Governor Rick Scott today directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to suspend tolls across the entire State of Florida in preparation for Hurricane Irma. By suspending all tolls, Floridians and visitors will more easily be able to prepare for any potential storm impacts, access important hurricane supplies, and quickly and safely evacuate when necessary.
Governor Scott said, “In preparation for the potential impacts of Hurricane Irma, I have directed the Florida Department of Transportation to suspend all tolls across the State of Florida to keep traffic flowing. They will be suspended for the duration of the storm’s impacts to Florida. Ensuring the safety of Florida families and visitors is our top priority and suspending tolls statewide will help people quickly evacuate and make it easier for all Floridians to access important hurricane supplies to ensure they are fully prepared. FDOT has been in constant contact with local districts and stands ready to provide traffic assistance alongside the Florida Highway Patrol and their law enforcement partners. We are continuing to closely monitor the developments of Hurricane Irma and will continue to take aggressive action to keep our state safe.”
FDOT
Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission (CFCRC) Meeting August 30, 2017
The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission (CFCRC), the SunRail advisory board comprised of elected leaders from the five local funding partners, will meet Wednesday, August 30, 2017 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Metroplan Orlando offices, located at 250 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 200, Orlando, Florida 32801. This meeting site is conveniently located near the Church Street Station platforms. Please check SunRail arrival and departure times at www.sunrail.com.
Persons with disabilities who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Jessica Ottaviano, FDOT Public Information Specialist, 719 S. Woodland Boulevard, DeLand, FL 32720, or by phone at 386-943-5473, or by email at [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. 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 solicited 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 phone at 386-943-5367, or via email at [email protected].
Questions? Please contact Steve Olson of the Florida Department of Transportation at [email protected] /386-943-5479.
Please be careful around trains, railroad crossings, and while at station platforms. Be smart. Be safe. For more information about SunRail, including fares, schedule and station locations, please visit www.sunrail.com.
Florida’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coalition Urges Drivers to Stop on Red
This week marks National Stop on Red Week, and members of Florida’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coalition will be on the street across the state reminding everyone to Stop on Red including when making a right turn. Created by the Federal Highway Administration, National Stop on Red Week aims to educate drivers about the dangers of red-light running and to reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes.
“Pedestrian and bicyclist safety are our highest priorities,” said Trenda McPherson, FDOT State Bicycle Pedestrian Safety Program Manager. “By improving intersection safety, we are contributing to a better quality of life for those choosing to walk or bike as alternative modes of transportation.”
In an effort to promote the safety of our most vulnerable road users, FDOT has organized teams to conduct on-street safety. The local effort is occurring Friday, August 11, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the intersection of S. Orange Blossom Trail and W. South Street, in partnership with the National Coalition for Safer Roads, the City of Orlando, and Bike Walk Central Florida.
Tips for reducing intersection crashes include:
- When approaching a traffic light you should ALWAYS be prepared to STOP on RED.
- After stopping, you may turn right on red ONLY if the way is clear of pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists, and there is no sign posted that prohibits right turns on red
- Always SHARE THE ROAD safely
- Pedestrians should always USE THE CROSSWALK, and even when you have the signal to cross, look twice for approaching motorists or bicyclists before entering the street/intersection.
- Bicyclists have the same responsibilities as motorists. You should always obey traffic signals and ride predictably,WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC.
Find the Best Route to International Champions Cup Matches with Florida 511
Download the free mobile app, visit FL511.com or follow #FL511 on Twitter
With tens of thousands of soccer fans expected to attend International Champions Cup (ICC) matches in Miami and Orlando, the Florida Department of Transportation encourages residents and visitors to check roadway conditions using the Florida 511 Traveler Information System for a safe arrival with fewer delays.
Three ICC matches will be played in Florida this year. Paris Saint-Germain will take on Tottenham Hotspur at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, July 22. Paris Saint-Germain will play Juventus at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Wednesday July 26. Real Madrid C.F. will face FC Barcelona in the 2017 El Clásico Miami at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, July 29.
Before leaving for a game, soccer fans can check the statewide interactive road map on FL511.com for real-time local traffic information in English or Spanish, including current traffic speeds, congestion, incidents, closures, construction and more. Drivers also can view traffic cameras showing current driving conditions on I-4, I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike.
After the game, motorists should check the free Florida 511 mobile app, available on Google Play or the Apple App Store, for current conditions on their planned route. Drivers also can select an alternate route if necessary.
Travelers can register on the website or mobile app for a free My Florida 511 personalized services account to create door-to-door routes to the stadiums, hotels, restaurants and other favorite destinations. Registered users can learn about travel times and traffic incidents on their routes via custom email and text alerts.
Additional ways to receive traffic information from Florida 511 include calling 511 toll-free from any phone in the state, and following one or more of the statewide, regional, roadway-specific or Spanish-language Twitter feeds (#FL511), including @FL511_Central, @FL_511_I4, @FL511_Turnpike, @FL511_I95, @FL511_Southeast, @FL511_95Express and @FL511_Estatal.
FDOT encourages all drivers to visit the Florida 511 website before leaving or have a passenger check the mobile app to avoid using a phone while driving.
FDOT holds public hearing for Babcock Street improvements
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will have a public hearing 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at the Captain’s House located at 1300 Bianca Drive N.E. in Palm Bay, regarding the design plans for proposed improvements to Babcock Street (State Road (S.R.) 507).
The project begins at Malabar Road (S.R. 514) and extends north to Palm Bay Road (County Road (C.R.) 516), a distance of approximately 2.5 miles.
The proposed improvements include widening Babcock Street to a six-lane, divided roadway and will include bicycle lanes and sidewalks. The design will also include a northbound bridge replacement and a southbound bridge widening over the Melbourne-Tillman Canal. The design is scheduled for completion in 2018.
The purpose of this public hearing is to present information and receive public input regarding the proposed access changes related to the proposed widening of Babcock Street (S.R. 507). It begins with an open house at 5:30 p.m., when participants may review project information and discuss the project with staff. There is a brief presentation at 6:30 p.m., after which participants may provide comments to all present. The hearing ends at 7:30 p.m. Staff members will be available to discuss the project and answer any questions before and after the presentation.
Participants may provide public comments directly to a court reporter at any time during the hearing. Written comments can be submitted at this hearing, by mail to Beata Stys-Pałasz, FDOT Project Manager, 719 South Woodland Boulevard, DeLand, FL 32720 or by e-mail to [email protected] no later than Friday, July 28, 2017. All comments, written and oral, will become part of the project’s public record.
Public participation is solicited 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 phone at 386-943-5367, or via e-mail at [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 Beata Stys-Pałasz at 386-943-5418 or by e-mail at [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing. 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).
Upcoming Public Meeting for the South Lake Trail Design Project
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is conducting a public information meeting regarding the South Lake Trial, Phase IV design project which involves eight miles of new trail construction, trail head facilities, cattle crossings, pedestrian overpass and underpass structures and landscaping.
The meeting will be held on Monday, July 10, 2017, at the Tedder-Thomas Memorial Civic Center, 121 N. Sunset Avenue, Mascotte, Florida 34753. The meeting will be an open house from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The purpose of this public information meeting is to receive public input and to gain ideas from the local community about the proposed improvement. FDOT staff will be available to discuss the plans and answer questions.
Persons with disabilities who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Ada Vargas, 1800 Pembrook Drive, Suite 265, Orlando, Florida 32810; telephone 407-401-8527; or via email at [email protected] at least seven days prior to the meeting. 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 solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, 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 phone at 386-943-5367, or via email at [email protected].
Participants may also provide public comments at any time during the meeting. Written comments can be submitted at this meeting, or by mail no later than July 17, 2017, to Ada Vargas, 1800 Pembrook Drive, Suite 265, Orlando, Florida 32810..
Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT Public Information Office at 386-943-5473 /[email protected].
Additional source for information on state roadway projects in Central Florida is just a click away. Visit our website at www.cflroads.com.
Central Florida Commuter Rail Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting July 12, 2017
The Central Florida Commuter Rail Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meets Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at LYNX Central Station, in the 2nd floor Multipurpose Room, located at 455 N. Garland Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801. The TAC is comprised of appointed city and county officials.
This meeting site is conveniently located near the LYNX Station platforms. Please check SunRail arrival and departure times at www.sunrail.com.
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Ms. Jessica Ottaviano, FDOT Public Information Specialist, 719 S. Woodland Boulevard, DeLand, FL 32720, or by phone at 386-943-5473, or by email at [email protected].
Questions? Please contact Steve Olson of the Florida Department of Transportation at [email protected] /386-943-5479.
Please be careful around trains, railroad crossings, and while at station platforms. Be smart. Be safe. For more information about SunRail, including fares, schedule and station locations, please visit www.sunrail.com.
Public Hearing for SR 29 Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study
From CR 80A (Cowboy Way) to CR 731 (Whidden Road) in Glades and Hendry Counties
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is hosting a public hearing, as part of the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for proposed improvements to State Road (SR) 29 from CR 80A (Cowboy Way) to CR 731 (Whidden Road) in Hendry and Glades Counties, Florida. The project consists of widening SR 29 to four-lanes within the project limits, including the addition of a new bridge over the Caloosahatchee River.
The public hearing will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at LaBelle Civic Center, 481 Highway 80 West (behind City Hall), LaBelle, FL, 33935.
An open house begins at 5 p.m. where people can view the recommended conceptual plans, draft project documents and other project-related materials. Department representatives will be available beginning at 5 p.m. to discuss the project and answer questions. The formal portion of the hearing will begin at 6 p.m., and will include introductory remarks by the hearing moderator, a video presentation describing the project, and a public comment period. Written comments will also be accepted. Following the formal portion, the informal open house will resume and continue until 7 p.m.
The draft project documents and other information are available for public review through July 10, 2017 at the Barron Library, 461 N Main Street, LaBelle. Business hours are: Monday & Thursday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on the project website.
This hearing offers people the opportunity to express their views about the location; conceptual design; and social, economic, and environmental effects of the widening of SR 29 to four-lanes, including the addition of a new bridge over the Caloosahatchee River.
FDOT representatives will be present to answer questions prior to and following the formal portion of the hearing. Interested parties may submit written comments at the hearing or at a later date to Ms. Gwen G. Pipkin, FDOT Project Manager at 801 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830, by telephone at 863-519-2375 or toll-free at 1-800-292-3368 Ext. 2375, or by email to [email protected]. All exhibits or statements postmarked on or before July 10, 2017 will become part of the public hearing record.
FDOT hosts hearing for State Road 500 (U.S. 441) improvement
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will host a public hearing regarding proposed improvements to State Road (S.R.) 500 (U.S. 441) from west of S.R. 451 to S.R. 429 Connector Road in Orange County.
The proposed improvements consist of the rehabilitation of the asphalt pavement, which includes; shoulder widening, driveway reconstruction within the limits of the proposed shoulder widening, curb and median modifications, drainage improvements, utility coordination, traffic operations improvements, and surveying. The project also includes multimodal enhancements consisting of bicycle, sidewalk, and transit improvements. This design project is scheduled for completion in early 2018. The proposed improvements are funded for construction in Fiscal Year 2018.
The public hearing will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 29, 2017 at the Apopka Community Center located at 519 South Central Avenue in Apopka. There will be a brief presentation at 6:30 p.m., after which participants may provide comments to all present.
Public participation is solicited 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 phone at (386) 943-5367, or via e-mail at [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 Gene Varano at 386-943-5145 or by e-mail at [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing. 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).
For more information about the project, visit the project website at www.cflroads.com.
Florida’s first funded SUN Trail Project Breaks Ground in Edgewater
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) joined the City of Edgewater, Volusia County, and local officials in celebrating the groundbreaking of the first project to receive funding under the Shared Use Nonmotorized (SUN) Trail program.
Established during the 2015 legislative session and administered by the Florida Department of Transportation, the SUN Trail program is allocated $25 million annually, from new vehicle tag fees, to expand the statewide network of paved trails. In October 2016, a total of $44,434,543 million was awarded to 45 separate projects located across 21 counties throughout Florida. This project received $1.1 million. All of the selected projects are on the SUN Trail network, which consists of the developing statewide system of paved multi-use trails for bicyclists and pedestrians, physically separated from vehicular traffic.
Construction of this first segment, between Dale Avenue and 10th Street, will help close a critical gap by connecting the existing East Central Regional Rail Trail and Daytona State College. The project is located along the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop, which is a developing 260-mile regional trail system that will link together several communities including Edgewater, New Smyrna Beach, Titusville, DeLand and Palatka.
FDOT Secretary Mike Dew said, “Today’s momentous event marks not just the beginning of construction – but showcases how funding provided through the SUN Trail Program can help communities develop essential links for multi-use trails, as well as extending multimodal transportation options available for Florida’s residents and visitors and growing our economy.”
More information about the SUN Trail program can be found at http://floridasuntrail.com.
