Fort Lauderdale tests safety measures along Las Olas

Fort Lauderdale is testing ways to calm traffic and make roads safer for pedestrians, bicycles and residents.

The six-month demonstration project is targeting Las Olas Boulevard between Southeast Eighth and 15th avenues.

It will gauge the effectiveness of measures such as:

Color-coded pavement to separate vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

Three designated pickup and drop-off zones for taxis, Uber, Lyft and personal vehicles. Eight new loading zones have been added on side streets for package deliveries to businesses. All are designed to reduce traffic congestion on Las Olas.

New road markings and signs. Parking will be modified and speed limits reduced. Radar signs will flash a green happy face to drivers going 25 mph or slower and a red face to anyone driving faster than the speed limit.

Many of the safety devices are temporary for quick installation at a low cost.

After the six-month trial, the findings and feedback from businesses, residents and emergency responders will be presented to the Fort Lauderdale City Commission for evaluation.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled this morning at 1300 E. Las Olas Blvd. to launch the project.

wkroustan@sunsentinel .com, 954-356-4303 or Twitter @WayneRoustan