ROCKLEDGE, FL. – Brevard County Public Works officials are working closely with residents along Rockledge Drive to improve road conditions and to also address public safety concerns regarding overgrown trees and limbs that pose accessibility issues for motorists, emergency and other high-profile vehicles.
The scenic 2.5-milelong road – popular for bicycling, jogging and walking, and leisure drives along Indian River Lagoon is located in an unincorporated area south of Rockledge. It is targeted for repaving beginning in 2023, at a cost of $428,000.
County officials say the tree limbs overhanging the road present a safety hazard for vehicles, including firetrucks, garbage trucks, school buses and recreation vehicles. The County is focusing on traffic safety, but is also working to address concerns from residents who fear any tree cutting could be detrimental to the ambiance of their neighborhood.
“We have and are continuing in our pursuit to be sensitive to all environmental, aesthetic, legal and safety concerns regarding Rockledge Drive trees and acknowledge its designation as part of the National Scenic Byway,” said Public Works Director Marc Bernath. “We are proceeding in a manner which is as transparent as possible and providing options for all property owners involved as we understand this is a very sensitive issue. The County would love to avoid displacing all trees, but unfortunately it’s not that simple. Some trees, based on their vertical height or horizontal distance to the road, do not meet State safety requirements.