I-4 ULTIMATE DESIGN PRESENTATION TO THE VOLUSIA TPO

AUGUST 21, 2012

FDOT Contact:John Zielinski(407) 482-7868

GOALThe amendment to the Volusia TPO LRTP is required to move the final design into the TIP.Final design is funded with statewide funds by FDOT Central Office. This project was recently added to the SIS Cost Feasible Plan. Finalizing the design lays the groundwork for future partnerships. The amendment is needed to obtain federal approval on the environmental documentation which is scheduled to start fiscal year 2013.

OBJECTIVEThe amendment to the Volusia TPO LRTP is to add the I-4 Master Plan “ultimate” improvements from Seminole County Line to SR 472. The I-4 Master Plan was prepared in coordination with the Volusia TPO, MetroPlan Orlando, and FDOT Central Office, and was approved by FHWA. The limit of SR 472 in Volusia County was established to serve a future multi-use activity center. Recommended improvements include six (6) general-use lanes and four (4) special-use lanes. This configuration was included in the planning and modeling for the SunRail study. Rail envelop (44’) will be maintained in I-4 median for future transit.

UPDATE: SPECIAL USE LANESFDOT Central Office is presently working on statewide policy and implementation procedures for Special Use/Managed Lanes. The statewide policy and procedure will meet FDOT Secretary Prasad’s charge for CPR: Consistency, Predictability, and Repeatability.

The statewide policy will consist of: Procedures to identify which facilities require further study for added capacity through special use lanes.Methodology for assessing and analyzing the implementation of special use lanes. Techniques for transitioning special use lanes to other use types, including tolled facilities. Guidelines on addressing congestion and design criteria.

YOUR INVOLVEMENT

We are at the beginning of the project.MetroPlan Orlando is in the process of updating their LRTP for these improvements. Additional public involvement will be provided during the update to the environmental documentation (2013).

POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF SEVERE CONGESTION

Traffic analysis shows I-4 does not meet the level of service standards and most of it fails by 2035 from Seminole County line to SR 472

POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF SEVERE CONGESTION

Economic Impacts: Reduced mobility creating unfavorable climate for commuters, shippers, and business development; Decreased property values (loss of tax revenues).

Safety Impacts: Congested mainline increases hazardous driving conditions on I-4 as well as on surrounding roadway network (such as US 17/92, Saxon Blvd, and SR 472).

Emergency Services Impact: Reduced capacity increases response times for emergency services as well as hinders emergency evacuations.

Environmental Impacts: Increased idling time creates additional vehicle emissions and water quality degradation.