate construction logistics with the developer and to monitor impacts to neighboring roads; no specific construction start date was provided at the meeting.
