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Public Information Meeting for Wekiva Parkway Section 7A

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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is holding a pre-construction public information meeting about the Wekiva Parkway Section 7A project in Seminole County. The public meeting is being held to review the construction plans and schedule.

This project is funded for construction of 3.5 miles of limited access toll road along the existing State Road (S.R.) 46 corridor from a half mile east of Wekiva Park Drive to Orange Boulevard. The project also includes parallel, non-tolled, one-lane frontage roads for local travel. Roundabouts are planned as safety enhancements at the intersections under the parkway. Lighting is planned under the bridges and on frontage road approaches to the roundabouts. Work is scheduled to begin in February or March of 2018.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 22 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Lakeside Fellowship United Methodist Church’s new location: 121 N. Henderson Lane in Sanford. The meeting is an informal open house where plans are available for review and project staff is available to address questions.

Persons who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services, free of charge, should contact Ms. Mary Brooks, Quest Corporation of America, by writing to her at 2431 Aloma Avenue, Suite 231, Winter Park, FL 32792, by calling 407-694-5505 or contacting her via email at [email protected]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 800-955-8771 (TDD) or 800-955-8770 (Voice).

Public participation is sought without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status.  Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Jennifer Smith, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator by email at [email protected].

For media inquiries, please contact Steve Olson, FDOT communications manager, at [email protected], or 386-943-5479. Maps and other project information can be found at www.wekivaparkway.com. Follow the project on Facebook and Twitter for real-time updates.

Eastbound I-4 On-Ramp from Universal Boulevard to Close for Five Months

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The eastbound Interstate 4 (I-4) on-ramp from Universal Boulevard will close for five months, beginning around 2 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 19.

A detour map is available to view or download online at: fdot.tips/universal. The detour for this on-going closure is to use the eastbound I-4 on-ramp from Kirkman Road (State Road 435).

The closure of the eastbound I-4 on-ramp from Universal Boulevard allows construction crews to continue building the new I-4 and Kirkman Road interchange. A lot of work already has been completed on the west side of the interchange, including new westbound I-4 exit ramps to southbound and northbound Kirkman Road. Crews are focusing on improvements planned for the east side of the interchange. Closing the Universal Boulevard on-ramp will help crew members work safely and allow the work to move ahead efficiently.

Modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving through the work zone.

For questions, please contact Steve Olson, communications manager, at (386) 943-5479 / [email protected] or David Parks, I-4 ultimate public information officer, at [email protected].

RoadWatch Advisory for I-75 in Charlotte County

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CHARLOTTE COUNTY

I-75 from N. Jones Loop Road (exit 161) to US 17 (exit 164): Construction project: Work continues to widen approximately four miles of the interstate from four to six lanes and widen the bridges over N. Jones Loop Road (exit #161) and Marion Avenue/Riverside Drive/Seminole Gulf Railway.  The project also includes roadway safety improvements and bridge work under I-75 on N. Jones Loop Road, US 17, and Marion Avenue/Riverside Drive.

  • Motorists should expect northbound I-75 traffic to be slowed at the North Jones Loop Road interchange (exit 161) for approximately 15-20 minutes between the nighttime/overnight hours of 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14 for crews to move a crane.  Exit and entrance ramps will remain open.  Law enforcement officers will be onsite to assist. 
  • Motorists should expect Marion Avenue/Riverside Drive fully CLOSED under I-75 for crews to complete bridgework, safety improvements, and roadway work.  This closure is scheduled to remain in place until late spring 2018, weather permitting.  The closure applies to all vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.  
    • Motorists on Marion Avenue, west of the interstate may use Marion Avenue to Marlympia Way to reach US 17.
    • Motorists on Riverside Drive, east of the interstate may use Riverside Drive to Regent Road to reach US 17.
  • Motorists should expect one lane closed in each direction on I-75 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday night through Saturday morning for crews to work in the median. 
  • Motorists should expect lane closures on North Jones Loop Road during daytime hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday for crews to complete bridgework. 
  • Motorists should expect I-75 travel lanes from N. Jones Loop Road to south of the bridge over the Peace River shifted to the outside of the roadway.

Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers that work is underway. Drivers should use caution while traveling in this area and be alert to trucks entering and exiting roadways in the work zone. Estimated completion is early 2019, weather permitting. The contractor is Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC.

W. Pineloch Avenue Closure for SunRail Crossing Replacement

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W. Pineloch Avenue will be closed in both directions closed in both directions at the railroad crossing near Wadsworth Avenue from 7 a.m. Saturday, February 24, to 7 p.m. Sunday, February 25. The closure is necessary to replace the crossing, including removing steep and sloped asphalt between the two tracks, which will improve safety and provide a smoother ride for vehicles crossing the tracks.

Detour route signage will be placed at key locations in the area to direct drivers around the work zone. Access to businesses will be reduced and truck traffic will not be allowed through residential areas. The detour information for the closure is as follows:

  • Westbound W. Pineloch Ave. traffic will be directed to turn right onto S. Orange Ave. and then left onto W. Michigan St., then left on Lake Holden Terrance, left on W. Illiana Ave., right onto Wadsworth Ave., then right to go back onto W. Pineloch Avenue. Local traffic will be permitted to continue west on W. Pineloch Ave. to the closure.
  • Eastbound W. Pineloch Ave. traffic will be directed to turn left onto Wadsworth Ave., left onto W. Illiana Ave, right onto Lake Holden Terrace, right onto W. Michigan St., right onto S. Orange Ave., then left to go back onto W. Pineloch Ave.

Please note that schedules may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Updates can be found on the Florida Department of Transportation’s Central Florida website. For questions, please contact Communications Manager Steve Olson, at 386-943-5479 or [email protected].

Florida Department of Transportation Announces Crossing Guard Appreciation Day and Award Winners

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 Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Safety Office announces Friday, February 2, 2018, as Crossing Guard Appreciation Day to recognize the hard work and dedication of those individuals who keep Florida’s schoolchildren safe as they go to and from school. FDOT works with law enforcement agencies and provides standards and uniform training across the state to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the program.

Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Dew said, “Florida’s schoolchildren are safer because of the work our crossing guards do each day.  Today we honor their service in protecting Florida’s most valuable resource as they bike and walk to school.” 

Every year the department recognizes individuals and organizations exemplifying professionalism and responsibility for the safety of children.

  2017 Florida School Crossing Guards of the Year:

Collier County Sheriff’s Office

  • Becky Beatty

 Pasco County Sheriff’s Office 

  • Donald Niles 

 

 2017 Florida School Crossing Guard of the Year Extra Mile Award:

Seminole County Sheriff’s Office

  • Robert Beltzer

 

2017 School Crossing Guard Programs of the Year:

  • Clearwater Police Department (Large Agency)
  • Seminole County Sheriff’s Office (Medium Agency)

Florida is a national leader in developing crossing guard uniform training guidelines and curriculum. FDOT is dedicated to providing a train-the-trainer program to educate trainers on the safe and effective techniques and crossing procedures used by crossing guards.

Governor Rick Scott issued a proclamation of appreciation. Click here to access the proclamation. 

www.fdot.gov

Gov. Scott Directs FDOT to Implement Evacuation and Fuel Capacity Improvements During Emergencies

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Today, Governor Rick Scott directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to implement both immediate and long-term improvements to help Florida residents, businesses and visitors during emergencies. Following Hurricane Irma, Governor Scott directed FDOT to begin examining ways to help expedite evacuation routes from the I-75/ Florida Turnpike Interchange near Wildwood to the Florida-Georgia border, as well as ways to increase fuel capacity during state storm emergencies. The improvements FDOT is adopting are based on the findings of these reports. 

Governor Scott said, “As Florida continues to recover from Hurricane Irma, the largest storm to impact our state in modern history, it is critically important that we continue to do all we can to make sure our state is fully prepared in the face of any potential disaster. Last fall, I directed FDOT to examine ways to improve evacuations and fuel capacity and following the completion of these reports, I have directed the agency to implement short and long-term improvements that will help protect our families and visitors. These improvements will ensure that Florida continues to be a national leader in emergency management and solely focused on keeping families safe.”

Short-term evacuation-related improvements to be implemented no later than June at the direction of Governor Scott include:

  • Expanding Emergency Shoulder Use (ESU) along key interstate routes;
  • Beginning installation of cameras and dynamic message signs on I-75 from Ocala to the Georgia state line; and
  • Increasing the department’s Florida 511 website system to accommodate increased usage.

Long-term evacuation-related improvements to be implemented at the direction of Governor Scott include:

  • Completing the I-75/Turnpike interchange construction in 2019;
  • Beginning construction to widen Florida’s Turnpike to six lanes from the Lake/Sumter county line to the CR 468 interchange in 2023 and from the CR 468 interchange to I-75 in 2025; and
  • Studying the deployment of traffic management tools along the US 19/98/27 route for emergency evacuation.

Short-term fuel-related improvements to be implemented no later than July at the direction of Governor Scott include:

  • Working with the Division of Emergency Management (DEM) and law enforcement to identify critical gas stations along state evacuation routes and plan for more efficient fuel service during emergencies;
  • Assessing options for expanding fuel capacity at existing department owned facilities for first responders; and
  • Coordinating with neighboring states on a communications plan on the movement of oversize and overweight vehicles during emergencies.

Long-term fuel-related improvements to be implemented at the direction of Governor Scott include:

  • Assessing options for additional fuel storage and dispensing at fuel terminals in collaboration with Florida Ports and the fuel industry.

To view the full FDOT reports, please see the links below:

Hurricane Irma – Emergency Evacuation Report and Recommendations

Hurricane Irma’s Effect on Florida’s Fuel Distribution System and Recommended Improvement

Traffic Diversion Coming in February at U.S. 441 and S.R. 46 as Part of the Wekiva Parkway Project

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Motorists seeing construction work at U.S. 441 and State Road (S.R.) 46 in the Mount Dora area, should be prepared for an upcoming temporary traffic pattern change. In February, all U.S. 441 traffic, and some traffic on S.R. 46 at night, will be diverted along the S.R. 46 southbound on- and off-ramps as part of the Wekiva Parkway/S.R. 429 project. This temporary change also includes a traffic signal at S.R. 46 (see exhibit attached.)
The traffic diversion will allow crews to rebuild this portion of U.S. 441 (shown as the red hashed area in the graphic), which includes removing the overpass bridges. During the nighttime removal of the U.S. 441 bridges, S.R. 46 traffic also will shift onto the nearby temporary pavement. Construction will start with removing the U.S. 441 bridges and building the east side, or future northbound lanes, and the new flyover bridge. Once the east side/future northbound lanes are complete, traffic will switch onto those new lanes while work begins on the west side, or the new southbound lanes.
Post-construction (see attached), the U.S. 441 and S.R. 46 interchange will be an at-grade/ground level, signalized intersection with a flyover ramp that will provide continuous traffic flow for southbound traffic heading east on S.R. 46 toward the parkway.
Once the new outside northbound and southbound lanes of U.S. 441 have been built, traffic will be split to allow building the median and turn lanes.
This work is part of the Wekiva Parkway Sections 3A and 3B construction that began on October 30, 2017, and is scheduled to finish in spring of 2020.
More Project Information
The $1.6 billion Wekiva Parkway will complete the beltway around Central Florida while helping to protect the natural resources surrounding the Wekiva River. The Florida Department of Transportation and the Central Florida Expressway Authority have been working together to build the 25-mile toll road, which provides travel alternatives, enhances safety and relieves congestion on local roads.
Environmentalists refer to the Wekiva Parkway as a good example of transportation planning through environmentally sensitive areas. Authorized by the 2004 Wekiva Parkway & Protection Act, parkway development has included conserving more than 3,400 acres of land. The parkway will include four expansive wildlife bridges, and will be largely elevated to reduce accidents between vehicles and wildlife.
Inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances could delay or prolong work. Motorists are urged to use caution in the construction area for their safety and that of the work crews.
Maps and other project information can be found at wekivaparkway.com.

High School Students Explore Transportation Construction Industry at Central Florida Construction Career Days

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Nearly 3,000 Central Florida junior and senior high school students are building their careers at the 18th annual Central Florida Construction Career Days. The event, hosted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and its industry partners, helps teenagers explore and build a strong foundation for a successful future in transportation construction.
“Construction Career Days is a fantastic way to introduce the builders and tradespeople of tomorrow to our industry today,” said Dora Rockefeller, FDOT District Five Contract Manager and co-chair of the event.
Junior and senior high school students from more than 50 Central Florida high schools throughout eight counties are attending Construction Career Days to learn about the many available opportunities and experience some skilled trades firsthand. Engineers and skilled trade workers from local firms, technical schools and FDOT will hold more than 30 interactive learning labs. Students will even get a chance to try their hand at operating heavy equipment and simulators.
Construction opportunities represented through the program can lead to steady careers.
“These are careers that you can grow with. If you’ve got the ambition and the drive, you can build a career in construction and go far,” said Geoff Scales, Senior Project Manager with Hubbard Construction Company and co-chair of the event.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the number of jobs in the construction field will grow by nearly 22 percent over the next few years, but the current labor pool is shrinking with the average skilled worker retiring at close to 50 years old. That’s why Construction Career Days encourages Central Florida high schoolers to explore the wide variety of opportunities available in the transportation construction industry.
Construction Career Days takes place at the Central Florida Fairgrounds Jan. 25-26 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY: On-site interviews are available with participants, host organizations and companies on Thursday, Jan. 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

SunRail Offering Special Service on Pro Bowl Game Day This Sunday

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SunRail is pleased to announce it is offering special service to support the NFL Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium this Sunday, January 28.
With the NFL Pro Bowl kick-off scheduled Sunday at 3 p.m., SunRail begins service at noon, as the first train leaves southbound from the DeBary Station. Service runs hourly between the DeBary and the Sand Lake Road stations for about eight hours.
Those taking the train should consult the special schedule at sunrail.com and take note of the times of service, including:

  • The last southbound train leaves DeBary at 6 p.m. and makes stops at each station, including pick-ups from LYNX Central Station at 7 p.m. and Church Street Station at 7:03 p.m.
  • The last northbound train leaves the Sand Lake Road station at 7:30 p.m. and makes stops at each station, including pick-ups from Church Street Station at 7:40 p.m. and LYNX Central Station at 7:43 p.m.

In addition to providing service for Pro Bowl attendees, the Sunday service also provides an option for those who wish to try the train, just for fun.
Please remember anytime is train time. Whether at railroad crossings or SunRail platforms, always be on the lookout for a train. Please stay a safe distance away from railroad tracks. Be smart. Be safe.

FDOT Meeting about Potential Improvements to State Road 19 (Central Avenue) in Umatilla

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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public meeting next Tuesday, January 30, to discuss proposed improvements along State Road (S.R.) 19 (Central Avenue) from County Road 450‐A to Bulldog Way in Umatilla. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. with a formal presentation at 6 p.m., followed by a comment period, and will be held at the Umatilla City Hall.
The purpose of this public meeting is to explain the project goals and objectives, and present the final alternative.
The study, which was introduced at a meeting on April 25, 2017, involves a community-based evaluation to determine how to best meet the needs of current and future users, and seeks to identify short- and long-term improvements along the corridor to ensure a balance between land use and transportation. It also the first study to consider Healthy Community Design practices to encourage active transportation and physical activity in the community.
Persons with disabilities who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Dimitre Guenov, Project Planner, at 407-839-4006 or [email protected]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).
Public participation is sought without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status.  Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Jennifer Smith, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator, [email protected].
Project information can also be found on the Central Florida Roads website. Media inquiries should be directed to FDOT Communications Manager Steve Olson, 386-943-5479, or [email protected].
The Florida Department of Transportation urges drivers to not text and drive, and to always wear a seatbelt.