The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission’s Customer Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 5 p.m. in the multipurpose room on the second floor at LYNX Central Station, 455 N. Garland Ave., Orlando, FL 32801. This meeting was rescheduled from September 12, due to Hurricane Irma.
This meeting site is conveniently located near the SunRail LYNX Central 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 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] 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 department of transportation
FDOT Work To Resume
Motorists will begin seeing resumption of construction on state road projects in District 1, where it is feasible.
This resumption will neither conflict with recovery efforts, nor take away resources from debris removal, cutting and hauling.
The Florida Department of Transportation urges everyone to stay safe, drive carefully in construction zones, and stay alert to conditions during this time of recovery.
I-75 Will Remain Open
The Florida Department of Transportation today announced that I-75 will remain open, as flood waters have been receding on the Santa Fe River. As of this morning, FDOT engineers and state meteorologists do not believe that the Santa Fe River will reach a level to make the interstate unsafe.
On Wednesday, FDOT and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced that due to unprecedented flooding of the Santa Fe River, there was a potential for I-75 to close for motorist safety.
Because of high water levels of the Santa Fe River, US 41 and US 27 remain closed. Once these highways are safe, they will be reopened to motorists.
FDOT and the DHSMV will continue to keep Floridians and visitors updated on traffic conditions by constantly updating FL511.com.
RoadWatch Advisory From The Florida Department of Transportation
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is suspending work operations in all active construction zones statewide that would impact lanes used by motorists for evacuations. FDOT requires construction project contractors to have a hurricane plan. Safety is the top priority. Some operations that don’t impact motorists or roadway lanes can continue however, emphasis and focus of the contractor will be on securing materials and equipment at the project sites.
- As a tropical event approaches, maintaining existing roads is essential. FDOT alerts staff and maintenance contractors; putting them on standby and adjusting schedules if necessary. Drainage structures are readied by removing debris from rights-of-way and along roadways. Fleet vehicles are fueled. Agreements with supply contractors are activated, for materials needed after the storm.
- On September 5, Governor Rick Scott directed 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 has rescinded all weight and driver restrictions for highways so water, food, fuel and emergency supplies can be quickly brought to Florida.
- FDOT is holding teleconferences with districts and agency partners such as the Army Corps of Engineers, Water Management Districts, and Federal Highway Administration to ensure all infrastructure needs are met.
- FDOT will continue to reach out to county emergency operations centers directly to coordinate any necessary response actions, including activating traffic counters, providing local evacuation support and providing maintenance of traffic and other assistance.
- The state is monitoring conditions at all airports and seaports. As of now, there are no closed airports or seaports.
- FDOT maintenance contractors have begun lowering high mast interstate lights in some areas.
- Floridians are urged to use Florida’s 511 Traveler Information System which provides real-time traffic and travel updates on all of Florida’s interstates and toll roads, and other major metropolitan roadways.
Gov. Scott Appoints Michael J. Dew as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Michael J. Dew as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) effective June 5, 2017.
Governor Scott said, “For six years, Mike has been an integral part of my administration in the Executive Office of the Governor, Florida Department of Corrections and most recently the Florida Department of Transportation. Mike’s hard work and leadership over these years is a testament to his commitment to improve the lives of Florida families. During his time as Chief of Staff of the FDOT, we’ve made great strides thanks to a commitment to excellence in infrastructure and historic transportation funding. Florida’s world-class transportation system is an engine for economic growth and job creation and I know Mike is absolutely committed to continuing our great work.”
Mike Dew said, “It is an honor to be appointed as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation. Florida is the fastest growing state in the nation and Governor Scott’s continued focus on our transportation infrastructure is vital not only to our growing population, but to Florida’s booming economy. I look forward to continuing the great work of FDOT and cementing our state as a leader in transportation.”
Mike Dew has served as Chief of Staff of the Florida Department of Transportation since January 2015. Previously, he served as the Chief of Staff of the Florida Department of Corrections from 2012 – 2014, and as Director of External Affairs for Governor Scott from 2011-2012. Mike received his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University.
The Florida Transportation Commission identified three candidates to serve as secretary and presented those recommendations to the Governor on May 17, 2017.
Three Names Given to Governor for Secretary of Florida Department of Transportation
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.
Interviews planned for Secretary of Florida Department of Transportation Finalists
Five transportation leaders to be interviewed May 11th
The Florida Transportation Commission today chose five candidates to be interviewed for the position of Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation. The finalists will be interviewed on Thursday, May 11 from 1 to 4 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time.
The finalists, their interview times, in chronological order, are:
- 1:05 p.m. – Ronald Howse, P.E./P.S.M., commissioner, Florida Transportation Commission
- 1:40 p.m. – Phillip W. Gainer, P.E., district secretary, Florida Department of Transportation
- 2:15 p.m. – Richard M. Biter, former assistant secretary of Intermodal Systems Development, Florida Department of Transportation
- 2:50 p.m. – Michael J. Dew, chief of staff, Florida Department of Transportation
- 3:25 p.m. – Gene Conti, former secretary, North Carolina Department of Transportation
All interviews will be conducted using GoToWebinar®. Information on how to access the interviews via GoToWebinar® on a computer or via telephone will be available on our website early next week.
Following interviews, the Commission will meet on Wednesday, May 17 in Tallahassee to recommend three candidates for consideration by the Governor. The Secretary will then be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Governor of Florida.
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.
Downtown Orlando Commuters Challenged to Rethink Commute
Downtown companies encouraged by Mayor Dyer to participate
The Florida Department of Transportation’s reThink Your Commute program is hosting the second annual Go DTO: Downtown Orlando Commute Challenge May 1-31, 2017.
Commuters who log their trips to work at GoDTO.org can earn points and prizes throughout the challenge. By rethinking their commute, participants can unlock specialty badges, such as “SunRail Track Star”. A special “Biked with Buddy” badge can be unlocked by participating in the city’s 18th annual Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 5, 2017. City of Orlando Mayor Dyer has issued a letter inviting downtown companies to participate in the challenge and compete for the prize of “Top Employer.”
Technology will play a larger role in this year’s challenge, specifically through a collaboration with RideFlag and Strava. To assist with the formation of new carpool groups, commuters can download the free mobile app, RideFlag. Active commuters who bike or walk to work can use Strava to track their distance and speed, then sync their commute trips to the Go DTO platform with one click.
The reThink Your Commute outreach team will be available for individual commuter assistance and transit trainings for commuter groups.
Companies that are interested in participating can get started at Register.GoDTO.org. The first Team Captain Meetup is Monday, April 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Downtown Orlando Information Center, located at 201 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 102, Orlando FL 32801.
The Downtown Orlando Partnership is hosting the Go DTO kickoff event at DoveCote (390 N. Orange Avenue #110, Orlando FL 32801) on Thursday, April 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Kickoff event tickets are available at DOPOrlando.com for $10. For a full listing of commute challenge events, visit Events.GoDTO.org.
Commute challenge incentive prizes have been donated by The Pop Parlour and Orlando Weekly. Additional partners include the Downtown Development Board and GreenWorks Orlando. For more information on joining the challenge, call 407-875-8917 or email [email protected].
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: DETOURS AND RAILROAD CROSSING WORK AT SR-500/US-192/Strawbridge Ave
Melbourne – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is providing project support to Florida East Coast Railway, LLC so they can conduct reconstruction work at the SR-500/US-192/Strawbridge Ave. railroad crossing. The reconstruction will replace the current railroad crossing surface. Motorists will encounter detours lasting three nights beginning at 7 a.m., Sunday, April 23, 2017. Traffic flow is anticipated to return to normal at 6 a.m., Wednesday, April 26, 2017.
The Strawbridge Ave. detours are:
Westbound Strawbridge Ave:
North on US-1/S. Harbor City Blvd.
West on Hibiscus Blvd.
South on Hickory St.
Eastbound: Strawbridge Ave:
North on Hickory St.
East on Hibiscus Blvd.
North or South on US-1/Harbor City Blvd.
For more information about the project, contact Mr. Leslie Schonder, Florida East Coast Railway, LLC at 904-279-3196.
Motorists should be alert for construction personnel and equipment along the construction corridor. Motorists are urged to use caution and drive with care.
The Florida Department of Transportation urges drivers to Look, Listen and Live.
SR 655 (Recker Highway) Over CSX Railroad Public Meeting Scheduled in Auburndale
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is hosting an alternatives public meeting as part of the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study of a new overpass to carry State Road 655 (Recker Highway) over the CSX railroad in Auburndale. The study limits are Recker Highway from east of Barton Park Road to US 92 and Thornhill Road from Recker Highway to one-half mile south of Recker Highway.
The public meeting is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Auburndale Civic Center, 115 West Park Street in Auburndale. The meeting offers people the opportunity to express their views about the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of constructing a Recker Highway overpass.
FDOT will display information about construction of a new overpass and will show a video explaining the alternatives that will play continuously. The meeting will be an open house format where people can ask questions and provide comments to FDOT representatives in a one-on-one setting. Written comments will be accepted. For more information about the PD&E study, please visit the project website www.swflroads.com/sr655/recker/overcsx.
FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. People who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Patrick Bateman, E.I., FDOT project manager, at 863-519-2792 or [email protected]. We need one week advance notice to make arrangements.
