MPO advances Jolley Bridge toll study

A year after the money was received to pay for it, a toll feasibility study for the Judge S.S. Jolley Bridge on Marco Island is finally about to take off.

The Collier County Metropolitan Planning Organization today approved of a document known as a request for proposal that outlines the parameters of the study that will be conducted by the firm chosen do the work.

Last month, Councilman Mike Minozzi expressed frustration before his fellow MPO members over how long it is taking to get the study under way. He learned that Hurricane Wilma and a changeover in MPO staff were factors in the delays.

He said today he is now pleased with the progress being made.

"It was kind of hanging (before)," he said. "But the process is moving along now. That basically is what I was asking."

The study is critical if the bridge is to be built any time soon.

In the best-case scenario, the Florida Department of Transportation won't have the funds to pay for the new Jolley Bridge until 2025.

That does not bode well with many residents and transportation officials.

The city of Marco Island has a permanent population of 15,000, and peak seasonal population of 35,000. Traffic heading on and off the bridge, particularly during season, backs up on island roads.

The MPO has borrowed $1 million from the state for a study to determine whether tolls would be a feasible option for speeding up the construction timeline.