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Find the Best Route to the USRowing Youth National Championships with Florida 511

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Download the free mobile app or visit FL511.com
to check routes to Nathan Benderson Park

Rowing fans can glide through traffic with Florida 511 while on their way to the 2017 USRowing Youth National Championships at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Friday, June 9 through Sunday, June 11.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) encourages residents and visitors attending the three-day event to use the Florida 511 Traveler Information System to arrive safely and with fewer delays.
Fans should check the interactive road map on FL511.com before leaving for real-time traffic information and incident alerts in English or Spanish. Drivers also can view roadway cameras and check travel speeds on roads near the competition venue, including I-75.
The free Florida 511 mobile app, available on the Apple App Store or Google Play, features an interactive map showing traffic speeds and incidents on roads around the user’s location.
Rowing fans can register on the website or mobile app for a My Florida 511 personalized services account to create a custom door-to-door route to Nathan Benderson Park or other favorite destinations. Route-specific text and email alerts can include travel speeds, travel time estimates and traffic information.
Additional ways to receive information from Florida 511 include calling 511 toll-free from any phone in the state or following any of the statewide, regional or roadway-specific Twitter feeds (#FL511), such as @FL511_Southwest and @FL511_I75.
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.

Three Names Given to Governor for Secretary of Florida Department of Transportation

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Richard M. Biter, Michael J. Dew, and Ronald S. Howse, P.E./P.S.M.

The Florida Transportation Commission today nominated three candidates for Governor Scott’s consideration for the position of Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, pursuant to section 20.23 (1)(a), Florida Statutes. The nominees, in alphabetical order, are:

  • Richard M. Biter, former assistant secretary of Intermodal Systems Development, Florida Department of Transportation;
  • Michael J. Dew, chief of staff, Florida Department of Transportation; and,
  • Ronald S. Howse, P.E./P.S.M., commissioner, Florida Transportation Commission.

The Commission received resumes from 127 applicants, all of which were reviewed by the staff and Commissioners. The Commission met by teleconference on Thursday, May 4th where twelve candidates were discussed and it was determined that five finalists should be invited for an interview. On Thursday, May 11th, the Commission conducted interviews with five candidates in a meeting open to the public via GoToWebinar.

The nationwide search included advertising the position on LinkedIn, Monster.com, several national engineering association sites, and notified all state transportation departments through the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials as well as contacting many state and national trade organizations.

On Monday, January 23, Governor Rick Scott announced the resignation of Secretary Jim Boxold, who began his appointment on January 3, 2015, effective February 3, 2017. Assistant Secretary for Finance and Administration Rachel Cone has been serving as Interim Secretary since that date.

The Florida Transportation Commission is an appointed body that provides performance and fiscal oversight of the FDOT, and makes transportation policy recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature.

Weekend Closure on Taft Vineland Road

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West Taft Vineland will be closed in both directions at the railroad crossing east of Sidney Hayes Road from 9 p.m. Friday, May 12, through 3 a.m. Monday, May 15.
During the closure, traffic will be directed to use South Orange Avenue, Fourth Street and Sidney Hayes Road as a detour. Detour signs will be placed throughout the area to direct drivers.  Access to businesses will be maintained.
The closure is needed as part of SunRail’s Phase II South extension project, which will add approximately 17.2 miles of new rail line between the Sand Lake Road station in Orange County and the Poinciana station in Osceola County. The project also involves double tracking most of the corridor and improving grade crossings.
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 www.CFLRoads.com.
For construction-related questions, please contact Public Information Coordinator Carolyn Fitzwilliam at 407-637-7461 or by email at [email protected]. Media inquiries should be directed to Public Information Manager Steve Olson at 386-943-5479 or [email protected].
The Florida Department of Transportation urges motorists to use caution near all railroad crossings and when driving in areas with road construction. Please slow down and stay alert.

Weekend Closure on East Concord Street Approaching I-4 Announced

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Concord Street will be closed in both directions at the railroad crossing between North Orange Avenue and North Garland Avenue from 9 p.m. Friday, May 12, to 3 a.m. Monday, May 15. The closure is necessary to replace the crossing, including construction of new concrete panels and asphalt approaches.
The closure will affect traffic trying to access the on ramp to I-4 westbound from Concord Street. Traffic traveling toward I-4 on Concord Street will be directed to turn left onto North Orange Avenue, right onto Amelia Street, right onto North Garland Avenue to the entrance ramp. Detour route signage will be placed at key locations in the area to direct drivers around the work zone. Access to businesses will be maintained.
The crossing replacement is part of project to improve the tracks and grade crossings within the existing SunRail corridor from the DeBary Station in Volusia County to the Sand Lake Road Station in Orange County.
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 www.CFLRoads.com. For construction-related questions, please contact Public Information Coordinator Carolyn Fitzwilliam at 407-637-7461 or by email at [email protected]. Media inquiries should be directed to Public Information Manager Steve Olson at 386-943-5479 or [email protected].
The Florida Department of Transportation urges motorists to use caution near all railroad crossings and when driving in areas with road construction. Please slow down and stay alert.

RoadWatch Advisory for US 41/Venice By-Pass in Sarasota County

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SARASOTA COUNTY
US 41/Venice By-Pass from Gulf Coast Boulevard to Bird Bay Drive: Construction project: Crews continue installing utility and storm drain systems and constructing temporary pavement.
Traffic Shift: Northbound traffic on US 41 between Venice Avenue and Bird Bay Drive will shift to the newly constructed northbound lanes overnight Sunday, May 14.
Expect intermittent nighttime/overnight northbound and southbound lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. throughout the project limits while crews are working. Motorists should be mindful of the construction signs in place and traffic control officers and use caution while traveling through the project area. Bergeron Land Development is the contractor. Expected completion is spring 2018.

Public hearing for PD&E study in Polk County

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Public Hearing for US 98/John Singletary Bridge Project Development and Environment
(PD&E) From west of Edgewood Drive to east of the Fort Meade Recreation Area Entrance

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is holding a public hearing for the US 98/John Singletary Bridge Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study from west of Edgewood Drive to east of the Fort Meade Recreation Area Entrance in Polk County, Florida.
The proposed improvements consist of replacing the existing bridge with a new bridge that meets current FDOT design standards and accommodates pedestrian and bicycle facilities. 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.
The existing bridge (Bridge No. 160064) has been determined to be a significant historic bridge according to the Section 106 process of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 (36 CFR Part 800); however, based on an evaluation of all PD&E Study alternatives, it is not feasible to keep the historic bridge in place. Several mitigation options are being evaluated. The proposed improvements require the replacement of the National Register of Historic Places eligible US 98/John Singletary Bridge. As part of the project development process and in accordance with Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 and Section 106 of the NHPA, FDOT is seeking comments and input from the public, interested parties, and governmental agencies concerning the effects of the project on the activities, features, and attributes of this resource and the mitigation options under consideration for the proposed impacts. FDOT intends to make a programmatic Section 4(f) impact determination on this resource.
The public hearing will be:
Date: Thursday, May 18, 2017
Time: 5 p.m. Open house
6 p.m. Formal presentation and public comment period
Location: Fort Meade Mobile Home Park Activity Center
1046 S.E. 2nd Street Fort Meade, FL 33841
Draft project documents will be available for public review from April 27, 2017 to May 29, 2017 at the following locations: Fort Meade Public Library, 75 East Broadway Street, Fort Meade, FL 33841 and FDOT District One, 801 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830.
The hearing is developed in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes. FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 14, 2016 and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.
Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Jamie Schley, District One Title VI Coordinator, at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting at (863) 519-2573, or by email at [email protected].  If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (voice).
If you have questions about the project or scheduled public hearing, please contact the Project Manager, Bill Hartmann, P.E. at (863) 519-2293 or by e-mail to [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing. You can also visit the project website at: www.swflroads.com/us98/johnsingletarybridge.

Public Information Meeting for Wekiva Parkway Section 7B

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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is holding a public information meeting about the Wekiva Parkway Section 7B Design Project in Seminole County. The public meeting is being held to review the preliminary design for these non-tolled road improvements.
This project is funded for construction. The project limits are State Road (S.R.) 46 from Orange Boulevard to Wayside Drive-Oregon Street. This design project involves 1.31 miles of improvements, including designing roadway widening, safety medians, sidewalk, bike lanes, traffic signal upgrades, drainage, sign and pavement markings, utilities and other roadway features.
The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 16, 2017, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Lakeside Fellowship United Methodist Church located at 305 S. Orange Boulevard 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] 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, 800-955-8771 (TDD) or 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].
If you have any questions, please contact Steve Olson, FDOT Public Information Manager at [email protected], or by telephone at 386-943-5479. You may also contact Public Information Officer Mary Brooks at [email protected], or by telephone at 407-694-5505. For more information visit the project website at www.wekivaparkway.com, and follow the project on Facebook and Twitter.

TransitScreen Makes Central Florida Debut at MetroPlan Orlando

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New way to visualize transit options featured in Downtown Orlando lobby

The Florida Department of Transportation’s reThink Your Commute program has partnered with MetroPlan Orlando to bring TransitScreen to Downtown Orlando. TransitScreen, based in Washington, D.C., provides real-time displays of transportation options, helping people make informed, sustainable decisions to improve quality of life in cities. This is the first TransitScreen display in all of Central Florida.
TransitScreen is installed in the lobby of MetroPlan Orlando, located at 250 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 200, Orlando, FL 32801. The TV display features departure times for SunRail and LYNX, as well as real-time information for LYMMO, the fare-free Downtown Orlando circulator. Also included in the display is real-time availability of Juice Bikes and Zipcars. MetroPlan Orlando will use a TransitScreen feature, called Community Messaging, to post its meetings and other public notices.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 11:00 a.m., directly following the MetroPlan Orlando Board Meeting in the lobby of their Downtown Orlando office. MetroPlan Orlando Board Chairman Bob Dallari will speak at the event, as well as Tony Hudgins, Head of Sales for TransitScreen. An informational session for property managers and others will follow the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
MetroPlan Orlando leads transportation planning efforts in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. As the metropolitan planning organization for Central Florida, they set priorities and determine how federal and state transportation dollars are spent in the region.
FDOT’s reThink Your Commute program is sponsoring the cost of TransitScreen in MetroPlan Orlando’s office for 12 months. For more information on the reThink Your Commute program, visit www.reThinkYourCommute.com or call 866-610-RIDE (7433).

RoadWatch Advisory for Sarasota and Manatee Counties

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Eastbound University Parkway CLOSED/DETOUR 
at I-75/University Parkway Interchange

SARASOTA/MANATEE
I-75 (SR 93) / University Parkway Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) Sarasota/Bradenton:  Construction Project:

Detour – Eastbound University Parkway CLOSED under I-75 at the I-75/University Parkway Interchange:  

Tuesday, May 9. Details below:

The contractor anticipates implementing a temporary detour route on eastbound University Parkway at the I-75/University Parkway interchange at night/overnight beginning Tuesday, May 9 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesday morning while crews pave University Parkway.

Motorists traveling eastbound on University Parkway (west of I-75) wishing to travel east through the interchange are directed to travel southbound on I-75, exit at Fruitville Road/Exit 210, enter northbound I-75, and exit at University Parkway/Exit 213.

Motorists traveling southbound on I-75 wishing to travel east on University Parkway are directed to exit at Fruitville Road/Exit 210 (south of the closure), enter northbound I-75, and exit at University Parkway/Exit 213.

Improvements being made as part of this project consist of constructing a diverging diamond interchange, adding an auxiliary lane on northbound and southbound I-75, constructing new bridges on  I-75 over University Parkway, widening of University Parkway, widening of I-75 bridges over Errie Creek and Foley Creek, realignment of on-ramps and off-ramps at I-75/University Parkway, addition of ponds, drainage improvements, new lighting and signalization, construction of a noise wall on the west side of I-75, sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian walkways. Expected completion is fall 2017. The contractor is Prince Contracting, LLC. For additional information, please visit the project website at http://www.swflroads.com/i75/university/.

Road Closure and Detour Scheduled for Bluford Avenue in Orange County

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South Bluford Avenue at State Road (S.R.) 50/West Colonial Drive will be closed from 7 a.m. Friday, May 5, to 7 a.m. Monday, May 8.
Motorists on S.R. 50 needing to access South Bluford Avenue will be directed to use Maguire Road as a detour (see map).
The contractor, The Lane Construction Corporation, will beperforming a pipe crossing. Electronic message boards have beeninstalled to inform motorists about the road closure, and detour signs will direct traffic.
The work is part of a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) project to widen S.R 50 (Colonial Drive) from four lanes to six lanes from S.R. 429 to just east of the West Oaks Mall. Please note construction schedules may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Schedule updates are available at the FDOT Central Florida website, www.cflroads.com.
For media-related questions, please contact the Public Information Office at 386-943-5473 or [email protected].
FDOT encourages all drivers to use caution through construction zones.