There are many opportunities to correct our current traffic congestion. I had dinner with a friend of mine this evening, who's thinking about running for County Commission, when we brainstormed transportation outlets for the county.

He reminded me that some years ago, FDOT proposed a flyover from Wells Road to Collins Road, north of I-295. The residents were so vocal, FDOT dropped any plans of creating another outlet from Clay to Duval County.

We suggest that flyover needs to be placed back in the 5-year plan.

Many of you tout the expansion of College Drive to Blanding Boulevard. Frankly, since the Super Wal-Mart has been approved on Blanding Boulevard, anything emptying onto Blanding in the righthand lane where College Drive is merging onto Blanding is insane. Traffic will be trying to merge into the righthand lane while traffic from College Drive is trying to merge onto Blanding.

We would be better served if Peoria Road at College Road cut back across to SR-21 and west to Branan Field Road. Spend the dollars there.

That way, merging traffic streams from College Avenue at the Super Wal-Mart Center would be avoided on Blanding Boulevard.

There is a need for overpasses on Blanding Boulevard and I-295. In both east and westbound lanes, there needs to be a one-lane flyover on I-295. Two lanes would address the I-295 interchange both north and south.

There are things we can do (outside of the Outer Beltway) to help our situation. But it takes a fortitude of strength and character to bring it to pass.

Look to candidates in the upcoming race who are thinking things through and offering solutions like the ideas presented above.

These are the ideas that will lead us out of transporation hell to the Promised Land.