OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Ever had one of those days when you seem to hit every red light in town? Osceola County is trying to fix that and they're spending $3.5 million tax dollars to do it.
On a Saturday afternoon along US-192 near Kissimmee, there's a lot of stop and go traffic, but a sophisticated electronic traffic system could change that.
"It's important to coordinate traffic and it's also cost effective," said Rep. Mike Horner, District 79.
State Rep. Horner told WFTV there are plans to put in an automated traffic system as a way to coincide traffic signals.
Lights would be in sync, all green at once in the same direction, for example. Horner believes an improved traffic system throughout the county would create more jobs and help stimulate a better economy.
"Transportation infrastructure is crucial to economic development. Employers want to locate where there's a strong transportation system," he said.
But one driver doesn't feel the need to spend so much money to cut down on traffic.
"Traffic here is not a problem. I'm from the Washington, DC area. You want to see traffic? Hit 95 up in DC," driver Mary Brooks said.
Another driver said, 'Spend away.'
"Whatever they want to do. I really don't, whatever they want to do," driver Maggie Diaz said.
Horner said this is a good use of money, considering it can cost tens-of-millions of dollars to build new roads.
WFTV was told the money would come from transportation tax funds, and it'll take a few years for the system to get up and running.
WFTV
