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SunRail Offering Special Train Service December 28 and New Year’s Day

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Orlando – SunRail is pleased to announce it is offering special service to support bowl games next week and on New Year’s Day.

On Thursday, December 28th SunRail is running special night service as a transportation option for those attending the Camping World Bowl at Camping World Stadium, featuring Virginia Tech vs Oklahoma State. Special night trains will leave from LYNX Central Station at the following times:

  • Northbound

9:28 p.m.

10:18 p.m.

  • Southbound

8:48 p.m.

9:49 p.m.

On New Year’s Day, SunRail is offering more than 11 hours of special service, with the first southbound train leaving DeBary at 8 a.m., and the last northbound train leaving Sand Lake Road at 6:15 p.m., arriving in DeBary at 7:18 p.m. Please see the special schedule atwww.sunrail.com.

This New Year’s Day special service provides a transportation option to those attending the Overton’s Citrus Bowl game featuring Notre Dame vs LSU at Camping World stadium in downtown Orlando. It also provides a transportation option for those who wish to try the train and tour local sites along the SunRail service area on New Year’s Day

For those attending the bowl games there is shuttle bus service available between LYNX Central Station and Camping World Stadium for both events. For further information: www.golynx.com.

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.

I-4 Ultimate Project Limits Closures for Holidays

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ORLANDO — Nighttime lane, ramp and road closures on the I-4 Ultimate project will scale down during the winter holidays.

The majority of construction closures on the interstate will be suspended from Midnight Saturday, December 24, until the morning of Tuesday, January 2. The I-4 Ultimate project, which extends 21 miles from west of Kirkman Road to east of State Road 434, will be open to holiday traffic; however, motorists should expect the following late-night closures:

  • On December 26-31, nightly closures of John Young Parkway (S.R. 423) under I-4 beginning each night at 11:30 p.m. and ending at 5:30 a.m. Access to all I-4 ramps at the interchange will remain open during the nighttime closure. Detour Map
  • On December 27-30, nightly closures of Division Avenue from Gore Street to Anderson Street beginning each night at 10 p.m. and ending at 5 a.m. The westbound S.R. 408 on-ramp from Division Avenue will remain open during the nighttime closure. Motorists can access the ramp from Anderson Street. Detour Map
  • Single lane closures after 11 p.m. on the eastbound Interstate 4 (I-4) exit and entrance ramps at State Road (S.R.) 436.
  • Right lane closures after 11 p.m. on eastbound and westbound S.R. 436 from the I-4 interchange to Northlake Boulevard.
  • Additional nighttime lane closures may be required on local roads near the I-4/S.R. 436 interchange, including Central Parkway, Douglas Avenue, Westmonte Drive and Wymore Road.

Although the majority of regularly scheduled I-4 Ultimate construction closures are not occurring over the holidays, existing work zones will remain in effect and crews will continue to maintain travel lanes and conduct routine maintenance. Maintenance work often requires nighttime lane closures, such as work on December 27-20 from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. to replace reflective pavement markings on eastbound and westbound I-4 from Conroy Road to Ivanhoe Boulevard.

Motorists are reminded to use caution while traveling through work zones around barricades and equipment. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) encourages drivers to plan for additional travel time during the holidays. Drivers are urged to make sure they buckle up, along with their passengers. FDOT and other safety agencies also ask drivers to obey speed limits, get adequate rest before traveling, avoid distractions and never drink and drive.

FDOT advises drivers to slow down in construction zones; the life you save may be your own.

RoadWatch Advisory for Laurel Road at Legacy Trail in Sarasota County

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SARASOTA COUNTY
Laurel Road at the Legacy Trail: Construction project: Crews are removing a mast arm as part of ongoing construction for the Legacy Trail pedestrian overpass. Motorists should expect daytime intermittent, short-term east and westbound lane closures controlled by flaggers on Thursday, December 14, while crews remove the mast arm. Trail users should also be prepared for intermittent, short-term delays during this time.

FDOT to Hold Public Meeting on State Road 436/South Semoran Boulevard Safety Improvements

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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will conduct a public hearing Tuesday, December 19, from 5-7 p.m. regarding proposed safety improvements on State Road (S.R.) 436/South Semoran Boulevard just south of S.R. 552/Curry Ford Road. The meeting will start as an open house at 5 p.m. with a presentation at 6 p.m. followed by public comments, and will be held at the FDOT Urban Office located at 133 South Semoran Boulevard, Orlando, FL, 32807.
The proposed safety project addresses operational and safety concerns in the area by converting the full median opening at the Ross entrance driveway to a bi-directional median opening with a new traffic signal providing a protected left turn from S.R. 436. This modification reduces traffic conflict points at the intersection, improving safety. Southbound and northbound left turns into the shopping centers will still be permitted, but left turns out will be prohibited. As part of the improvements, the left turn lanes to the south of this driveway intersection will also be lengthened, allowing for more queue space.
This public hearing is being conducted to give interested persons an opportunity to express their views concerning the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed improvements. Draft project documents are available for public review until January 2, 2018 at the FDOT Urban Office, 133 South Semoran Boulevard, Orlando, FL, 32807, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5p.m.
Persons wishing to submit statements, in place of or in addition to oral statements, may do so at the hearing, or by sending them to: Dave Mixon, FDOT, District Five Roadway Design, 719 S. Woodland Boulevard, M.S. No. 562, DeLand, FL 32720 or [email protected].
Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Kelly Hiden, Public Involvement Coordinator, 407-508-0839, 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 at [email protected].
Media inquiries can be directed to Communications Manager Steve Olson, 386-943-5479, [email protected].

RoadWatch Advisory: I-75 at SR 64 Ramp Changes in Manatee County

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I-75 at SR 64/Manatee Avenue Interchange: Construction project: Crews are currently excavating for ponds, widening northbound and southbound I-75, performing bridge work, and constructing the southbound I-75 barrier wall.  The Florida Department of Transportation is announcing SR 64 road closures for east and westbound traffic.

  • SR 64 CLOSURES – EASTBOUND
    • SR 64 eastbound will be CLOSED through the interchange overnight from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Monday, December 11, and Tuesday, December 12.
      A DETOUR will be in effect during the closure.  Motorists heading eastbound may use SR 64 eastbound to I-75 southbound; exit at Exit 217 SR 70 and make a left at end of exit ramp; take I-75 northbound to Exit 220B SR 64.  Signs will be posted to assist drivers.  Motorists are urged to use the detour or to find an alternate route, exercise caution through the construction zone, and to allow additional travel time.
    • I-75 southbound traffic wanting to exit to eastbound SR 64 should continue to Exit 217 SR 70 and make a left at end of exit ramp; take I-75 northbound to Exit 220B SR 64.  Signs will be posted to assist drivers.  Closures will be in effect during the overnight hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Monday, December 11, and Tuesday, December 12.
  • SR 64 CLOSURES – EASTBOUND
    • SR 64 westbound will be CLOSED through the interchange overnight from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Wednesday, December 13, and Thursday, December 14.  Motorists heading westbound may use SR 64 westbound to I-75 northbound; exit at Exit 224 US 301 and make a right at end of exit ramp; take I-75 southbound to Exit 220 SR 64. Signs will be posted to assist drivers.  Motorists are urged to use the detour or to find an alternate route, exercise caution through the construction zone, and to allow additional travel time.
    • I-75 northbound traffic wanting to exit to westbound SR 64 should continue to Exit 224 US 301 and make a right at end of exit ramp; take I-75 southbound to Exit 220 SR 64. Signs will be posted to assist drivers.   Closures will be in effect during the overnight hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Wednesday, December 13, and Thursday, December 14.
  • Motorists should expect the I-75 northbound exit (Exit 220A) CLOSED until late Summer 2018 for crews to reconstruct the ramp, weather permitting. Motorists must use Exit 220B to reach eastbound or westbound SR 64/Manatee Avenue.

This project reconstructs the interchange, widens interchange ramps and SR 64, and installs sidewalks and bicycle lanes on SR 64. Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers that work is underway. Drivers should use caution while traveling in this area. Estimated completion is late 2019. The contractor is Prince Contracting LLC.

New Traffic Pattern on State Road 434 in Oviedo

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Early Tuesday morning, December 12, the newly constructed northbound lane of State Road (S.R.) 434 (N. Central Avenue) from the Cross Seminole Trail to West Broadway Street will be open to motorists.
The work is part of a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) project to widen S.R. 434 between W. Broadway Street and E. Franklin Street.
Access to all businesses will be maintained.
Please note the work schedule may change due to weather or other unexpected conditions. Project updates will be posted to the FDOT’s Central Florida website, www.cflroads.com.
For construction-related questions, please contact the Public Information Coordinator for the project, Alicia Arroyo at 407-482-7813 or [email protected]. Media inquiries should be directed to FDOT Communications Manager Steve Olson at 386-943-5479 or [email protected].

FDOT to Begin Concrete Repairs on S.R. 44 in DeLand

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The Florida Department of Transportation is starting a project to help make the ride smoother along a portion of State Road (S.R.) 44/New York Avenue in DeLand. Crews will be sealing cracks in the concrete and removing and replacing damaged concrete slabs at various locations between Boundary and Hill avenues.
Construction is to begin Monday, Dec. 11, at Boundary Avenue, moving east, and is expected to finish in fall 2018.  The project also includes replacing the concrete at the intersection of Plymouth Avenue and Woodland Boulevard, which is expected to occur toward the end of the project.
During construction, motorists can expect daytime and nighttime lane closures with flagging operations on S.R. 44, as well as nighttime detours. No lane closures are permitted during peak morning and afternoon travel between Clara and Fairview avenues, and no daytime lane closures are permitted on Woodland Boulevard.
Please note that construction schedules may change due to weather or other circumstances. Electronic message boards will be used to alert motorists to lane closures and detours, and updates will be available on the FDOT’s Central Florida website CFLRoads.com.
Media inquiries should be directed to FDOT Communications Manager Steve Olson at 386-943-5479 or [email protected]. Other construction-related questions may be directed to Carolyn Fitzwilliam, Public Information Coordinator, 386-740-3566 or [email protected].

Florida Department of Transportation Recognizes Glenn Burns with Garry Balogh Award

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On Friday, October 6, Mr. Glenn Burns of Montverde was presented the Garry Balogh Inspiring Excellence Award; the highest honor bestowed by the Florida Department of Transportation, Scenic Highways Program. The award recognizes leadership, innovation, stewardship, and achievements that have made a significant and lasting impact on a scenic highway, scenic highway community, or the statewide program.
Mr. Burns, a local leader and 17-year advocate for the Green Mountain Scenic Highway, accepted the award at the Oakland Nature Preserve; celebrating there with thirty close friends and family. The award was established in 2015 to honor Garry Balogh, a popular Department of Transportation employee responsible for the designation and successful implementation of many Florida Scenic Highways, including Green Mountain. Mr. Burns served the Green Mountain Scenic Byway as community liaison, administrator and grant writer, but also spent countless hours representing the byway at public meetings and special events. His deep institutional knowledge helped guide new board members, and he is described by many as Green Mountain’s greatest champion.
Garry Balogh and Glenn Burns actually worked together closely for many years. According to Green Mountain Chairman Greg Gensheimer, “Like Garry, Glenn has lead from behind the scenes. There’s no rah-rah speeches, no war cries, no rallying of the troops. When the rest of us got to where we were going, Glenn and Garry were there and we understood the effect of their efforts.” Mike Dew, Secretary, Florida Department of Transportation, offered his congratulations to Mr. Burns, and noted, “Glenn’s contributions to the Green Mountain Scenic Byway are significant and lasting.”

RoadWatch Advisory: SR 60 Lane Closures

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POLK COUNTY
SR 60 west of FDOT Operations Center: Maintenance permit project: Expect intermittent westbound lane closures on State Road 60, just west of the FDOT Operations Center, Monday December 4 through Wednesday, December 6, while crews begin work to remove equipment and repair the roadway. Intermittent eastbound lane closures are expected to begin on Thursday, December 7, or as soon as work is completed on the westbound lanes. Work is expected to continue through Friday, December 15.  Use caution and plan extra travel time while driving in this area.

Gov. Scott's Securing Florida's Future Budget Invests a Record $10.8 Billion in Florida's Transportation and Infrastructure

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Governor Rick Scott today announced the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will receive a historic $10.8 billion in the recommended FY 2018-2019 Securing Florida’s Future budget to keep Florida’s transportation and infrastructure system the best in the nation.
Governor Scott said, “Transportation infrastructure plays an important role in helping support our booming economy, growing population and record numbers of visitors. By making historic investments in Florida’s transportation system for the past five years, we have solidified Florida as a national leader and a global destination for trade. I am proud to announce that the Securing Florida’s Future budget will continue this success with a $10.8 billion investment in our roads, bridges, airports and seaports, which will make sure our state remains prepared for future growth and job creation.” 
The Governor’s FY 2018-2019 transportation budget makes the following investments:

  • $1 billion to expand transportation system capacity, which includes adding 269 new lane miles
  • $186.1 million for safety initiatives
  • $171.6 million in seaport infrastructure improvements
  • $359.0 million for aviation improvements
  • $167.7 million for scheduled repair of 63 bridges and replacement of 18 bridges
  • $1 billion for maintenance and operation
  • $568 million for public transit development grants
  • $151.3 million for bike and pedestrian trails of which $26.7 million is for SUN Trail.

Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Dew said, “Governor Scott’s record transportation budget continues to give Florida the best infrastructure in the nation. The additional transportation investment increases our state’s economic activity, creates jobs and gets our residents to their work and back to their families safely and efficiently.”
The Governor’s Securing Florida’s Future budget makes the following transportation investments: 
Northeast Florida  

  • $23.5M to continue state contributions for the JAXPORT channel deepening and widening project. Along with local and federal funding, this state investment will continue the United States Army Corps of Engineers efforts to expand the waterway, thus strengthening Florida’s position as a national cargo gateway.
  • $34M for the long-term repair of SR A1A Segment 3 from North of 18th Street to South of Osprey Drive in Flagler Beach and Beverly Beach, Flagler County. This section of roadway was damaged in 2016 during Hurricane Matthew. The recommended improvement in this section involves constructing approximately 5,000 feet of buried retaining wall to help this area better withstand storms.
  • $289M project for construction of the First Coast Expressway into Clay and St. Johns counties. The project will increase capacity and relieve congestion for traveling motorists on the East Coast of Florida by providing a limited access, all-electronic toll roadway.
  • $15M for a new, two-lane roadway 3.4 miles in length beginning at the western terminus of Arnold Road and ending at the intersection of Lannie Road and Ethel Road in Duval County. This project will provide direct access from Interstate 95 to the Jacksonville National Cemetery.
  • $66M project to expand SR 20 from the Alachua County line to Southwest 56th Avenue, Putnam County. This project is vital as it will provide additional capacity for the Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) between Gainesville and Palatka and will relieve traffic congestion in the area.

Northwest Florida

  • $45M to widen from two to six lanes and reconstruct existing lanes on SR 390 (St. Andrews Boulevard) from CR 2312 (Baldwin Road) to Jenks Avenue, Bay County. The project will improve the corridor with the addition of six 12-foot travel lanes separated by a 22-foot median and four-foot bicycle lanes. Six-foot sidewalks will be constructed along both sides of the roadway.
  • $1.25M for dredging project to widen and deepen Berth 3 in the Port of Panama City, Bay County. The project allows the p ort to accommodate larger vessels at West Berth 3, and allows barges and shallow-draft vessels to access Berth 3 directly from the Intracoastal Waterway. This project will significantly increase capacity for the port and the overall Strategic Intermodal System.
  • $5M to reconfigure SR 363 (Woodville Highway) from Gaile Avenue to Paul Russell Road, Leon County. The project will reconfigure about 0.5 mile of SR 363 and SR 61 (Crawfordville Road) creating a roundabout-like loop of one-way pairs and will include an extension of Tram Road.

Southwest Florida 

  • $24M to add lanes and reconstruct US 41 Venice Bypass from Center Road to Gulf Coast Boulevard in Sarasota County. The improvements to US 41 include reconstructing the existing four-lane roadway to a six-lane roadway with curb and gutter, six-foot wide sidewalk, new storm sewer and highway lighting.
  • $37M to widen from two lanes to four lanes the section of SR 82 from Gator Slough Lane to SR 29 in Collier County.  The 3.2 mile project will increase capacity to accommodate current traffic and future growth in the area.  This project is part of the planned widening of 23-miles of SR 82.
  • $15M to expand the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) commercial terminal in Lee County.  The expansion includes added security checkpoints, public walkways, gates, operations areas and associated concourse areas. RSW has been experiencing record breaking passenger movements and the trend is forecasted to continue. Air carriers are responding to market demands for additional capacity and are flying larger aircraft to accommodate this need. The RSW terminal capacity is constrained and the expansion will increase capacity enabling passengers to move efficiently and safely through the airport.

Southeast Florida 

  • $157M to add express lanes to I-95 from Glades Road to Linton Blvd and improve interchanges at both I-95/Glades Road and I-95/Linton Blvd, Palm Beach County. Additional improvements will be made on Glades Road and Linton Blvd east and west of the interchanges.  The added capacity will improve the interchanges to increase mobility, relieve congestion and accommodate future growth in the region.
  • $28M to widen 7.5 miles of the Sawgrass Expressway/SR 869 between Sunrise Boulevard and Atlantic Boulevard, Broward County. The project will increase the number of travel lanes from six to 10, and includes two express lanes in each direction.  The project will result in a total of two express lanes and three general toll lanes in each direction. Work includes pavement widening, reconstruction, milling and resurfacing, and interchange improvements. The project will increase mobility, relieve congestion and accommodate future growth in the region.
  • $218M to widen six miles of the Turnpike/SR 821 between the Dolphin Expressway/SR 836 and NW 106th Street, Miami-Dade County. The widening will increase the number of travel lanes from six to 10 and includes two express lanes in each direction. The project will result in a total of two express lanes and three general toll lanes in each direction. Work includes pavement widening, reconstruction, milling and resurfacing, major bridge and storm water drainage improvements, as well as construction of noise walls in select areas. The project will increase mobility, relieve congestion and accommodate future growth in the region.

East Central Florida

  • $8.6M for continued investment in the Space Florida Horizontal Launch Cargo Processing improvements in Brevard County. This project demonstrates Florida’s leadership and commitment to space flight and related businesses as the Space Center continues its transition to commercial space flight. The improvements will continue to attract commercial activity to the area and support the increasing number of launches at the Spaceport.
  • $38M to widen US 41/SR 45 from two to four lanes in Marion County near the City of Dunnellon. This nearly four-mile project improves safety, connectivity and mobility in western Marion County and includes grassy medians, paved shoulders, sidewalks, as well as full and directional median openings.
  • $22M to widen from two lanes to four lanes more than two miles of SR 600/US 17-92, from west of Poinciana Boulevard to CR 535, Osceola County. The project will increase safety and reduce congestion for commuters in the area. This corridor is also near the southern terminus of SunRail’s Phase 2 South expansion.
  • $325M to link Wekiva Parkway/SR 429 to Interstate 4 and SR 417 in Seminole County. This 2.6-mile project extends from Orange Boulevard to east of Rinehart Road and provides interconnectivity between two major limited access facilities. This will complete the northwest beltway around Orlando resulting in improved safety and mobility for the region.

West Central Florida 

  • $36M project to increase lanes on SR 50 from four to six lanes between Windmere Road and McKethan Road, Hernando County. The project will improve connectivity between I-75 and US 301. Improvements also include sidewalks, trails and buffered bike lanes.
  • $75M project to widen from two to six lanes a section of SR 52 (Schrader Highway) between the Suncoast Parkway and US 41 in Pasco County.  The project will significantly improve connectivity between the two major north-south routes allowing for increased capacity to accommodate future demand.
  • $81M realignment of SR 52 from Uradco Place to West of Fort King Road, Pasco County. The proposed four-lane urban facility will increase capacity, improve travel options, facilitate freight movements and support economic growth. Serving as an additional east-west route in the regional transportation network, SR 52 will improve connectivity between I-75 and US 301.
  • $26M project to construct a new roadway connecting CR 578 (County Line Road) at the Pasco/Hernando County line to US 41 (SR 45) at Ayres Road in Hernando County.  The extension will provide a continuous east-west travel route from US 19 to west of I-75 and facilitate new access to the Hernando County Airport in accordance with the Hernando County Airport Master Plan.

Florida Transportation Commission Chairman Jay Trumbull said, “Governor Scott’s record of prudent, consistent growth in his transportation budgets continues to stimulate increased economic activity and population growth. He recognizes that these investments are necessary to continue our upward trend.”
Florida Transportation Builders’ Association President Bob Burleson said, “Governor Scott’s budget continues his commitment to providing Florida’s families and visitors a safe and congestion-free transportation system through strategic infrastructure investments.”
Florida Ports Council President and CEO Doug Wheeler said, “The record growth in Florida’s seaports are a direct result of the over $1 billion investment by Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature. More competitive, efficient and safer than ever, Florida’s ports make the state a worldwide hub for international commerce and destination cruises.”
Floridians for Better Transportation President Sally Patrenos said, “Governor Scott knows that we need to seek innovative solutions today to solve tomorrow’s transportation challenges. His budget builds on his record levels of infrastructure funding to prepare us for future growth.”
Florida Public Transportation Association Executive Director Lisa M. Bacot said, “As Florida prepares for future growth and demand on our transit systems, Governor Scott continues to prioritize public transportation solutions for those who rely on it every day.”
Florida Airports Council President and CEO Lisa Lyle Waters said, “Florida’s airports continue to see record passenger and business growth and are among our nation’s leaders in passenger volume as a result of unprecedented investments by Governor Scott. This year’s budget builds on a billion dollar foundation to create a safe and efficient airport network for Florida’s families, businesses and visitors.”