Florida Keys will ask state for help studying rail system

County commissioners in the Florida Keys will be asking state transportation officials to help study whether a light rail or monorail system would be feasible for the island chain.

The Monroe County Commission agreed Tuesday to work with the Florida Department of Transportation on the study.

The Key West Citizen reports that some commissioners and residents opposed the idea, saying a rail system would add visual clutter to scenic U.S. Highway 1.

The county’s Climate Change Advisory Committee requested the study.

A recent county traffic study found a 48 percent increase in traffic delays since 2013 on the highway linking the Keys with the mainland.

Republished with permission of the Associated Press.