AARoads Forum

Regional Boards => Southeast => Topic started by: FLRoads on February 26, 2009, 12:57:14 PM

Title: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on February 26, 2009, 12:57:14 PM
Looks like the road between Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach (otherwise known as County Road 399) is going to reopen next Tuesday, as seen below:

Pensacola Beach road to reopen next week

Louis Cooper

The roadway that connects Navarre Beach to Pensacola Beach is scheduled to reopen Tuesday, Santa Rosa County Commissioner Gordon Goodin announced this morning.

"At long last, that's opening," Goodin said at this morning's Santa Rosa County Commission meeting. "I think I've grown a beard waiting for that to happen."

The roadway, which runs through the Santa Rosa area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, was washed away by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, rebuilt, and washed away again by Hurricane Dennis in 2005.
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I was wondering a couple of weeks ago when we biked that section if they were preparing to reopen it, as there were a few dump trucks and some construction vehicles on the other side of the fence that currently blocks through traffic on the west side of Navarre Beach. We actually took the bikes around the fence onto the closed section. It was nice to be able to ride along the roadway and not worry about some snowbird barreling down the road faster than the posted 35 mph speed limit. I guess those days are going to be gone real soon. What is going to make it worse is once it opens next week, the traffic count will slowly begin to rise as people realize that you can access Pensacola Beach from the east without having to pay a toll (the Navarre side is toll free). And I can only imagine what summer is going to be like now. More traffic will mean less bike time on the beach roads...thanks Gordon Goodin!! Eh, maybe if we get hit with a storm this summer this opening will be short lived...
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on February 26, 2009, 01:14:22 PM
Apparently there is a private firm out there (Moving US 331 Forward, LLC) that wants to help widen U.S. 331 from the Choctawhatchee Bay bridge north to Florida 20 in Walton County:

A private firm has offered to widen part of the highway, including the Clyde B. Wells Bridge
February 25, 2009 - 8:08 PM
Tom McLaughlin
Daily News

FREEPORT - M.C. Davis wants to know more about a company called Moving US 331 Forward LLC and its plan to widen the only bridge over Choctawhatchee Bay in Walton County.

He said a lot more people will ask questions too, if they had been told the bigger span would be a toll bridge.

"It's an ambush in my opinion," Davis said.

The Walton County Commission took Davis' advice Tuesday and voted to ask for more time to study the company's proposal.

Moving US 331 Forward has offered to widen U.S Highway 331 to four lanes from the south end of the Clyde B. Wells Bridge to State Road 20.

The offer arrived in a two-page letter sent to Randall McElheney, chairman of the Northwest Florida Transportation Corridor Authority.

The unsolicited proposal was discussed at length at the Corridor Authority meeting last week.

The Walton County Commission was asked Tuesday to give the Corridor Authority permission to begin advertising the project proposal.

Once the ads began running, competing private businesses would have 60 days to offer their plans to widen the stretch of highway. The Corridor Authority could then study the plans and decide its next move.

But after Davis stepped up to ask that the county get more information about the proposal, the board voted to request the Corridor Authority to delay action.

Dede Hinote, executive assistant to the County Commission, said the board passed a resolution calling for County Administrator Ronnie Bell to send a letter to the Corridor Authority asking them "to slow down the process for six months."

Commissioner Cecilia Jones said she found the company's letter "vague."

"They don't want their competitors to have any idea about what they're offering in their bid," she said.

Denver Stutler, the "managing member" of Moving US 331 Forward, said he thought commissioners might have overreacted to the company's letter.

"There's a process for submitting an idea, and this idea is 'Hey, let's widen the 331 bridge,' " he said. "Our proposal doesn't go beyond asking them to consider the idea. I saw their reaction as 'Hey, bring us a plan.' "

Davis said he thinks the company should air its entire proposal because it wants to enter into a business relationship with a public entity.

"Let's get out in the open here and have a public bidding process," he said. "This is one of the biggest decisions, a $400 million decision, we're ever going to make in this area, and they want us to make it with no clarity. We don't need people from South Florida coming in here with a secret proposal."

Davis said he favors widening U.S. 331 and the bridge, and even build a toll bridge if necessary to get construction under way.

"But we need the proposal to be well-defined, out in the open and there for the public to understand and react to," he said.

Stutler said state law requires his company to wait until the 60-day period to submit plans has ended before it can reach out to the public with its proposal.

"Until there is an opportunity for us to lead, there's nothing we can do. It's out of our hands," he said.

He said it would be August or September, "at the earliest" before any decision regarding the bridge would be finalized.

He did say that Moving US 331 Forward was considering charging tolls to help defray its estimated $400 million cost.

But he said his firm also had explored the possibility of using federal stimulus money or bonds.

"As a private company, we have flexibility, creativity and options," he said. "We have some latitude."

However the bridge expansion is funded, it would be turned over to the Florida DOT when it is paid off, Stutler said.

McElheney said he suspected Stutler's company would profit from its work by collecting a portion of toll revenues. He added, however, that nothing will be clear until a full proposal is submitted.

McElheney said the Corridor Authority would likely go along with County Commission's request for a delay.

"It seemed to me the consensus of the group was that the most important aspect of this request was that it had local support," he said.

But Jay Odom, Okaloosa County's representative on the board, said he believes the Corridor Authority is bound by law to begin soliciting proposals. If that is the case, the start of the 60-day submittal process won't be delayed by the commission action.

Odom also reacted somewhat angrily to suggestions that he, as a developer with Republican connections in Tallahassee, might have ties of some sort to Stutler, who served as Gov. Jeb Bush's chief of staff and as Secretary of the Florida DOT, also under Bush.

"That is total, absolute bull," he said.

"I know him," he said. "I think the first time I ever met Denver was the first time he came, when he was secretary of the DOT, to one of our transportation authority meetings. He was the new secretary."

Stutler also said of Odom, "I have probably met the man three times in my life."
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Just another fine example of how the trend is going in the nation to have to toll all of our new and rehabilitated federal and state highways. Hopefully they will look at all options if they indeed are allowed to widen that particular stretch of U.S. 331.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: mightyace on February 26, 2009, 03:53:34 PM
Quote from: flaroadgeek on February 26, 2009, 01:14:22 PM
Just another fine example of how the trend is going in the nation to have to toll all of our new and rehabilitated federal and state highways. Hopefully they will look at all options if they indeed are allowed to widen that particular stretch of U.S. 331.

My fear is that the "new and rehabilitated" highways will be tolled but be in the same shape as the Pennsylvania Turnpike!
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: lamsalfl on February 27, 2009, 12:55:23 AM
YESSSSS!!!  I thought 399 was dead.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on February 27, 2009, 12:55:58 AM
Quote from: flaroadgeek on February 26, 2009, 12:57:14 PM

The roadway, which runs through the Santa Rosa area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, was washed away by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, rebuilt, and washed away again by Hurricane Dennis in 2005.


The road was also washed out in 1995 by Hurricanes Erin and Opal. On the other end of the island, the road to Ft. Pickens remains closed since 2004's Ivan.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on February 27, 2009, 12:57:05 AM
Quote from: lamsalfl on February 27, 2009, 12:55:23 AM
YESSSSS!!!  I thought 399 was dead.

And I was so looking forward to clinching it by bike with no cars to worry about...
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on February 27, 2009, 10:47:40 AM
Some more information about the reopening of J. Earle Bowden Way, the closed stretch of unsigned County Road 399 between Pensacola and Navarre Beaches. Apparently FDOT administered $3.4 million for the rebuilding of the washed-out roadway, and used less-expensive materials to do it. Click here (http://www.pnj.com/article/20090227/NEWS01/902270340) for the full story.

So that means that when the first storm rolls through the road will get washed away again. I say just keep it closed and allow those who ride bikes to utilize it.  
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: lamsalfl on March 03, 2009, 02:32:03 AM
Quote from: flaroadgeek on February 27, 2009, 12:57:05 AM
Quote from: lamsalfl on February 27, 2009, 12:55:23 AM
YESSSSS!!!  I thought 399 was dead.

And I was so looking forward to clinching it by bike with no cars to worry about...

I strongly doubt there will be a lot of traffic.  You have to go out of your way (thus really want to drive it) to be on it.  It's not dotted by development, and I strongly doubt people are going to even THINK (much less purposely) about taking it just to avoid a measly one dollar toll.  Your bike ride will be keen.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on March 03, 2009, 02:59:15 AM
Well, from most of the comments I have read about this opening, some have said that they will take it to avoid the $1 toll (and that toll does not use Sunpass), though those individuals probably live closer to the Navarre Beach side. And I would take it too. Those dollars add up quick if you make multiple trips. Plus the fact that I wouldn't have to encounter a single traffic light to go from Navarre to Pensacola Beach, unlike U.S. 98 which seems to be sprouting new ones every month now...

I read an article in the Pensacola News Journal this morning on how SR 399 was opening soon. I emailed the editor to correct him on the fact that it is a county maintained road, not a state one. The only portion that is state maintained is the portion from the U.S. 98 trumpet interchange south stopping before the toll plaza on the northern side of the bridge to Pensacola Beach. The rest is county maintained (and poorly signed at that). It's funny that once I emailed him about that that the story disappeared...
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on March 03, 2009, 12:19:54 PM
I emailed the Santa Rosa County engineer last night about the lack of signage along Santa Rosa County 399 since the road will be reopening this week. I awoke this morning to the following response:

You have brought to light a very interesting point, that may not have been addressed in the past.  As you may be aware, the Navarre Beach Causeway, the bridges, and Gulf Blvd. (now County Road 399) were all State owned and maintained until recently.  Now, these facilities, and the former State Park property, are the County's responsibility to maintain.   The stretch of road that was just reopened between Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach still belongs to the Federal Government as it is located in on the National Seashore property. 

Because the County has not been the maintainer of the beach roads until recently, we may not have fully explored the possibility of expanding the signage on U.S. 98, the Causeway, Gulf Blvd., and other roads to better direct drivers and promote tourism.   I'm coping this response to the appropriate people that can explore your suggestions to the fullest extent, and hopefully build on the ideas to help maximize the usage and enjoyment of our wonderful natural resources.

The person that emailed me also forwarded his response to several other county officials, including a few county commissioners. So sometime in the future we may see some additional signage for Santa Rosa County 399.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on March 14, 2009, 06:44:30 PM
The latest District 9 newsletter (http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs023/1101677970109/archive/1102482083230.html) on the I-10/110 project:



New I-110 soutbound service road to open

The new Interstate 110 southbound service road to Brent Lane is scheduled to open this week as part of the I-110/Airport Boulevard-Brent Lane split diamond interchange construction project.

Once the service road opens, Interstate 110 southbound drivers destined for Brent Lane will need to exit the interstate at the new "Airport Boulevard/Brent Lane-Exit 5."

"Traffic will exit much sooner, north of Airport Boulevard," said Mike Lenga, the project administrator from Greenhorne & O'Mara.  "We want to get the word out so that people are not confused when the change occurs."

Meantime, construction continues on Brent Lane and the Airport Boulevard overpass.  Once work is completed at these locations, the new ramps connecting Airport Boulevard to I-110 will be opened for traffic.  The new interchange will establish Airport Boulevard as a direct, four-lane route between the interstate system and the Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport.

Work on the $41 million construction effort is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2009.

I-110 improvements project update

The five-year effort to six-lane Interstate 110 between the Airport Boulevard overpass and Maxwell Street is moving toward completion this spring.  The construction team is currently focused on final paving work, installing lights and directional signs, and repairing drainage pipes along I-110 and at the Davis Highway-Fairfield Drive intersection.

"Traffic is in its permanent alignment," said Frank Tucker, the project administrator with Volkert Construction Services.  "We're going through the project with a fine tooth comb to make sure everything is as it should be before we apply the final layer of asphalt."

Most of the work on the I-110 project has been performed at night when traffic demand is lowest.  But with the project drawing to a close, drivers will encounter some daytime lane closures.

"Construction specifications do not allow for paving unless temperatures are consistently above 45 degrees," said Tucker.  "Rather than extend the project in hopes of getting warmer nighttime temperatures, FDOT is allowing the contractor to pave during the daytime hours."

Travel delays associated with the daytime lane closures have been minimal.  The latest information on Interstate 110 lane closures is available here.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on March 15, 2009, 12:38:29 PM
I lifted this text from a Delaware News Journal article (http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090315/LIFE/903150306/-1/updates) touting Pensacola tourism.  :crazy:





Fort Pickens was built by the U.S. government between 1829 and 1834 on the tip of Santa Rosa Island and part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The fort was occupied by federal forces throughout the Civil War, despite threats from Southern forces. Pickens exchanged cannon fire with Confederate-held Fort Barrancas on the Pensacola mainland.

Modern visitors once could drive the 14-mile round trip out to Pickens, but hurricanes washed the road away in 2004. Since then, it has been accessible only by boat, on foot or on bike with long portions of pushing the bike along the sandy beach. Park officials plan to have the road reopened to cars for the summer tourist season.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on March 28, 2009, 06:23:14 PM
Our recent rains here in northwest Florida have produced some flooding conditions in the northern portions of Santa Rosa county and the surrounding counties of Walton and Escambia:

Walton County info:
http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/county_16281___article.html/roads_highway.html (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/county_16281___article.html/roads_highway.html)

Escambia County info:
http://www.pnj.com/article/20090328/NEWS01/90328003&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL (http://www.pnj.com/article/20090328/NEWS01/90328003&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL)

Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on April 04, 2009, 12:26:41 PM
Here is what Northwest Florida is getting with some of the stimulus money:

http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/stimulus_16442___article.html/state_gaetz.html (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/stimulus_16442___article.html/state_gaetz.html)

NWF to receive $88 million in stimulus
Dusty Ricketts
April 3, 2009 - 11:45PM

President Barack Obama's economic recovery stimulus is about to bring millions of dollars and thousands of new jobs to Northwest Florida.

State Sen. Don Gaetz announced Friday afternoon that Northwest Florida will receive $88 million for transportation and infrastructure projects as part of the federal stimulus program. Although the funding still must be approved by the state legislative Budget Committee on April 16, Gaetz said that action basically is a formality.

"I would have voted against the stimulus package as presented by the Obama administration if I had been a U.S. Senator and not a state Senator, and I have a number of reasons why," Gaetz said. "But since the dollars are appropriated and going to be coming to Florida, I wanted to make sure Northwest Florida was not forgotten. I was pleased we were able to get our key priorities funded. But obviously, there are other projects further down the priority list we still hope we'll have a chance at."

Okaloosa County is receiving the bulk of the stimulus dollars. The top priority for the region, which will be fully funded through the stimulus program, is the $46 million flyover ramp at the south intersection of State Road 85 and State Road 123 and the reconfiguring of the entrance to Northwest Florida Regional Airport.

One of the stipulations for states to receive stimulus dollars was that projects had to be "shovel ready" and be able to put people to work immediately.

Gaetz said at least half of the funds for the overpass must be allocated in the next 120 days and that the project is expected to employ nearly 1,300 people.

"I want jobs created and people going to work as soon as possible," Gaetz said.

As chairman of the Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization, Fort Walton Beach City Councilman Bill Garvie pushed hard for flyover project to receive funding.

"I was hoping for this, but to hear about it is exciting," Garvie. "It had all kinds of things involved in it. You had national security there. You had development of the economy in this area. Those were two major areas here."

Gaetz also said the flyover will be a huge benefit to Eglin Air Force Base, especially with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program and the Army 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) arriving in the near future.

"My hope is that this decision by the state of Florida will help send a positive message to the military that we support them, that we put the needs of military missions high on our priority list," said Gaetz, R-Niceville. "We want to make sure they hear us loud and clear that we want to keep our military mission and we want to keep our military bases."

Other projects being funded by federal stimulus dollars in Okaloosa are the resurfacing Memorial Parkway, Bay Drive, Country Club Avenue, Yacht Club Drive and Wright Parkway in Fort Walton Beach; reconstruction and landscaping work on Scenic Highway 98 in Destin; and sidewalk work on State Road 285 in Niceville and on Brookmeade Drive in Crestview.

Santa Rosa County is expected to receive $11.4 million, most of which will be used to widen Avalon Boulevard. Walton County will get $1.8 million, which will be used to build a pedestrian bridge, sidewalks and a resurfacing project. Escambia and Bay counties will get a total of about $24 million.

If a state cannot move quickly enough on stimulus projects, it could loose its federal funding and the money could be reallocated.

If that happens in other states, Gaetz said he will try to secure more funding for Northwest Florida.
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The actual paper had a diagram of the proposed flyover from northbound Florida 85 onto northbound Florida 123. Otherwise, the intersection will remain the same. Ugh.

They should really use some of this money to upgrade the U.S. 98 intersection with Cody Avenue at the entrance to Hurlburt AFB, but environmental issues (namely salamander that nest right near the proposed interchange) are causing a delay, so that is why this project is not getting any stimulus money.

I am not impressed with the way authorities are going to use the stimulus money (except for the flyover as I use Florida 85 to go to work everyday), especially with the landscaping project along scenic 98 in Destin. I guess they really are shovel ready with that one... :crazy:

Here is MY list of what they could do with the monies:

1) Interchange with U.S. 98 at Cody Avenue (move the salamander)
2) The northern bypass of U.S. 98 from Florida 87 eastward to Niceville to connect with the proposed Niceville-Mid-Bay Bridge connector
3) Widening of Florida 87 from Holley north through Eglin AFB to the other completed four-lane section (at Santa Rosa 184)
4) Upgrade a few portions of U.S. 98 to expressway standards with grade separated interchanges at key intersections between Gulf Breeze and Fort Walton Beach
5) Six-lane Interstate 10 between the Pensacola bridge and the Florida 291 (Davis Hwy) interchange (Exit 13) (this should have been done in conjunction with the I-10/I-110 project)
6) Extend the extra lane in each direction from west of the I-110 interchange to U.S. 29 (Exit 10AB). The current lane reduction at the Palafax Street overpass creates a bottleneck at times.
7) Reconfigure the U.S. 29 interchange to remove the left-hand on-ramps on Interstate 10.

Those are just a few that I can readily think of... 

Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on May 14, 2009, 04:08:44 PM
Just checking through my email back-up and found the April edition of "News from FDOT District". Looks like the new six-lane version of Interstate 110 will retain the four-lane speed limit of 55. At the very least it should be upped to 60, as should the six-lane stretch of Interstate 10 through Pensacola.


Paving planned at Davis Highway-Fairfield Drive intersection

Paving crews will begin applying the final layer of asphalt at the intersection of Davis Highway and Fairfield Drive this week.  The work is expected to continue throughout the month, depending on weather conditions.
To accommodate the work, Davis Highway and Fairfield Drive will be restricted to one lane in all directions near the intersection each night between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.   

Davis Hwy-Fairfield Dr intersection
Paving work at the intersection of Davis Highway and Fairfield Drive will require some day and nighttime lane closures.

Although most of the work will be performed during the nighttime hours to minimize traffic impacts, occasional daytime lane closures may be required.

Drivers should use caution, expect changes in traffic patterns and be aware of construction workers and construction equipment during this time.  To get the latest information on traffic advisories and lane closures, visit the project Web site at www.i10-i110.com (http://www.i10-i110.com).

All construction work is dependent on weather conditions and may be re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather.
45 mph
Speed limit continues at 45 mph

The Florida Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to use caution and obey the 45 mph speed limit in the I-110 construction zone.

Obeying the speed limit is not only important for the safety of the workers and other drivers; it will also keep you from getting a speeding ticket. The Florida Highway Patrol is enforcing the 45 mph speed limit.

Traffic Switch
Construction on I-110 can be dangerous for drivers and workers.  Please obey the 45 mph speed limit.

"Speeding vehicles can be very dangerous for construction workers and drivers," said Dominic Richard, the FDOT construction project manager. "Once the project is completed later this summer the speed limit on Interstate 110 will return to 55 mph."
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on May 22, 2009, 03:59:16 PM
Thought since we are back "live" I would post this little article about the proposed U.S. 98 bypass in our neck of the woods:

From Northwest Florida News (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/bypass-17584-salamander-habitat.html)

Another step toward U.S. 98 bypass
Tom McLaughlin
Engineers planning the U.S. 98 bypass through Eglin must try to figure out the effect of controlled burns on toll revenue

The Northwest Florida Transportation Corridor Authority has taken another baby step toward making a U.S. Highway 98 bypass a reality.

Authority board member Jay Odom on Thursday reported progress in negotiations with the Air Force and environmental groups toward eliminating obstacles posed by the endangered reticulated flatwoods salamander on Eglin Air Force Base property.

"The overall willingness of everyone to be involved, in my opinion, is very positive," Odom said.

Odom has worked for several months as the board's liaison with the military.

Environmental watchdogs also have placed a new challenge in front of Ray Reissener and his team of engineers developing bypass plans. In a nutshell, it lies in figuring out the financial impact of controlled burns.

Reissener, a vice president for HDR Engineering, said he has been charged with calculating how much toll revenue would be lost if the proposed bypass must be closed while controlled burns are conducted in salamander habitat.

"I have to prove it's financially feasible to close the road," Reissener said.

The reticulated flatwoods salamander is on the endangered species list largely because its habitat has been destroyed by development.

Before man encroached, the long-leaf pine-wiregrass areas where the salamander thrived benefitted from wildfires.

"The flatwoods salamander requires ponds with some open water for its habitat," said Randall Rowland, chief of the environmental division for the Eglin's 96th Civil Engineering Group.

"If there is no burning, the ponds get clogged with vegetative growth" and the habitat is compromised, Rowland said.

The salamander habitat that would be affected by an Eglin bypass lies primarily on the south end of the reservation west of Hurlburt Field.

Eglin fire managers typically burn off the underbrush in habitat areas in a single day, Rowland said. But if a bypass is built, "We'll probably have to cut the area into smaller blocks," he added.

The swampy area tends to smolder for several days after controlled burns, so the bypass could be closed for as long as a week, Rowland said.

"During a given year I think there could be up to four weeks of downtime," he said.

However, prescribed burns are required only every three to five years in areas where the salamanders live, Rowland said. And it's conceivable the burns would be alternated to limit the number of days in any given year the road would have to be closed.

Reissener said he is optimistic the burn issue can be resolved.

"I'm pretty sure we can work it out," he said. "I'm gonna predict we can withstand a couple of down weeks."
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So it all comes down to the issue of controlled burns in the salamander habitat? I say move these "endangered" creatures to a suitable location and be done with it. Then you can have all the controlled burns you want and not have to worry about losing revenue from closing the road. And why would this be a special case to have the proposed toll bypass closed for control burns when other areas have them and do not close nearby roads, but rather put up warning signs to alert motorists?

I have to trek 30 miles one-way to work five days a week and pretty much my only option is to navigate through the sludge of traffic along U.S. 98. If this bypass was already constructed my ride to work would be a breeze as the western terminus would be right by the house and an interchange is planned at Florida 85 just above where I work. The ride for me would be like a borg vessel using a transwarp conduit. But nope, I (and others) have to suffer due to this main issue.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on May 24, 2009, 11:46:51 AM
All road work on Interstate 110 south of Brent Lane (SR 296) is finally completed. The road carries a full six lanes and no construction barriers remain after six years of work. Work is still underway at the Airport Boulevard split-diamond interchange. However traffic lights are already in place at the ramp ends with Airport with the signals flashing in caution mode, so it should not be long now.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on June 21, 2009, 10:13:25 AM
I found this article this morning on the Northwest Florida Daily News website on the future flyover at Florida 85 and Florida 123:

Contractor chosen for interchange flyover
June 20, 2009 - 5:28 PM
Dusty Ricketts
Daily News

After years of planning and delays because of lack of funding, construction on the State Road 85-State Road 123 interchange flyover is gearing up to start.

Lake City, Fla.-based construction firm Anderson Columbia was awarded the contract to build the flyover. The project is being fully funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"It's going to relieve the congestion in that area," said Tommie Speights, spokesman for the Florida Department of Transportation. "As the area grows, and with the expansion of the military, this project will relieve traffic and improve the safety."

The flyover project was the top priority project in the Northwest Florida region to be funded with federal stimulus dollars. Construction on the new flyover is expected to start in about three to four months and be completed around spring 2011.

In 2001, construction was expected to start in 2007, but plans were delayed several times because of a lack of funding. It wasn't until the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - commonly referred to as the stimulus funding - was approved that funding was secured.

While the project had been estimated to cost $46 million, Anderson Columbia's bid for the project came in at $25.1 million.

The project would build an overpass connecting the northbound lanes of SR 85 with SR 123, reducing congestion and eliminating the need for a traffic signal there. The project will also widen SR 85 South from four to six lanes and will reconstruct the entrance and exit to the Northwest Florida Regional Airport.

Hundreds of trees around the area where the flyover will be constructed were recently cut down by a private logging company. That was not a part of the official construction project.

I'll finally get to see some real road construction on my way to and from work soon. I will probably be taking a lot of photos of the progress of this future partial interchange.

http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/project-18341-flyover-construction.html (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/project-18341-flyover-construction.html)
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on July 28, 2009, 04:59:35 PM
Construction Update
FDOT District Three    July 2009



Airport Boulevard on-and-off ramps open to public

All of the ramps and service roads are now open for the new Interstate 110 interchange at Airport Boulevard and Brent Lane.  The new interchange uses a unique "split diamond" design to comply with Federal Highway Administration regulations that govern the distances between interstate highway interchanges.

"Most interchanges feature both on- and off-ramps," said Tommie Speights, FDOT District Three public information director.  "In this case, Airport Boulevard and Brent Lane are only about a mile apart and that's too close for federal regulations to allow separate on- and off-ramps.  Sharing the ramps using a "split diamond" design makes the new interchange possible."

Now that the ramps are open, I-110 southbound traffic destined for either Brent Lane or Airport Boulevard exits Interstate 110 at Airport Boulevard (Exit 5).  Drivers can either access Airport Boulevard or continue to Brent Lane via a new southbound service road.  Northbound traffic on I-110 destined for either Brent Lane or Airport Blvd exits at Brent Lane (Exit 5) and can connect to Airport Boulevard using a new northbound service road.

The new Airport Boulevard on-and-off ramps to I-110 were opend to ttraffic last week.

Drivers have access to Interstate 110 northbound via a new on-ramp at Airport Boulevard.  Access to I-110 southbound is available via the Brent Lane on-ramp.

"The change in traffic patterns will take some getting used to." said Speights, "But the new interchange will help relieve congestion and provide a direct, four-lane connection between the interstate system and Pensacola-Gulf Coast Regional Airport."

Work on the project began in early 2007 and is slated for completion this summer.  As is the case with all construction work, inclement weather could extend completion of the project.

The $58 million I-110 improvements project is nearly complete.  The project has widened I-110 to six lanes between the Airport Boulevard overpass and Maxwell Street, and improved the interchanges at Davis Highway and Fairfield Drive.

Construction crews are now focused on the final details, such as installing roadway signage, placing sod and completing other aesthetic improvements.  The initiative began in 2004 and is slated for completion later this summer.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on August 04, 2009, 06:37:07 PM
http://www.pnj.com/article/20090804/NEWS01/90804019 (http://www.pnj.com/article/20090804/NEWS01/90804019)

Pensacola to add four-way stops

August 4, 2009

Two intersections in the City of Pensacola are scheduled to be converted to four-way stops next week.

The Pensacola Police Department said in a news release that stop signs will be added at 12th Avenue and Barcia Drive and 12th Avenue and Maxwell Street.

The installations are scheduled for 9 a.m. and noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 11 and 12.
Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: florida on August 04, 2009, 10:15:17 PM
Quote from: AARoads on August 04, 2009, 06:37:07 PM
http://www.pnj.com/article/20090804/NEWS01/90804019 (http://www.pnj.com/article/20090804/NEWS01/90804019)

Pensacola to add four-way stops

August 4, 2009

Two intersections in the City of Pensacola are scheduled to be converted to four-way stops next week.

The Pensacola Police Department said in a news release that stop signs will be added at 12th Avenue and Barcia Drive and 12th Avenue and Maxwell Street.

The installations are scheduled for 9 a.m. and noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 11 and 12.
Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures.

Any old lights being taken down or just mast arms?
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on August 05, 2009, 08:08:04 AM
Quote from: florida on August 04, 2009, 10:15:17 PM

Any old lights being taken down or just mast arms?

12th Avenue was a good alternative to 9th Avenue to the west, but with two additional stop signs, its probably not so much now.

There's at least one span-wire signal assembly along the route. I think there's a set of flashers too, but have to check again to see if that is the case.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: florida on August 05, 2009, 12:29:18 PM
Quote from: AARoads on August 05, 2009, 08:08:04 AM
Quote from: florida on August 04, 2009, 10:15:17 PM

Any old lights being taken down or just mast arms?

12th Avenue was a good alternative to 9th Avenue to the west, but with two additional stop signs, its probably not so much now.

There's at least one span-wire signal assembly along the route. I think there's a set of flashers too, but have to check again to see if that is the case.

Take the camera!  ;-)
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on September 01, 2009, 01:13:52 AM
We noted on Saturday some widening on FL 742 at Keating Drive and its for the addition of a new traffic light.  :ded:

Also saw one of the new four-way stop signs on 12th Avenue today.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: florida on September 01, 2009, 02:00:45 PM
Quote from: AARoads on September 01, 2009, 01:13:52 AM
We noted on Saturday some widening on FL 742 at Keating Drive and its for the addition of a new traffic light.  :ded:

Also saw one of the new four-way stop signs on 12th Avenue today.

They're just evening out the ratio; two were taken down, so they had to add another somewhere. But, they're widening SR 742 from SR 289 to US 90? Or just the area around Keating Drive?
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on September 01, 2009, 07:51:46 PM
Just from Keating Drive west to the existing multi-lane section.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on October 05, 2009, 08:32:01 PM
Signs went up today for construction at the CR-191 diamond interchange (Exit 26) along Interstate 10. Utility relocation work is underway right now on what is a project to install high-mast overhead lighting at the exit.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on October 05, 2009, 09:55:17 PM
Northwest Florida Daily News (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/span-21262-class-overpass.html) reported today on a proposed interchange with an overpass over State Road 85 to connect the Army's 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) headquarters (currently under construction) and Duke Field. The proposed restricted route (dubbed Special Forces Way) would alleviate the use of military traffic from blocking State Road 85 when traveling between the headquarters and Duke Field. The interchange will have on and off ramps from State Road 85, so I suspect it will be a standard diamond configuration, though as the road will be restricted, the interchange will only be for authorized military use. Currently a traffic light as been installed for the intersection linking the two.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: florida on October 06, 2009, 02:38:08 AM
Please do NOT let it be a state route. It'd be the hardest one to clinch.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: agentsteel53 on October 06, 2009, 03:14:24 AM
Quote from: florida on October 06, 2009, 02:38:08 AM
Please do NOT let it be a state route. It'd be the hardest one to clinch.
they really like screwing with the roadgeeks!  just like how that one separate county of a leper colony on Molokai, Hawaii needs you to ride a burro and have your papers ready ...
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: froggie on October 06, 2009, 06:49:03 AM
QuotePlease do NOT let it be a state route. It'd be the hardest one to clinch.

Not for some of us... :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on October 14, 2009, 02:10:41 PM
The state has finally established a website (http://www.sr85-123.com/) for the proposed Florida 85 flyover at Florida 123 northeast of Fort Walton Beach. It's not much of a site right now, just listing general information on the project, but I would expect it to accumulate more information as construction moves forward. This project is listed on the website as funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, though I have yet to see any signage along the construction site on my daily drive through that area.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: rickmastfan67 on October 25, 2009, 07:23:47 PM
Quote from: flaroadgeek on October 14, 2009, 02:10:41 PM
The state has finally established a website (http://www.sr85-123.com/) for the proposed Florida 85 flyover at Florida 123 northeast of Fort Walton Beach. It's not much of a site right now, just listing general information on the project, but I would expect it to accumulate more information as construction moves forward. This project is listed on the website as funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, though I have yet to see any signage along the construction site on my daily drive through that area.

Well, Congress passed a motion saying that they don't have to post those Recovery signs anymore if they don't want to.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on October 25, 2009, 09:04:13 PM
Maybe they will not be erecting those signs, though I would not mind seeing them for that project. It would be better seeing them there instead of for simple resurfacing projects, as has been common place here in the southeast.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on November 11, 2009, 12:54:17 PM
From Jeff Masters' blog (http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/comment.html?entrynum=1381) over at Weather Underground relating to Tropical Storm Ida and Fort Pickens Road/J. Earle Bowden Way:

QuoteIn the Florida Panhandle near Pensacola, Ida washed huge amounts of sand over Fort Pickens Road in Gulf Islands National Seashore, and over heavily traveled J. Earle Bowden Way, which connects Pensacola and Navarre beaches. Both roads are closed indefinitely. Fort Pickens Road was washed out by Hurricane Opal in 1995, and moved to a new location. Hurricane Ivan washed the road out in 2004. It was rebuilt, but was destroyed and rebuilt three more times in 2005, thanks to Tropical Storm Arlene and Hurricanes Cindy and Dennis. The most recent rebuilding of the road put it at a lower elevation, to allow sand to wash over it. It is hoped the cost of this latest repair will be under $1 million.

Editorial comment: perhaps having a low-lying road along a barrier island that regularly washes out, requiring millions in taxpayer repair money to fix, is a bad idea?? Seems to me like this is taxpayer money ill-spent. The 1988 Stafford Act, authorizing the rebuilding of damaged infrastructure after presidentially declared emergencies, has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer money being spent to rebuild infrastructure damaged by tropical storms and hurricanes on barrier islands. In an era of rising sea levels, and with the U.S. in the midst of an active hurricane period expected to last at least another decade, the Stafford Act just doesn't make sense. Those living in areas subject to a very high level of repeated coastal hazards should pay the bills for their willingness to live in harm's way, rather than depending on Uncle Sam.

In a interview in the New York Times after the last time Fort Pickens Road was washed out, Dr. Orrin Pilkey, professor emeritus in the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University and author of the excellent 2009 book The Rising Sea, said, "People say, 'What are you going to do, let the road fall in? The correct answer, of course, is yes."
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on January 20, 2010, 09:31:47 AM
DOT puts time line on three-mile bridge (http://www.pnj.com/article/20100119/NEWS01/1190309/1006/NEWS01/DOT-puts-time-line-on-three-mile-bridge)

QuoteThe Pensacola Bay Bridge must be replaced within the next six years because it's "structurally deficient," according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

"It doesn't mean the bridge is unsafe," FDOT spokesman Tommie Speights said. "It is safe for traveling, but our bridge inspectors found some corrosion on the metal parts, some concrete chipped on the pilings and other things that could not be gone into because of Homeland Security reasons.

"Enough to rate it as structurally deficient."

QuoteAs proposed, construction would begin in the 2015-16 fiscal year somewhere in the vicinity of the old bridge. The old one likely will be torn down, Speights said.

It will take until 2015 to complete the phases approaching construction, such as an environmental study, right of way, design and engineering.

QuoteWhen it was built in 1960, the life expectancy of the bridge was 50 years, which the bridge turns this year. In 1989, safety lanes also were added.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: lamsalfl on January 20, 2010, 06:35:03 PM
pretty pleaseeee connect it with i-110.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on January 20, 2010, 07:08:10 PM
It will never happen with all the established businesses already rooted there. Would be nice though to extend the interstate down to Gulf Breeze
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on February 08, 2010, 12:56:42 PM
Low on fuel: U.S. 98 Corridor Authority is stuck in neutral as it seeks funds  (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/authority-24836-corridor-house.html)

QuoteThe group has spent $2.3 million to develop a master plan (a plan state Department of Transportation officials estimated would cost $7 million).

It also has spent $1.6 million on issues related to an endangered salamander found in the path of the so-called Eglin by-pass, its No. 1 project. Other expenses include $2.6 million on planning for a project to the east, $105,000 for "public out-reach"  and $55,000 on legal fees, Reissener said.

To move forward on the proposed Eglin bypass – which would run parallel to U.S. 98 through Eglin Air Force Base land – the authority must find $7 million to $8 million to pay for an Environmental Impact Study.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: realjd on February 08, 2010, 09:37:40 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on January 20, 2010, 06:35:03 PM
pretty pleaseeee connect it with i-110.

All it would take to make me happy would be for them to accept Sunpass

I'm also looking at you, Miami's Venetian Causeway...
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on February 12, 2010, 10:08:49 AM
Maybe instead of building the Eglin bypass the group should really concentrate on upgrading U.S. 98 to expressway standards from the Pensacola area east to Fort Walton Beach (and maybe beyond). I know that in their long range plans (year 2030) they indicate that portions of U.S. 98 would be expressway grade with some grade separated interchanges, but in my opinion it needs to be done now. There are getting to be more and more accidents along the stretch of U.S. 98 between Navarre and Fort Walton Beach, and with each accident it seems the backups get worse and worse. And the first place I would upgrade (before even thinking about the Eglin bypass) would be to build the interchange at U.S. 98 and Cody Avenue in front of Hurlburt Field! Once you replace that intersection with an interchange (they have a SPUI in mind for that interchange), traffic would move more efficiently through the area, though you would still have holdups at certain signalized intersections (you know who you are Wal-Mart...).

But wait, we cannot even get that interchange built because of the damn salamander!! That is also the hold up for not getting this important intersection upgraded. In my opinion, for such an endangered species, that salamander sure knows how to impede on our transportation progress!! 
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: SSF on February 12, 2010, 04:59:36 PM
 I drove on 98 from PCB to Pensacola on Wednesday night. wow, what a mess on the west side of FWB at rush hour.  I spent probably a hour and half to go 6-8 miles and all because of an accident just past Hurlburt.  Is it normally that bad at rush hour or was this just an exceptional case?
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on February 12, 2010, 05:23:55 PM
Quote from: SSF on February 12, 2010, 04:59:36 PM
I drove on 98 from PCB to Pensacola on Wednesday night. wow, what a mess on the west side of FWB at rush hour.  I spent probably a hour and half to go 6-8 miles and all because of an accident just past Hurlburt.  Is it normally that bad at rush hour or was this just an exceptional case?

Well, that was an exceptional case Wednesday night (as I too had to sit in that traffic), but on an average night it takes about 1/2 hour to 40 minutes to get from downtown Fort Walton Beach to Navarre, a distance of about 16 miles. The majority of the traffic holdups occur at Cody Avenue (in front of Hurlburt Field) and a couple of side road signalized intersections, namely Whispering Pines Boulevard and Panhandle Trail. Oh, and least I forget the infamous Wal-Mart entrance traffic signal. That signal stops me on most nights as so many people love to shop there...
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on April 28, 2010, 12:28:31 AM
Garcon Point Bridge toll to jump in July (http://www.navarrepress.com/201004262104/newsflashes/newsflash/garcon-point-bridge-toll-to-jump-in-july.html)

QuoteTravelers will pay an extra half-dollar to use the Garcon Point Bridge, beginning July 1.

Following a trend of the toll price being raised every few years to meet bond payments, the toll will rise to $4, exactly double what the original toll was in 2001.

And traffic volumes will decrease even further...
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on April 28, 2010, 12:41:29 AM
A much more in depth story on the Garcon Point Bridge toll increase:

$4 trip may take a toll (http://www.pnj.com/article/20100427/NEWS01/4270317/4-trip-may-take-a-toll)

QuoteTaking the Garcon Point Bridge to work would save Kathie Marcilliat about five miles and 10 minutes, but she only uses it when absolutely necessary because of the $3.50 one-way toll.

When that toll increases to $4 on July 1, Marcilliat says she'll skip the bridge altogether.

"I use it maybe two to three times a month if I am running late or if there is a traffic issue the way I normally go," said the north Pensacola resident, who works in Navarre. "Now, I guess I'll just be late."

Completed in 1999, the bridge was funded through a $95 million bond sale. The bond documents require repayment on a certain schedule and, accordingly, dictate the toll, said Roy Andrews, attorney for the Santa Rosa Bay Bridge Authority, the appointed board that oversees the bridge.
Related

"The toll increase is built into the financing. It's automatic," Andrews said Monday. "The bond documents are a contract with the bond holders. ... One of the requirements is a toll covenant that says (the bridge authority) will meet certain coverage requirements, which they're not meeting."

The 3.5 mile bridge connects Garcon Point on the north to the Tiger Point area on the south. It provides a shortcut for traffic between the Milton/Pace area and Gulf Breeze. It's also provides a direct route from Interstate 10 to U.S. 98.

Matt Wood lives near the southern landing of the bridge in Tiger Point and works in Navarre, but he uses the bridge as many as 10 times a month to visit family, play golf and go to occasional work meetings in Milton. An $8 round trip, however, would make him think twice.

"I'm probably not going to use it now unless gas prices go up," Wood said. "It just depends on which way equates to be more expensive."

Some people who use the bridge to get to work every day say they have little choice but to pay the increase.

Victor Lowrimore, the principal at Woodlawn Beach Middle School, lives in Bagdad.

"To get down here from Bagdad is roughly 20 to 25 minutes using the bridge," Lowrimore said. "It would take me at least 45 minutes to go through Gulf Breeze, and I haven't even thought about going through Navarre because that would be 45-plus."

Lowrimore uses a SunPass transponder, an electronic toll device that gives a 50 percent discount to bridge users who make at least 30 one-way trips per calendar month. Under the current $3.50 toll, he still spends about $120 a month.

Tim Mallon and his wife live in Tiger Point and use the bridge to get to work. Tim Mallon works in Milton; his wife works in north Pensacola.

They both have SunPass transponders and likely will continue to use the bridge.

"As of right now, you're talking about $3 a gallon for gas," Tim Mallon said. "My alternative would be to drive all the way through Gulf Breeze, up Scenic Highway and back to I-10. ... The alternative, with gas, would probably be prohibitive."
Related

Mallon and Lowrimore, however, both expressed frustration with the increase.

"They're saying there not getting enough usage, but by increasing the price, it seems like they're going to decrease the usage," Mallon said. "I certainly question their logic."

Lowrimore is concerned about how the increase may affect his staff.

"I know that these costs are really hurting them," Lowrimore said. "There are schools on the north end, too, and I am worried about the day when someone comes in and says, 'Listen, I just can't afford to drive down here to work anymore.' "
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on April 29, 2010, 09:17:23 PM
Quote from: AARoads on April 28, 2010, 12:28:31 AM
Garcon Point Bridge toll to jump in July (http://www.navarrepress.com/201004262104/newsflashes/newsflash/garcon-point-bridge-toll-to-jump-in-july.html)

QuoteTravelers will pay an extra half-dollar to use the Garcon Point Bridge, beginning July 1.

Following a trend of the toll price being raised every few years to meet bond payments, the toll will rise to $4, exactly double what the original toll was in 2001.

And traffic volumes will decrease even further...

Yeah, but I am almost 100% certain that most peoples GPS will direct them to use the bridge as the shortest alternative to get to the beach areas of the coast, and that will be the majority of the traffic left using the bridge.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on April 29, 2010, 09:21:05 PM
Quote from: flaroadgeek on April 29, 2010, 09:17:23 PM
Quote from: AARoads on April 28, 2010, 12:28:31 AM
Garcon Point Bridge toll to jump in July (http://www.navarrepress.com/201004262104/newsflashes/newsflash/garcon-point-bridge-toll-to-jump-in-july.html)

QuoteTravelers will pay an extra half-dollar to use the Garcon Point Bridge, beginning July 1.

Following a trend of the toll price being raised every few years to meet bond payments, the toll will rise to $4, exactly double what the original toll was in 2001.

And traffic volumes will decrease even further...

Yup, like Angie with her parents...

And of course, when SR 87 is closed, you have to take the Garcon Point Bridge and no, the tolls will be collected!  :banghead:
Yeah, but I am almost 100% certain that most peoples GPS will direct them to use the bridge as the shortest alternative to get to the beach areas of the coast, and that will be the majority of the traffic left using the bridge.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on June 05, 2010, 11:37:45 AM
This has been up for a few weeks, but the Florida 85 and Florida 123 website (http://www.sr85-123.com/) has a schematic of what the interchange will look like once it is completed in 2012: http://www.sr85-123.com/images/SR85-123_Blank_Lochner_map.jpg (http://www.sr85-123.com/images/SR85-123_Blank_Lochner_map.jpg)

This interchange will entail a partial two-way frontage type road north of the Florida 85 mainline to allow southbound traffic from Florida 123 to access the Northwest Florida Regional Airport without having to intersect with Florida 85. Instead, there will be an interchange at the reconfigured entrance/exit of the airport.

Here are a couple of photos of the current progress of the construction taken on my way to Georgia Memorial Day weekend:

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/fl-085_nb_app_fl-123_01.jpg)
Florida 85 on its approach to the current intersection with Florida 123. Piles are currently being driven in to form the footers for the bridge support(s) that will carry northbound Florida 123 over Florida 85. Photo taken 05/27/2010.

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/fl-085_nb_after_fl-123_01.jpg)
Florida 85 as it passes to the north of Northwest Florida Regional Airport immediately east of the intersection with Florida 123. Construction on the eventual frontage road is currently going on north of the mainline. Photo taken 05/27/2010.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: codyg1985 on June 05, 2010, 01:54:14 PM
Quote from: flaroadgeek on June 05, 2010, 11:37:45 AM
This has been up for a few weeks, but the Florida 85 and Florida 123 website (http://www.sr85-123.com/) has a schematic of what the interchange will look like once it is completed in 2012: http://www.sr85-123.com/images/SR85-123_Blank_Lochner_map.jpg (http://www.sr85-123.com/images/SR85-123_Blank_Lochner_map.jpg)

This interchange will entail a partial two-way frontage type road north of the Florida 85 mainline to allow southbound traffic from Florida 123 to access the Northwest Florida Regional Airport without having to intersect with Florida 85. Instead, there will be an interchange at the reconfigured entrance/exit of the airport.

Does most of the traffic from SB FL 123 trying to get to the airport? From the schematic, it seems very cumbersome to get from FL 123 SB to FL 85 NB.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on June 05, 2010, 07:31:33 PM
Most who travel southbound along Florida 123 continue south along Florida 85 and have no need to travel back north, except for going to the airport. As of now the turn is easy, but yeah, looking at the schematic again it is very cumbersome.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on August 21, 2010, 11:09:47 PM
The next section of State Road 87 between Navarre and Holley to be four-laned will be starting on Monday:

http://www.srpressgazette.com/news/project-10976-three-mile.html

The three mile ARRA funded project will extend the current four-lane section from its current end at Five Forks Road west and north to the southern end of Eglin property north of Holley. Plans include replacing the Dean Creek bridge, bike paths and sidewalks. After construction is completed in fall of 2012 only two sections will remain to be widened, one of which will be the portion within Eglin property, which is currently unfunded nor has all the right-of-way been purchased.

So for the next two years we will get to endure a 35 mile-an-hour speed limit in the construction zone on one of only two ways to get out of this area.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on August 23, 2010, 05:58:07 PM
Quote from: flaroads on August 21, 2010, 11:09:47 PM
The next section of State Road 87 between Navarre and Holley to be four-laned will be starting on Monday:

http://www.srpressgazette.com/news/project-10976-three-mile.html

One of those blue construction funding signs went up and it indicates a Winter 2012 completion. This differs from the FDOT web site that advertises Fall 2012. The work area speed limit is a patience-testing 35 mph too...
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on August 23, 2010, 10:14:03 PM
Doesn't the state of Florida know that winter lasts from early December to early March??? So in other words it may not be completed until sometime in early 2013. Or perhaps it will be completed by 12/21/2012, just in time for the end of the Mayan calendar... :-o
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: florida on August 24, 2010, 02:29:27 AM
Quote from: flaroads on August 23, 2010, 10:14:03 PM
Doesn't the state of Florida know that winter lasts from early December to early March??? So in other words it may not be completed until sometime in early 2013. Or perhaps it will be completed by 12/21/2012, just in time for the end of the Mayan calendar... :-o

Oh please! Then we will have just a few hours to marvel at it as we drive into the apocalypse. But, it is nice to see FDOT finally upgrading the Panhandle's string network of north-south, two-digit routes.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on January 03, 2011, 06:20:13 PM
Road project promises a better Avalon Boulevard (http://www.pnj.com/article/20110103/NEWS01/101030314/1125)

QuoteWhen construction on Avalon Boulevard is complete in 2013, there will be four lanes of traffic connecting Interstate 10 to U.S. 90 in Milton

QuoteThe project is being built as four segments, each with a separate contract, totaling more than $32.7 million. It is funded primarily through state highway money and federal stimulus funds. The first segment began in January 2010, with two more starting since. The contract for the final segment was signed in December, and work should begin early this year.

Work on the final section is scheduled to be completed in 2013.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on January 03, 2011, 08:14:52 PM
Quote from: florida on August 24, 2010, 02:29:27 AM
Quote from: flaroads on August 23, 2010, 10:14:03 PM
Doesn't the state of Florida know that winter lasts from early December to early March??? So in other words it may not be completed until sometime in early 2013. Or perhaps it will be completed by 12/21/2012, just in time for the end of the Mayan calendar... :-o

Oh please! Then we will have just a few hours to marvel at it as we drive into the apocalypse. But, it is nice to see FDOT finally upgrading the Panhandle's string network of north-south, two-digit routes.

Indeed it is good that FDOT is finally upgrading Florida 87, but they could have picked a better company to do the work. Motorists must reduce their speed to 35 MPH well before entering the construction zone, so instead of being stuck at a low speed for the three miles of actual construction, one must maintain that speed for at least an extra half-mile or so either side of the construction zone. And for the moment, all work is being done at the future retention ponds as well as a little bit of drainage work well away from the current pavement. I expect it to be a few more months before we see the first real significant work along the new northbound lanes.
Title: Garcon Point Bridge toll is $3.75 beginning today (FL)
Post by: Alex on January 05, 2011, 10:57:32 AM
Garcon Point Bridge toll is $3.75 beginning today (http://www.pnj.com/article/20110105/NEWS01/101050322/Garcon-Point-Bridge-toll-is-3-75-beginning-today)

QuoteThe Santa Rosa Bay Bridge Authority voted last month to raise the toll by a quarter.

The new toll for a one-way crossing of East Bay will be $3.75 effective today.

QuoteThe decision to raise the toll was made at the December meeting of the Santa Rosa Bay Bridge Authority, which runs the bridge, according to Ira Mae Bruce, a member of the authority who resigned after the December meeting for unrelated reasons.

"The bond instruments that the Bridge Authority operates under require the toll to be raised," Bruce said.

There was no public notice of the increase, she said, but pointed out that the decision was made in an open, advertised meeting.

QuoteBruce acknowledged that many people already think the toll is too high.

"When I went on the authority, I questioned that," she said. "(Andrews) said that even through the usage goes down, every time they increase the toll, they actually collect more money. Most people who use the bridge use the SunPass, and it really doesn't effect them that much."

QuoteIn November 2010 – the last month for which data is listed on the bridge's website – 91,600 vehicles crossed the span, generating $318,996.19. Both of those numbers are up slightly from the same period in 2009. However, the Novembers between 2000 and 2008 all saw less revenue but more vehicles.

Completed in 1999, the bridge was funded through a $95 million bond sale. Since 2002, the bridge has failed to bring in enough revenue to make the twice-annual required payment to bond holders, but the authority has used a $9 million reserve fund to gap the shortfall. The toll has increased progressively since 2001, when the span still charged its original $2 one-way fee.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: florida on January 06, 2011, 04:15:34 PM
$95 million sounds very steep for a standard two-lane, high-rise bridge.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on January 12, 2011, 11:03:31 PM
County afraid new DOT policy regarding light at Florosa will cause traffic backups (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/mary-36565-county-new.html)

QuoteFLOROSA – A new state Department of Transportation policy has some Okaloosa County officials worried that traffic near Florosa Elementary School will become more congested.

The new rule requires traffic signals in school zones to be fully operational during school hours. That means the light on U.S. Highway 98 in front of Florosa Elementary will remain activated from morning drop-off to afternoon departure.

View a photo gallery from the first day of school at Florosa.

"I think they turned it on (Tuesday),"  said DOT district spokesman Tommie Speights. "Once school is out, we can put it back into flash mode."

Florosa's school day begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3:20 p.m.

"We've been looking at school zones for a long time,"  said Mark C. Wilson, state traffic operations engineer with the DOT. "We thought this would be a safety improvement."

But county officials say the activated signal could further slow traffic in an already congested area.

"I think it's going to be a hindrance to the traffic flow,"  said County Commissioner Don Amunds. "It's just one more stop-and-go."

Before Tuesday, the traffic signal – which was installed in August 2008 –was activated only at the beginning and end of the school day. At all other times the signal flashed yellow.

Amunds said he was concerned that he did not see any signs on U.S. 98 notifying motorists of the change.

"People aren't going to expect it,"  he said. "I just want citizens to know it's there and the county didn't do it. The state did."

John Hofstad, Okaloosa's public works director, said county traffic engineers will monitor the traffic flow closely in the coming weeks.

"It's potentially going to stop traffic,"  he said. "It's always congested west of Hurlburt Field, and we don't want to implement any additional traffic control that's further going to congest it."

Hofstad said the county wants to keep traffic moving in that area instead of slowing it down.

He said he hopes that after Florosa's morning drop-off time is over, the traffic signal will stay green for most of the day.

"We will monitor that closely to optimize that green east-west run time,"  Hofstad said.

In Northwest Florida, the new DOT rule affects three traffic signals – in Florosa, Gulf Breeze and Panama City.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 13, 2011, 12:02:30 AM
so what genius of suburban planning decided it was a smart idea to build schools on major commercial arterial roads?

in the town I grew up in, all the schools were on residential two-laners.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: realjd on January 13, 2011, 07:42:33 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 13, 2011, 12:02:30 AM
so what genius of suburban planning decided it was a smart idea to build schools on major commercial arterial roads?

in the town I grew up in, all the schools were on residential two-laners.

Kids don't walk / ride their bikes anymore, and parents are afraid of kids getting molested at bus stops. Schools practically need to be on a major highway anymore to handle the sheer amount of parents in the morning and after school. Whenever they propose it on a residential street, NIMBYs complain. At least that's how it works around here.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 13, 2011, 10:32:08 AM
Quote from: realjd on January 13, 2011, 07:42:33 AM
Kids don't walk / ride their bikes anymore, and parents are afraid of kids getting molested at bus stops.

I am obligated to note that when I was in school, I walked every day.  Uphill both ways of course.  (Not really; it was about a mile walk each way on mostly level ground to all the schools I went to.)
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: mightyace on January 14, 2011, 12:38:17 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 13, 2011, 12:02:30 AM
so what genius of suburban planning decided it was a smart idea to build schools on major commercial arterial roads?

in the town I grew up in, all the schools were on residential two-laners.

Well, nearly all schools in Tennessee are on major arterials.  This helps makes rush hour a pain.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on February 05, 2011, 11:55:57 PM
Toll bridge threatened by bankruptcy (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/bridge-37323-bay-rosa.html)

Quote

The Garcon Point Bridge is 3.5 miles of solidly anchored steel and concrete stretching over East Bay in Santa Rosa County.

It is not going anywhere anytime soon.

But unless some sort of miracle happens soon, the bridge is going to default on its debts and its ownership will be snatched from the Santa Rosa Bay Bridge Authority.

State Sen. Don Gaetz has been watching the bridge's deteriorating financial situation closely. He said he thinks its future is important enough to be discussed during this year's legislative session.

Gaetz said he's eager to take up the issue with the new secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation when that person is appointed by Gov. Rick Scott.

The question Gaetz will pose is: What happens when the owner of a $95 million toll bridge declares bankruptcy?

From the conversations he has had, Gaetz said he sees three scenarios.

The first would be to let ownership of the bridge "go back to the bondholders so they can decide what to do with it,"  he said.

The second would be for the state to offer to take the bridge off of the hands of the bond holders at a significant discount. The DOT could then take it over and get taxpayers "off the hook."

Gaetz said a third option would be for the state to bail out the bond holders and assume the millions of dollars in debt they are going to find themselves saddled with if the bridge goes under.

Option three is not an option as far as Gaetz is concerned.

"I would oppose that as the senator representing Northwest Florida and as the chairman over the Senate committee with appropriation authority over transportation,"  he said.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on February 07, 2011, 01:53:24 PM
Eglin's gains bring traffic pains (http://www.pnj.com/article/20110207/NEWS01/110207009/Eglin-s-gains-bring-traffic-pains)

QuoteWASHINGTON – State Road 85 between Eglin Air Force Base and Interstate 10 will become "significantly more congested" because defense officials aren't building new roads fast enough to keep pace with the base's growth, according to a government report released today.

Traffic along U.S. 98, which runs east to west, also is a concern as Eglin adds thousands of jobs from base closures elsewhere, according to the report from the National Academy of Sciences. Accidents on the road tie up traffic for miles and take hours to clear.

The Defense and Transportation departments don't have the resources to solve the problems, the 106-page report said.

"Funding appears to be the main problem," it said.

The traffic experts and planning officials who wrote the report recommended that the Defense Department "accept more financial responsibility for traffic problems that it causes" and that Congress consider a special appropriation for military bases.

Local officials such as Okaloosa County Commission Chairman James Campbell say the economic benefits that come with Eglin's expansion are worth the traffic problems, although they would like to see additional federal funding.

"To put things in perspective, if you've ever been to Atlanta or Washington, that's real traffic," Campbell said. "What we deal with here is traffic, but it's not real traffic."

The recent resurfacing and widening of SR-285 provided some relief. The county is in the midst of building an overpass where SR-85 goes over SR-123, to reduce military-traffic backups.

"That's going to help those folks going north to south big time," Campbell said of the overpass.

The traffic concerns are a result of Eglin coming out a winner when the government agreed to close many military bases in 2005.

Eglin, host of the 96th Air Base Wing, also encompasses Hurlburt Field for the Air Force Special Operations Command, and Duke Field, host of the 919th Special Operations Wing. Eglin and Hurlburt had more than 20,000 military personnel and civilian workers before the gains.

By next year the base closures elsewhere will have brought Eglin 6,100 military personnel and their dependents with the Army 7th Special Forces Group and 4,900 people associated with the Joint Strike Fighter.

The Eglin complex already accounts for one-third of Northwest Florida's economy and 70 percent of the economy in Okaloosa County.

"God has blessed us with the fact that we are going to get some of the special forces here and some of the F-35s," Campbell said. "We're making do."

Okaloosa County applied in 2009 for a transportation stimulus grant to deal with anticipated problems with SR-85, for road, interchange and park-and-ride construction. The request, which was not approved. was for $298 million in federal funding, and would have been supplemented with $122 million in local funding.

Competition for federal funding is fierce. Roads compete with barracks and other Pentagon priorities in spending bills, which is why the report proposed a special spending bill related to base closings.

"DOD sees its responsibilities for off-base transportation facilities as limited," the report said. "In addition, off-base projects compete poorly in the military construction budget, which also funds the higher priorities of base commanders for on-base facilities."

Campbell said the county will reapply for transportation grants but will make do in the meantime.

"We have sufficed with it the way it is for several years, and it seems to be doing real well," he said.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: florida on February 07, 2011, 03:44:25 PM
There's only so much room to grow around the base's boundaries. It doesn't help that the distance between SR 85 and SR 87 is 25 miles, and between SR 85 and SR 83 is 15 miles. Sooner or later they'll have to build another north-south route to help compensate for all the surburbia from Gulf Breeze to The Walton Beaches.

SR 285 was widened all the way up to I-10?
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on February 08, 2011, 11:50:22 PM
Quote from: florida on February 07, 2011, 03:44:25 PM
There's only so much room to grow around the base's boundaries. It doesn't help that the distance between SR 85 and SR 87 is 25 miles, and between SR 85 and SR 83 is 15 miles. Sooner or later they'll have to build another north-south route to help compensate for all the surburbia from Gulf Breeze to The Walton Beaches.

SR 285 was widened all the way up to I-10?

The article was incorrect in a widening of SR 285. It was however repaved during the fall.

As you already know, SR 189 originally connected between Holt and Ft. Walton Beach (eons ago though...).




Work up ahead on Old Brick Road in Milton (http://www.pnj.com/article/20110208/NEWS01/102080321/Work-up-ahead-on-Old-Brick-Road-in-Milton)

QuoteState Road 1 gets $1.5M face-lift

A roadway that was heralded as a modern marvel nearly a century ago is about to get a $1.57 million face lift.

The state Department of Transportation is expected to approve final funding for a project to repair and refurbish historic State Road 1 – commonly called the Old Brick Road – in East Milton this month. Work could begin as soon as March.

"About 10,000 people came to the celebration when it opened in 1921. There was dancing in the street in downtown Milton," said Brian Rucker, a Pensacola State College history professor who has studied the Old Brick Road.

That celebration included the opening of the first vehicular bridge across the Blackwater Bridge in Milton, he said. Milton had paved streets, and the brick road extended a smooth paved area east of Milton in an age when most roads were plagued by sand pits and potholes, Rucker said.

"The age of the automobile had arrived," he said. "People were trying to connect the nation on the Old Spanish Trail from St. Augustine to California. One of the big pushes was to create better roads."

Efforts to restore the 6 ½ mile roadway – which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991 – began in 2003, said project engineer Chris Phillips. The effort will be mindful of the facility's cultural importance.

"This project will include patching potholes, buckled areas and areas with no bricks with existing, period-correct bricks and modern pavers as needed," Phillips said. "In keeping with the historical context of this trail, the construction techniques utilized with be very labor intensive and time consuming as to preserve the character and integrity of the intact sections of the roadway."

The road, which closely follows the route of U.S. 90, is used by East Milton residents for walking, jogging, biking and horseback riding.

Vernon Compton, a member of the Blackwater Heritage State Trail Citizens Support Organization, said the improvements will help connect the Old Brick Road to other trails in the Milton area.

"The project will serve as a connection between the Blackwater Heritage State Trail and the Bagdad Heritage Trail and the historic communities of Milton and the Village of Bagdad to Blackwater River State Forest and Blackwater River State Park," he said.

"The old brick road will also provide a connection to numerous city and county parks and will serve as a connection between the Florida National Scenic Trail and the City of Milton."
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: florida on February 09, 2011, 02:02:26 PM
Quote from: AARoads on February 08, 2011, 11:50:22 PM
As you already know, SR 189 originally connected between Holt and Ft. Walton Beach (eons ago though...).

And judging by old county maps, it was broken up by the mid-1950s.
Title: FL 79 / AL 167 planned four-lane corridor
Post by: Alex on February 14, 2011, 01:23:27 AM
Regional leaders provide 167/79 highway update (http://www.chipleypaper.com/news/leaders-8466-provide-regional.html)

Quote
February 11, 2011

ENTERPRISE, Ala. — Leaders from Florida and Alabama were on hand Thursday at the seventh annual Alabama 167/Florida 79 highway update at the Enterprise, Alabama Civic Center. Over 200 people were present at the meeting, including about a dozen representatives from Holmes County.

The two groups have been working together for over seven years to support the expansion of Florida 79 from Hwy. 98 north to the Alabama line where it would link up with Alabama 167 and would be expanded all the way to Troy, Alabama.

Enterprise Mayor Kenneth Boswell and Holmes County Development Commission Executive Director Jim Brook provided the welcome. They joined several other officials and elected leaders in urging the expansion to provide more effective hurricane evacuation, improve business potential and increase tourism for both states.

The Florida Department of Transportation is working on the $366 million expansion from Hwy. 98 to Interstate 10. "It's a primary project for the department,"  FDOT District 3 Secretary Tommy Barfield said. Barfield said that acquisition of right of way and construction is funded except for an 11-mile stretch south of Vernon.

"Within the next five years we expect to see completion of almost all the project,"  Barfield said.

Currently the 16.5 miles from Interstate 10 to the Alabama line is a different story. "There is no funding for that process in the state's five-year work plan,"  Barfield said.

Barfield noted that studies show that there is considerable evidence that improved infrastructure encourages economic growth.

"For every dollar invested in transportation there's a $5 return in the long term,"  Barfield said. "For every $1 billion in infrastructure investment there are about 28,000 jobs created, half in construction and half as part of what experts call a microeconomic ripple effect,"  meaning that businesses taking advantage of improved infrastructure would add workers

Former Alabama Development Office Director Neal Wade, now working for the St. Joe Co., noted that the possibility of attracting business prospects is only on average half as successful without a four-lane highway. Wade also noted the importance to the region of linking four-lane highways to the new Bay County international airport, including four-lanes into Alabama to attract regional traffic.

"The airport is an economic engine in this region the likes of which we have not seen before,"  Wade said.

The project has strong political support in Alabama, but funding so far has been a problem.

A two-mile part of the project is underway along Salem Road near Enterprise. Alabama Department of Transportation Chief Engineer Don Vaughn said that then design stage was about 50 percent complete, 15 of the 45 parcels needed have been appraised, and the remaining parcels should be done within 60 days. Utility relocation would begin in 2012 with construction beginning immediately following.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: florida on February 14, 2011, 10:58:12 PM
Better get those remaining keys shields along SRs 79, and 77, photographed before they disappear entirely! :)
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on March 23, 2011, 10:23:08 AM
SR 123 flyover project is on schedule (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/flyover-38651-map-schedule.html)

QuoteCrews will start building a portion of the $32.4 million flyover next week that will elevate traffic above the intersection of State Roads 85 and 123.

The long dirt ramp on the east side of SR 85 also will begin taking shape as the flyover's southern approach.

"We'll start putting the lime rock base in next week, and that has to go in in two (layers) ... to get proper density and compaction,"  said Project Administrator Mike Lenga with Greenhorne & O'Mara, the firm managing the project.

View a map of the flyover. (http://richmedia.onset.freedom.com/nwfdn/lihamh-23flyover.pdf)

Paving on the ramp will begin in the next few weeks, he added.

Construction on the flyover, which is funded with federal stimulus money, began in August 2009.

"It's going well and it's on schedule,"  said Tommie Speights, district spokesman for the state Department of Transportation. "We're still shooting for a 2012 completion. It all depends on the weather."

The project will widen SR 85 to six lanes between General Bond Boulevard and Northwest Florida Regional Airport. The flyover on northbound SR 85 will connect motorists to SR 123.

Access to the airport also will be improved by elevating the north and southbound lanes of SR 85 to pass above the northernmost entrance to the airport. A new frontage road will link the airport to SR 123.

"I think it is going to be an awesome asset to this area,"  Lenga said. "Every time you have cars crossing each other's paths, you have a potential for an accident. By creating this flyover, you eliminate that intersection. You're reducing areas of conflict."

The flyover was designed by H.W. Lochner and is being built by Anderson-Columbia.

In the next week, work will start on the two small airport exit overpass bridges, Lenga said.

"They're mobilizing equipment now,"  he said. "We just moved the northbound traffic over (to the frontage road) so we could do this."

Crews will begin to drive test pilings into ground to determine how deep support beams must go to support the bridge.

Workers also will build a concrete gravity wall on the ramp that will take traffic off southbound SR 85 and connect it either to SR 123 or the airport, Lenga said.

The weather had been cooperative so far. When it has rained, the water hasn't caused long-term problems.

"It's pretty sandy out there, so the water disappears pretty quickly,"  Lenga said. "All in all, it's been great."

His biggest concern now is keeping his workers safe. He acknowledges that construction is frustrating for motorists, but urges them to heed the speed limits.

"These guys out there working, standing next to the road, they're not protected,"  he said "They have families. If you slow down through that 2-mile, 3-mile section ... you're not taking more than 10, 15 seconds out of your day. Isn't that worth saving a life?"

Lenga said the flyover is on schedule to wrap up sometime next spring or early summer.

"We're hoping to finish early on the job,"  he said. "We need a good summer. Once the bridge work really starts kicking off, which is going to happen next week, we'll really start picking up."

He said one of the biggest benefits of the flyover is increased capacity.

"We're adding lanes, so we're increasing capacity to get through a congested area,"  Lenga said. "I think when (motorists) see the final project, they're going to really appreciate what happened."
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on March 25, 2011, 12:11:23 PM
An upcoming resurfacing project along a portion of U.S. 98 in Okaloosa County (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/project-38732-public-information.html):

QuoteThe Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public information meeting Tuesday, March 29, 2011 from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. in the Florosa Baptist Church fellowship hall, located at 102 Church Street in Mary Esther. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information on the upcoming US 98 resurfacing project in Okaloosa County.

The project will resurface an approximately five mile section of US 98 from Josie Road in Mary Esther west to the Santa Rosa County line. Drainage improvements, guardrail, traffic signal loop replacements, and new signs and pavement markings will also be included in the work. The project begins April 2011 and weather permitting is expected to be complete near the end of this year.

Maps, drawings and other information will be on display. FDOT representatives will be available to explain proposed improvements, provide an overview of the planned work, answer questions about the construction activities, and receive comments. There will be no formal presentation or public testimony period. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status.

I certainly hope they have the brains to do this project at night, but I have a feeling that will not be the case. . .
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on March 30, 2011, 11:30:19 AM
A second article on the resurfacing project, including a link to the FDOT web site (http://www.myus98.com/) on the project (is one really necessary? it is just resurfacing!).

DOT starting $4.7 million resurfacing project on U.S. 98 (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/resurfacing-38830-starting-dot.html)

Quote
FLOROSA – Less than two months before the summer tourism season kicks off, the state Department of Transportation will start a $4.7 million resurfacing project on U.S. Highway 98.

Crews are set to scrape and pave a 5-mile stretch of the highway from Josie Road west to the Santa Rosa County line. Work is scheduled to begin in mid-April and wrap up in November.

"We're at the bottom end of the funnel,"  said Mike Sasser, a DOT consultant for the project. "Everything we've planned is about to come to pass."

Sasser and other officials were on hand Tues-day at Florosa Baptist Church for a public work-shop on the project.

Several residents, many of whom live and work along that section of U.S. 98, showed up look at maps and ask questions.

"I don't foresee any problems for us,"  said Florosa Fire Chief Mark Lee.

Lee said it will help that most of the work will be done at night.

Crews from Panhandle Grading and Paving, the company doing the work, will do the bulk of the scraping and repaving between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. No lane closures will be allowed between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Charlene Franks, who has lived off U.S. 98 since 1974, will be glad to see new asphalt but said U.S. 98 needs a permanent solution to its congestion.

"The pavement is pretty rough right now,"  she said. "Sometimes you think you've run over something when it's just the road."

Franks, who lives in Seashore Village, told DOT officials she wants to see the entrance to her neighborhood resurfaced and smoothed out.

Franks said she and her husband often avoid U.S. 98 between 4 and 6 p.m.

"There's just too much traffic,"  she said. "They've talked about six-laning it, but the businesses won't ever let that happen. They've talked about a bypass up in Navarre, but that won't really help us."

Officials said they realize the resurfacing will collide with increased tourism traffic, but are confident overnight work will minimize most of the congestion.

"We'll keep our eye on it,"  said Bill Klepac, a senior project engineer with Genesis CE&I Services. "If we see it's causing a significant problem, we can stop the contractor and get them off the road."

During the work, crews will be able to close only one lane at a time and have only 2-mile segments closed at a time, Klepac said.

He said motorists must pay closer attention to reduced speed limits and construction equipment in the area.

Construction crews also will make drainage improvements, replace sections of guardrail, install new signs and update highway striping.

The DOT also has created a website –www.MyUS98.com (http://www.myus98.com/) – that will feature daily traffic and construction updates.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on April 05, 2011, 10:50:18 AM
Traffic changes scheduled for SR 85 (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/road-39001-traffic-airport.html)

QuoteApril 05, 2011 8:44 AM

Southbound drivers on State Road 85 will encounter a traffic shift beginning Wednesday morning.

Traffic will be detoured at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport to a newly constructed and adjacent service road. Access to the airport will be provided through a dedicated left turn lane from the service road to the airport entrance.

Directional signs will be posted to guide drivers through the construction zone.

The traffic shift will allow workers space to continue efforts to elevate the SR 85 north and southbound travel lanes in front of the Northwest Florida Regional Airport.

When the project is complete SR 85 southbound drivers will enter the Northwest Florida Regional Airport parking area via a service road and underpass.

The new entrance will separate airport traffic from through traffic to help relieve congestion and improve safety.

Construction is also being done to widen State Road 85 to six lanes from General Bond Boulevard to north of the airport.

A flyover ramp at the State Road 85 and State Road 123 intersection to allow State Road 85 northbound traffic to connect seamlessly with State Road 123 northbound will also be constructed.

The project began in the summer of 2009 and is slated for completion in mid-2012.

The speed limit in the construction zone will be reduced to 30 mph while the traffic shift is in place. Provisions will continue for law enforcement to double speeding fines for citations written while workers are present in the construction zone.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on April 23, 2011, 11:48:14 AM
Work on flyover at state roads 85 and 123 should be finished in mid-2012 (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/state-39524-flyover-roads.html)

QuoteOkaloosa County officials say they are pleased with the flow of traffic around the $32.4 million flyover under construction at the intersection of State Roads 85 and 123.

"I drive through it at least once a day,"  Commission Chairman James Campbell said Friday. "The traffic, it's slowed down to hopefully the speed limit, but generally speaking, everything seems to be flowing."

See a slideshow of the flyover work. »

Construction on the flyover, which is funded with federal stimulus money, began in August 2009. It is on track to be finished in mid-2012.

"One thing about this project is we're not allowed to have any lane closures during the daytime,"  said Ed Blackmon, senior project manager with Greenhorne & O'Mara, the firm managing the project. "All our lane closures are done at night. The DOT (state Department of Transportation) does put that restriction on the contractor."

Blackmon and DOT officials updated commissioners on the work earlier this week.

The flyover was designed by H.W. Lochner and is being built by Anderson-Columbia.

Blackmon said project officials fly over the construction site the first of every month to take aerial photographs that are updated online at www.SR85-123.com.

The project will widen SR 85 to six lanes from General Bond Boulevard north to just past Northwest Florida Regional Airport. The flyover on northbound SR 85 will connect motorists to northbound SR 123. The north and southbound lanes of SR 85 will pass above the northernmost entrance to the airport. A new service road will link the airport to SR 123.

"There are going to be quite a few changes, different flows of traffic, that will take getting used to,"  Blackmon said. "One of the main goals is to eliminate the long left turn lane if you're going north on 85 to 123."

Okaloosa County Administrator Jim Curry said the flyover and other changes will significantly improve safety in the area.

"That's just been a dangerous intersection for such a long time,"  Curry said. "Safety is the foremost issue."

Campbell agreed. He noted that the merge lane from SR 123 onto southbound SR 85 has been the site of many accidents and lots of road rage.

"The ones (the flyover is) going to help the most are the ones who work on Eglin (Air Force Base) and have to use 123 as a means of coming and going,"  he said. "It was a project that was dear to everybody's heart way back even before I became a county commissioner, and finally something happened."

Campbell said he hopes more federal money is found to improve the north end of SR 123.

"Hopefully this is a start,"  he said. "That's where the bad accidents happen. It's not a fender bender when it happens there."
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on April 30, 2011, 01:06:11 PM
Two stretches of State Road 85 get needed speed limit increases through the Fort Walton Beach area...

Eglin Parkway to get speed limit increased (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/limit-39712-parkway-beach.html)

Quote

FORT WALTON BEACH – Rarely is a road's speed limit increased, but it does happen.

The Florida Department of Transportation has announced that the speed limit on two stretches of Eglin Parkway in Fort Walton Beach will increase from the existing 30 mph.

"It is very seldom that we actually increase,"  said DOT district spokesman Tommie Speights. "Normally, we are decreasing the actual speed limit."

The speed limit from First Street north to Yacht Club Drive will increase from 30 mph to 35 mph. The speed limit from Yacht Club north to just south of Monahan Drive will increase from 30 to 40 mph. Signs displaying the new speeds will be posted soon.

Speights said that for a road's speed limit to change there must be a request from a local government or residents.

A study then must be conducted to prove that the change of speed is necessary if more than 85 percent of the motorists are traveling at the increased rate.

"The study would probably consist of how much congestion is in the area and how many traffic fatalities, wrecks or tickets have been issued in the area,"  Speights said.

The biggest factor in changing a speed limit is how fast most drivers are going.

"The biggest reason is to make the area more uniformed in its speeds,"  he said. "The increase will make the streets uniformed with the surrounding streets."
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on April 30, 2011, 03:51:27 PM
Good. I hate that 30 MPH speed limit anyway. I never go it, even in the City truck!
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: allniter89 on April 30, 2011, 10:35:58 PM
Quote from: flaroads on April 30, 2011, 03:51:27 PM
Good. I hate that 30 MPH speed limit anyway. I never go it, even in the City truck!
Yeah, in Okaloosa County the only people that do the speed limit are the aholes in the left lane!
Title: First section of Mid-Bay Bridge connector to open Thursday [Niceville, FL]
Post by: Alex on May 09, 2011, 06:19:13 PM
First section of Mid-Bay Bridge connector to open Thursday (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/bridge-39942-section-connector.html)

QuoteNICEVILLE – Motorists who travel the Mid-Bay Bridge are in for major changes this week.

A section of the first phase of the Mid-Bay Bridge Connector will open to traffic at 9 p.m. Thursday. The Mid-Bay Bridge Authority will mark its completion in a ribbon-cutting ceremony that morning.

"We're really excited about it,"  said Bridge Authority board member Jimmy Nielson. "Phase one has gone exceptionally well."

The 1.5-mile stretch of road, which cost $24 million to build, will connect the north end of the bridge to State Road 20.

"People will be able to go from point A, the toll booth, to (State Road) 20 direct,"  Nielson said.

The initial portion of the connector will allow motorists to bypass White Point Road.

"White Point Road will revert back to a residential county road,"  said Jim Vest, the Bridge Authority's executive director. "It's going to relieve all that congestion."

Bridge Authority members say the new configuration also will provide a better evacuation route in case of a hurricane.

"What it's going to do is make a good, even flow of traffic,"  Nielson said.

The entire first phase, which ultimately will connect to Range Road, is scheduled to be completed in early July, Vest said.

The second phase of the project will stretch about 5.6 miles from Range Road to State Road 285. The third and final phase will run about 2.5 miles from SR 285 to State Road 85 north of College Boulevard. It should be completed by 2014.

The entire project is expected to cost about $174 million.

Vest said the Bridge Authority wanted to open the first section of the connector well before the end of May to get locals accustomed to the new route before tourism increases.

"We always get a big influx on Memorial Day weekend,"  he said. "It's going to be a different traffic pattern, that's for sure."

On Friday, toll booth operators began passing out leaflets on the changes to drivers in the cash lanes, Vest said.

At 9 p.m. Thursday, access to the Mid-Bay Bridge from White Point Road will be closed. Residents along White Point will be able to access the connector at the North Lakeshore Drive interchange.

In case you were wondering what they are building, here is a map I made for the Niceville bypass:

(//www.aaroads.com/wp-content/uploads/blog_images/southeast/niceville_map.png) (//www.aaroads.com/wp-content/uploads/blog_images/southeast/niceville_map.png)

Note that the northern portion of the toll road is planned as a super two. An at-grade intersection with Forest Road is also slated to provide local access to the road from residential areas of northeast Niceville.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on May 12, 2011, 10:11:41 PM
First stretch of Mid-Bay Bridge Connector opens (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/niceville-40098-bay-opens.html)

QuoteNICEVILLE – The first phase of the Mid-Bay Bridge Connector is now open.

Motorists began using the new 1.5-mile stretch of road between the north end of the Mid-Bay Bridge and State Road 20 at 9 p.m. Thursday.

The project, which cost about $24 million, will allow traffic to bypass White Point Road when using the bridge.

"It's going to reduce that congestion we're seeing in the residential area,"  said Okaloosa County Public Works Director John Hofstad. "It's going to be safer for those subdivisions."

Local and state officials celebrated the opening of the connector with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday morning.

Gordon Fornell, chairman of the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority, told a crowd of nearly 100 people that the new road will be "a most viable and valuable hurricane evacuation route."

He added that the project has provided local jobs during a slow economy and serves as a "win-win"  for the entire area.

Jimmy Rodgers, district director of transportation operations for the Florida Department of Transportation, said the new route not only improves the county's infrastructure but serves as an "engine of economic rebirth."

He praised the Bridge Authority and county officials for forming an effective partnership with Eglin Air Force Base, which granted the easements where the road was built.

"This project is a great example to the rest of the region,"  Rodgers said. "We are committed to projects like this that help revitalize Northwest Florida."

After the ceremony, dignitaries and visitors were invited to drive along the new road. Jim Vest, executive director of the Bridge Authority, led the procession with Walt Spence, a former panel member credited with having the idea for the new road, in his yellow 1968 Cadillac convertible.

The entire first phase of the connector, which eventually will stretch to Range Road, is scheduled to be completed in early July.

The second phase of the project will stretch about 5.6 miles from Range Road to State Road 285. The third and final phase will run about 2.5 miles from SR 285 to State Road 85 north of College Boulevard. It should be completed by 2014.

The entire project is expected to cost about $174 million.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: allniter89 on May 24, 2011, 10:51:49 PM
Why not continue the highway west to 123 and/or continue the highway south to near the south College/85 jct?
I mean as long as we're building a new highway, let's look ahead and plan for the future a little. It's a pretty safe bet that this area will continue grow so let's get it done now!
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: NE2 on May 24, 2011, 10:56:49 PM
Any further extension would be through the base (as are the current phases), so there's really no hurry in getting the land.

Or, if you want to be cynical, making it too easy to get from Niceville to Fort Walton Beach will hurt bridge revenue :)
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on May 25, 2011, 10:21:19 AM
Quote from: allniter89 on May 24, 2011, 10:51:49 PM
Why not continue the highway west to 123 and/or continue the highway south to near the south College/85 jct?
I mean as long as we're building a new highway, let's look ahead and plan for the future a little. It's a pretty safe bet that this area will continue grow so let's get it done now!

It is planned to wrap around Valparaiso to the southwest (http://www.nwftca.com/overview/NFTCA-Master-Plan-Alternative-4.pdf). Further west a toll road is touted (probably after we are all long gone) from State Road 189 west to State Road 87 north of Holley.

More info:
http://www.nwftca.com/
https://www.aaroads.com/blog/2008/08/05/the-future-of-northwest-florida/
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on May 25, 2011, 10:27:45 AM
Plan for $417K roundabout has heads turning (http://www.pnj.com/article/20110525/NEWS01/105250325/-1/7daysarchives/Plan-417K-roundabout-has-heads-turning)

Quote...a $417,000 project for a roundabout on Bayfront Parkway at Ninth Avenue in downtown Pensacola.

Quote"He wants to make Bayfront and Ninth Avenue, the gateway to the Historic District, as inviting and pedestrian-friendly as possible," Peterson said. "Roundabouts provide ways to calm traffic flow and provide a more aesthetically inviting entrance to a rapidly developing area of downtown."
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on June 05, 2011, 09:52:21 PM
Florida 85 at Duke Field to get a new flyover by 2013 (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/flyover-40796-forces-soon.html)

QuoteThe project is estimated to cost $10 million and take about a year and a half to complete, according to Hecock. The overpass is expected to be open in 2013.

QuoteThe project would include construction of an elevated road at the entrance to Duke Field that would cross over State 85. The restricted roadway, dubbed Special Forces Way, would allow military personnel and equipment to cross State 85 without impeding traffic on the main north-south artery.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: florida on June 06, 2011, 11:10:53 PM
Quote from: Alex on May 25, 2011, 10:21:19 AM
Quote from: allniter89 on May 24, 2011, 10:51:49 PM
Why not continue the highway west to 123 and/or continue the highway south to near the south College/85 jct?
I mean as long as we're building a new highway, let's look ahead and plan for the future a little. It's a pretty safe bet that this area will continue grow so let's get it done now!

It is planned to wrap around Valparaiso to the southwest (http://www.nwftca.com/overview/NFTCA-Master-Plan-Alternative-4.pdf). Further west a toll road is touted (probably after we are all long gone) from State Road 189 west to State Road 87 north of Holley.


That is an interesting site, especially with the Okaloosa CR 393 connector to I-10, plus the widening of it to 6-lanes. Along with the various routes that are supposed to cut travel times along Coastal Franklin County and Bay County, and the bridge connecting Pensacola Airport to SR 281(!)
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on June 12, 2011, 11:59:50 AM
Resurfacing work on U.S. 98 to begin Saturday night (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/night-40972-resurfacing-saturday.html)

QuoteFLOROSA – Resurfacing work will begin tonight on a nearly five-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 98 from the Santa Rosa County line to Josie Road west of Hurlburt Field, the state Department of Transportation has announced.

Crews will work from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. each day for the next several months. Motorists should anticipate lane closures and travel delays during those times, according to a news release from the DOT.

Access to businesses, homes and other private property along U.S. 98 will be open during the construction, the release said.

The resurfacing work is part of a $4.7 million project that includes drainage improvements, new guardrails, traffic signal timing loops and pavement markings and signs.

At a public meeting March 29 to answer questions about the project, officials said they realized it will coincide with increased tourism traffic, but were confident overnight work will minimize most of the congestion.

"We'll keep our eye on it,"  Bill Klepac, a senior project engineer with Genesis CE&I Services, said at the meeting. "If we see it's causing a significant problem, we can stop the contractor and get them off the road."

The work schedule will depend on the weather.

More information on the project is available online at www.MyUS98.com.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on June 12, 2011, 04:57:04 PM
Well, you will know if this is NOT the case...
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on June 14, 2011, 05:02:31 PM
Milton has eyes out for red-light runners (http://www.pnj.com/article/20110614/NEWS01/110614010/-1/7daysarchives/Milton-has-eyes-out-red-light-runners)

QuoteThe City of Milton will kickoff its red light camera program Wednesday.

Cameras have been placed on U.S. 90 at Glover Lane and Parkmore Plaza Road and at Dogwood Drive and Hamilton Bridge Road.

If a vehicle is caught on camera running the red lights at the intersections, the owner will be sent a warning ticket.

The city will start giving $158 citations to vehicle owners July 15.

"We did a survey at some intersections and saw the high frequency of red light running at those locations, and that's why we want cameras," Milton Police Chief Greg Brand said.

Red light cameras have been installed in cities across the state as a safety measure intended to reduce accidents and red light violations.

Gulf Breeze was the first city in Florida to use red light cameras. The city started its program in 2006.

Pensacola and Escambia County have passed ordinances approving the use of red light cameras. City and county officials still are working on getting the projects started.

Santa Rosa County has not passed an ordinance to use red light cameras.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on June 15, 2011, 10:00:40 AM
Two pages of red light camera nonsense. Gulf Breeze reactivated their photocop in March as well...

Milton prepares to flip the switch on red light cameras (http://www.pnj.com/article/20110615/NEWS01/106150324/Milton-prepares-flip-switch-red-light-cameras?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE)
Title: FDOT will hold public meeting on U.S. 98 work (Santa Rosa)
Post by: Alex on June 20, 2011, 11:34:35 AM
FDOT will hold public meeting on U.S. 98 work (http://www.pnj.com/article/20110620/NEWS01/106200313/-1/7daysarchives/FDOT-will-hold-public-meeting-U-S-98-work)

QuoteThe Florida Department of Transportation will hold a public information meeting regarding planned improvements to U.S. 98 from the Pensacola Bay bridge to the entrance to the Gulf Breeze Zoo on Thursday.

The meeting is set for 5 p.m. at the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church Community Life Center, located at 4115 Soundside Drive in Gulf Breeze.

The proposed improvements include resurfacing the existing travel lanes, minor drainage work, bicycle/pedestrian improvements and Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility improvements.

This project does not require right of way acquisition.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on June 27, 2011, 12:09:32 PM
13 miles of U.S. 98 set for update in Gulf Breeze (http://www.pnj.com/article/20110627/NEWS01/106270312/-1/7daysarchives/13-miles-U-S-98-set-update-Gulf-Breeze)

QuoteA stretch of the main thoroughfare in south Santa Rosa County is in line for a face-lift.

The public is invited to an open house meeting on Thursday night to see the proposed design of a project to resurface and rehabilitate about 13 miles of U.S. 98 from the southern foot of the Pensacola Bay bridge to the Gulf Breeze Zoo. Work isn't expected to start until fall 2013.

More than 43,000 vehicles travel that stretch on the average day, according to the Department of Transportation. The project is estimated to cost $17.7 million.

"The primary purpose of the project is to extend the service life and ride-ability of the road," DOT spokesman Tommie Speights said. "No additional right of way will be required. This project does not include changes to median openings, and the speed limit will not be changed."

The project includes adding bike lanes, sidewalks and other pedestrian improvements to sections of the roadway, he said.
Title: Toll high, but Garcon Point Bridge is broke (FL)
Post by: Alex on June 30, 2011, 12:25:44 PM
Toll high, but Garcon Point Bridge is broke (http://www.pnj.com/article/20110630/NEWS01/106300319/-1/7daysarchives/Toll-high-Garcon-Point-Bridge-broke)

QuoteThe 12-year-old Garcon Point Bridge is going to be officially broke on Friday.

While those who use the bridge won't notice a thing, the bond holders are going to miss their $5 million payment and perhaps millions more after that.

Still, the span will remain open, and the toll will remain at $3.75, according to state Rep. Doug Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze, whose district includes the bridge.

Built with $90 million in bonds, the bridge has failed to bring in enough to pay its debts since 2001. Reserves have been used to fill in the gap until now.

Over the years, the bridge toll has steadily risen to help cover a traffic count that has always been far below projections.

In 1999, the one-way toll was $2. In January, when the latest hike took place, the toll was raised to $3.75.
Each toll increase has chased away motorists

"We live just off of Garcon Point Road and often would benefit from using the bridge, but simply don't because of the $7.50 round-trip price tag," said Davey Willhoit, 33. "It is the same distance for us to dine in Gulf Breeze or do our shopping there as it is to do the same in Pace or Milton, so paying $3.75 per trip for the pleasure of buying groceries or a meal seems a little silly."

The state Department of Transportation will continue to operate and maintain the bridge under a contract with the bridge owner, the Santa Rosa Bay Bridge Authority, Broxson said.

However, DOT will not step in to help make the $5 million payment due to those who purchased bonds to build the bridge, a decision that Broxson supports.

"I'm trying to help my constituents have a bridge they can afford, but I don't want to obligate the state for a debt they don't owe," he said. "I don't think any reasonable public servant would ask the taxpayers to take on an obligation they had no say in creating."

While the bulk of financial burden falls to the bond holders, Florida taxpayers are also on the hook for the authority's operation and maintenance contract with DOT.

That is a mounting $16 million debt that the authority has never paid and, now in default, won't pay soon. That bill grows by more than $1 million every year.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on July 27, 2011, 11:47:45 AM
Gulf Breeze to discuss more red-light cameras (http://www.pnj.com/article/20110727/NEWS01/110727003/-1/7daysarchives/Gulf-Breeze-discuss-more-red-light-cameras)

QuoteGulf Breeze City Council today is expected to discuss installing a set of red-light cameras at U.S. 98 and Gulf Breeze Hospital.

The spot has the highest number of traffic accidents in the city.

Sensys America, the company the city hired to install red light cameras at Daniel Drive and U.S. 98, conducted a survey at the hospital intersection on July 5 and 6 to determine if there was a need to install cameras there, as a tool to curb red light runners.

Data revealed there were 57 red light runners during the 16-hour period.

A survey was also conducted at the U.S. 98 and Northcliff Drive intersection. Only 20 motorists ran the red light there during the 16-hour period. Police Chief Peter Paulding is not recommending cameras be placed there.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on July 30, 2011, 10:54:18 AM
Davis, I-10 intersection will undergo improvements (http://www.pnj.com/article/20110730/NEWS01/107300315/-1/7daysarchives/Davis-10-intersection-will-undergo-improvements)

QuoteMotorists traveling along one of Pensacola's busiest intersections – Davis Highway and Interstate 10 – will encounter lane restrictions next week.

Improvements to the southbound lane of Davis and the westbound ramp to I-10 will constrict traffic between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., starting Monday and continuing through Friday, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

News of the FDOT work and lane restrictions caught some businesses in the area by surprise, including convenience store manager Sonny Sison.

"We haven't been notified of the work," he said. "Hopefully they don't do the work at night. The traffic along here is bad enough as it is."

The Davis Highway-I-10 area by University Mall is no stranger to traffic delays and construction projects.

The intersection underwent extensive improvements in 2006 and 2007, causing major disruptions to area businesses.

However, FDOT spokeswoman Tanya Sanders Branton said the $20,258 project should be completed by Friday evening, weather permitting.

The major focus of the work is construction of a concrete traffic separator to funnel westbound I-10 traffic onto the entry ramp and separate southbound traffic on Davis.

The FDOT has contracted with Fleischman's Inc. to construct a lane separator, re-stripe the roadway, and make minor traffic signal adjustments. Crews also will change the lane markings on the westbound ramp to allow a constant flow of traffic onto the interstate.

Overhead signage will be upgraded to depict the changes to the roadway pattern.

Motorists are reminded to watch for construction equipment and workers entering and exiting the roadway, obey the posted speed limit and urged to use caution while traveling through the work zone, Branton added.
Title: FDOT Shape File Changes (NW FL)
Post by: Alex on August 11, 2011, 10:46:51 AM
I downloaded the latest shape files from FDOT and noted some changes in Northwest Florida:


Also of interest, a Florida 289 shield now appears north of the US 98 turn from Ninth Avenue to Cervantes Street west. The stretch of Ninth Avenue from Cervantes to Texar Drive (SR 752) was previously unsigned.
Title: More Florida CR/SR changes
Post by: Alex on August 12, 2011, 12:39:38 PM
A couple more notes from the newest shapefiles:
Unsigned CR 189A south of Baker was truncated to a 2.519-mile spur.
CR 189 south of I-10 (Exit 45) was truncated.
Unsigned CR 397, a short spur from Milligan, is decommissioned
SR 290 (Olive Road) north of Pensacola was removed!

==
Looking at the rest of the state:
CR 210 from US 1 to SR A1A - removed.
SR 56 east of I-75 to SR 581 - removed.
SR 615 truncated south of CR 611B
CR 717 - removed between SR 15 and SR 700
And a couple other minor tweaks toward South Florida...
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on August 15, 2011, 12:02:39 PM
State wants public comments on State Road 87 improvements (http://www.pnj.com/article/20110815/NEWS01/110815004/-1/7daysarchives/State-wants-public-comments-State-Road-87-improvements)

QuoteThe Florida Department of Transportation will be host of a meeting seeking public comment on alternatives to improve State Road 87 from East Milton to the area north of the City of Milton.

The meeting is set for Tuesday at 5 p.m. at the Santa Rosa County Auditorium, 4530 Old Bagdad Highway, Milton.

The primary objectives for this project are to facilitate a more effective freight movement and hurricane evacuation route from the coast, to reduce congestion in the City of Milton, and promote economic prosperity while minimizing impacts to the community and environment.

Of six original alternatives, the three that would have taken traffic south of downtown Milton have been deemed not viable due to their impacts to protected Water Management District Lands. Three routes that would take traffic north of town before reconnecting to the current roadway are still considered viable.

Those wishing to submit written statements in place of, or in addition to, oral statements may do so at the meeting or by sending them to Peggy Kelley at 1074 U.S. 90 East, Chipley, FL 32428, or via email at peggy.kelley@dot.state.fl.us. All exhibits or statements postmarked on or before Aug. 30 will become a part of the public record.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on August 16, 2011, 10:41:48 AM
Noted on the latest Bing aerials of Escambia County that land is cleared and there is grading along side U.S. 90 by the Perdido River. Looked it up (http://www.dot.state.fl.us/publicinformationoffice/construc/district3pio/escambia.shtm) and low and behold:

QuoteState Road 10 (US 90) over Perdido River

    * Bridge Replacement
    * Project start date: September 2010
    * Estimated Completion: winter 2012
    * Contractor: Scott Bridge Company, Inc.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: florida on August 17, 2011, 05:25:25 PM
Quote from: Alex on August 12, 2011, 12:39:38 PM
A couple more notes from the newest shapefiles:
Unsigned CR 189A south of Baker was truncated to a 2.519-mile spur.
CR 189 south of I-10 (Exit 45) was truncated.
Unsigned CR 397, a short spur from Milligan, is decommissioned
SR 290 (Olive Road) north of Pensacola was removed!

==
Looking at the rest of the state:
CR 210 from US 1 to SR A1A - removed.
SR 56 east of I-75 to SR 581 - removed.
SR 615 truncated south of CR 611B
CR 717 - removed between SR 15 and SR 700
And a couple other minor tweaks toward South Florida...


Very interesting, especially about (former) SR 290. I've been looking at the maps on FDOT's site and noticed something called (SR) 368A in Panama City which looks like the still-maintained old alignment of 368 at US 98. I thought they gave that section back, and now they've re-acquired it??
Title: Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement
Post by: Alex on August 18, 2011, 09:39:21 AM
Plans begin to replace Pensacola Bay bridge (http://www.pnj.com/article/20110818/NEWS01/108180306/-1/7daysarchives/Plans-begin-replace-Pensacola-Bay-bridge)

QuoteWhen a new bridge is built to connect Pensacola to Gulf Breeze, it likely will be in about the same place as the existing, 51-year-old span.

And that's just fine with Gulf Breeze City Manager Edwin "Buz" Eddy – a departure from the city's previous position.

"Back in 2002 and 2004, the city wanted the state to consider a more comprehensive look at the circulation of traffic from Escambia to Santa Rosa," Eddy said. "But we recognize there really isn't time to do that type of analysis, and we recognize how important U.S. 98 is to the businesses along the highway."

Eddy was among about 150 people at the first public meeting last week to discuss an effort by the state Department of Transportation to replace the bridge, with construction starting in as soon as 2016. More meetings are expected in both Pensacola and Gulf Breeze.

The existing bridge is safe, according to DOT spokesman Tommie Speights. But it has been deemed "structurally deficient" because of cracks in the road surface, rust in steel components and deterioration to pilings.

The new bridge, estimated to cost $200 million to $330 million, may be shifted slightly to the east or west, Speights said. The project development and environmental study phase of the effort – including the final positioning and construction schedule – should be done by June 2013.

Gena Buchanan, a Pensacola resident and secretary of the Scenic Highway Foundation, is glad the state plans to keep the bridge where it is. Earlier ideas included the possibility of moving the bridge's northern landing to Scenic Highway, potentially increasing traffic on Scenic Highway.

She also praised plans to include pedestrian and bike lanes on the new span.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on August 18, 2011, 09:25:10 PM
West side bypass, I-10 interchange recommended for Crestview (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/crestview-42817-side-west.html)

QuoteA west side bypass again is one of the recommendations made by a consultant studying the city's traffic needs.

The Renaissance Planning Group presented the proposal during a recent meeting of the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce's government issues committee.

The bypass is needed to relieve growing traffic congestion on State Road 85, said Whit Blanton, Renaissance's vice president and director of transportation planning.

Overall, Renaissance's research found there is a sufficient road network to support growth in and around Crestview, although SR 85 is reaching capacity and actually is already over capacity from downtown south.

"Traffic will continue to grow on 85. There's just no doubt about that,"  Blanton said. "Most healthy communities have some peak hours of congestion and I'm not sure it's worth millions and millions to correct that."

Renaissance is focusing on a western bypass network using P.J. Adams Parkway, Antioch Road, Arena Road and Old Bethel Road. To avoid what he called a "pinch point,"  at least one more interchange on Interstate 10 is needed, preferably at Antioch Road.

Business leaders were worried that a bypass would hurt downtown businesses.

"We don't want a bypass totally through Crestview because we don't want our Highway 85 businesses to suffer,"  chamber President Derek Lott said.

While those at the meeting generally responded favorably to Renaissance's strategies, funding was a concern.

"All these are great plans, and planning is important, but there is no money,"  County Commissioner Wayne Harris said.

Creating the P.J. Adams Parkway corridor alone would cost between $100 and $150 million, he said. Local funding sources could come from an increased gas tax, a Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) or user fees, "none of which I want to see us get into,"  Harris said.

To go after federal funds, Blanton said, the final plan must lay out as many benefits as possible, such as community livability, access to schools and emergency access to military facilities.

"There's a lot of ways to approach the federal government when you have a good story to tell,"  he said. "You broaden it by linking to other goals in the community. "˜We have a congestion problem' doesn't get very far."

Impact fees, developer contributions, regional transportation funds and grant funds form the bulk of local and state funding possibilities. Blanton cautioned against being too aggressive with impact fees, which is a touchy subject in Crestview.

"You don't want to scare anyone off,"  he said.

Renaissance works closely with the Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization and is involved in the Tri-County Growth Management Plan, Blanton said.

When completed and accepted by the city, the consultant's proposals will go to the Florida Department of Transportation.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: florida on August 24, 2011, 08:45:44 PM
RE: Ex-SR 290 and (Future?) SR 750...SR 290 was given to the county, while Airport Blvd (not listed as SR 750 in the SHS Add/Deletion list for the first part of this year) was given to the state on June 30th.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on August 25, 2011, 04:15:02 PM
Quote from: florida on August 24, 2011, 08:45:44 PM
RE: Ex-SR 290 and (Future?) SR 750...SR 290 was given to the county, while Airport Blvd (not listed as SR 750 in the SHS Add/Deletion list for the first part of this year) was given to the state on June 30th.

Thanks for posting this!
Ugh on the downgrade of SR-290. Now SR 289 has a dangling end. I suspect the speed limits on Olive Road will drop to 35 mph as a result...

Walton County to continue to seek funds to widen U.S. 331 (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/defuniak-42946-funds-seek.html#ixzz1W4ccwB1f)

QuoteRecent data show it will take Walton County residents anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to evacuate ahead of a hurricane.

County commissioners are continuing to lobby for federal funding to widen U.S. Highway 331, which has given the county the worst evacuation time in the state.

QuoteThe cost to widen U.S. 331 from the bridge north to Freeport is estimated at $294.5 million.

Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on September 02, 2011, 10:28:19 AM
DOT presents plans for $3.4 million resurfacing project on SR 20 in Niceville (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/niceville-43228-plans-presents.html)

QuoteRepresentatives from the state Department of Transportation presented their plan to resurface a 3-mile stretch of State Road 20 at a meeting Thursday night.

The nearly $3.4 million project will begin at Roberts Drive and stretch east to the Walton County Line, excluding the section of road already resurfaced in the Mid-Bay Bridge Connector project.

Planned improvements include resurfacing existing lanes and shoulders, redrawing lane lines and installing some new curb ramps to meet standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act, said Janet Middleton, a consultant for the DOT.

The last resurfacing on SR 20 was completed in the late 1990s when the road was widened to four lanes, Middleton said.

Roads generally have a design life of 14 to 20 years, she said.

"It needs to be restored so it has a longer surface life,"  she said.

At one point the DOT sought funding to extend the north sidewalk from Range Road west past the entrance to Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Middleton said. That improvement is not included in the plans at this time.

Plans should be finalized by the end of this year and the project should begin by the end of 2013, she said.

Turnout was low at the meeting at the Niceville Community Center, but several City Council members came to review the plans.

Only about 200 yards of the project are actually within city limits, said Councilman Heath Rominger.

"But I think it will help ease some of the traffic through town that people complain about,"  he said.

Councilman Bill Smith said drivers notice ruts in the road, especially after heavy rain when water collects in the right lanes.

The DOT provided a large map of the project, which it planned to leave at the Community Center for future viewing.
Title: SR 750 and CR/SR 290 (NW FL)
Post by: Alex on September 06, 2011, 11:26:21 AM
Drove Florida 750 on Saturday during T.S. Lee. In addition to the shield added after SR 289 (9th Avenue), a second westbound shield was added after SR 291 (Davis Highway). There was at least one eastbound shield posted beyond Davis Highway, but no other signage westward at either Interstate 110 or US 29.

(https://www.aaroads.com/queue/cache/forum-images/img_2993_595.jpg)

Returned east via SR 290/CR 290. Eastbound there are no reassurance shields until after SR 291, and only two posted total for that direction. Westbound shields are only posted after SR 289 and 291 as well. Noted a new traffic signal at Cody Lane. I think the installation of this signal may have been contingent that the road be under county maintenance based upon an article I read about it several months ago.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on September 07, 2011, 09:04:24 PM
Just stumbled upon this FDOT project site:
http://www.sr87connector.com/

The shield photo is one I took in 1999...
Title: Re: SR 750 and CR/SR 290 (NW FL)
Post by: florida on September 08, 2011, 10:47:27 PM
Quote from: Alex on September 06, 2011, 11:26:21 AM
Drove Florida 750 on Saturday during T.S. Lee. In addition to the shield added after SR 289 (9th Avenue), a second westbound shield was added after SR 291 (Davis Highway). There was at least one eastbound shield posted beyond Davis Highway, but no other signage westward at either Interstate 110 or US 29.

*normal SR 750 shield*

WOW! A normal route shield in Pensacola? Someone has got to notify District 3 asap because it needs to be replaced with a popcorn shield.

QuoteReturned east via SR 290/CR 290. Eastbound there are no reassurance shields until after SR 291, and only two posted total for that direction. Westbound shields are only posted after SR 289 and 291 as well. Noted a new traffic signal at Cody Lane. I think the installation of this signal may have been contingent that the road be under county maintenance based upon an article I read about it several months ago.


Did they remove the SR 290 shields from CR 95A?
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on September 16, 2011, 11:33:03 PM
Hearing set for SR 123 widening (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/hearing-43688-niceville-set.html)

QuoteResidents will be able to take a look next week at plans to widen State Road 123 to four lanes.

The Florida Department of Transportation in cooperation with Eglin Air Force Base will host a public hearing on the proposed project from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Niceville Community Center at 204 N. Partin Drive. A formal presentation will be at 5:30 p.m.

The work will widen SR 123 from two to four lanes with 10-foot shoulders and a 64-foot grass median. In addition, new two-lane parallel bridges over Tom's Creek, Turkey Creek, and a tributary of Turkey Creek are being proposed.

The article does not mention it, but a part of the project will include the construction of a "Y" interchange at the north end of State Road 123 with State Road 85, thus eliminating the bottleneck at that end of the state road.

Conceptual design plans for the project can be found here:

http://www.eglin.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-110818-019.pdf (http://www.eglin.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-110818-019.pdf)


Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: allniter89 on September 17, 2011, 12:41:04 AM
Quote from: flaroads on September 16, 2011, 11:33:03 PM
Hearing set for SR 123 widening (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/hearing-43688-niceville-set.html)

QuoteResidents will be able to take a look next week at plans to widen State Road 123 to four lanes.

The Florida Department of Transportation in cooperation with Eglin Air Force Base will host a public hearing on the proposed project from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Niceville Community Center at 204 N. Partin Drive. A formal presentation will be at 5:30 p.m.

The work will widen SR 123 from two to four lanes with 10-foot shoulders and a 64-foot grass median. In addition, new two-lane parallel bridges over Tom's Creek, Turkey Creek, and a tributary of Turkey Creek are being proposed.

The article does not mention it, but a part of the project will include the construction of a "Y" interchange at the north end of State Road 123 with State Road 85, thus eliminating the bottleneck at that end of the state road.

Conceptual design plans for the project can be found here:

http://www.eglin.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-110818-019.pdf (http://www.eglin.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-110818-019.pdf)



I'm happy to see this project! And while we're at it, whynot renumber 123 to be 85bypass and the current 85 routing be 85business???

ok, now we need a Crestview bypass of 85 from Antioch Rd area to CHS area??
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on September 17, 2011, 01:06:51 AM
Well, when we traveled on it today there were two land survey companies working today in the proposed project area (one company at the north end, one company at the other end), so I know that they are already performing topographic surveys in preparation for the project. It would have been nice to not have seen the two sets of turn lanes and median crossings for the cell towers though. IMO, they should really be constructing this as a limited access freeway all the way up to Interstate 10 near Crestview (given that the last few miles would need to be on new alignment).

On a similar note, drove up to Duke Field along Florida 85 to see if there was any progress on the proposed interchange there and the only work I saw was that a lot of the underground utilities had been located. It looked like pin flag central with all the various colored flags sticking up out of the ground  :-P
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on September 21, 2011, 12:36:30 AM
SR 87 widening on schedule; current 3-mile segment expected to be completed next fall (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/mile-43782-navarre-completed.html)

Quote
September 20, 2011 4:03 PM

NAVARRE – Work to widen a three-mile stretch of State Road 87 in Santa Rosa County has reached the halfway point and is expected to be completed next fall.

"Everything has been going good,"  said Tommie Speights, district spokesman for the Florida Department of Transportation. "The weather has been cooperating and we're on schedule."

The current project will widen SR 87 from two to four lanes from Five Forks Road north to the southern edge of Eglin Air Force Base property. Construction started in late August 2010.


Actually it was more like mid to late September, though barrels and a reduction in speed limit certainly went into affect in early to mid August  :ded:

Quote

Crews for Anderson Columbia are laying the new lanes now, Speights said. When that is completed, they will switch traffic to the new lanes and redo the existing lanes. Those lanes will have to be torn out and new asphalt put down.

The current three-mile project is budgeted at $15 million. It was funded by President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, better known as the stimulus bill.

The work is expected to be completed in October 2012.


So much for the signs that read "Completion Winter 2012"...  :banghead:

Quote

Two more phases are planned to complete the widening project. They will cover about 10 miles between Hickory Hammock Road and the Eglin boundary.

Funding for the final two phases has not been budgeted and neither phase is in the DOT's five-year work program. Total construction cost for those phases is estimated at $57.7 million, Speights said.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on September 21, 2011, 08:52:36 PM
QuoteCrews for Anderson Columbia are laying the new lanes now, Speights said. When that is completed, they will switch traffic to the new lanes and redo the existing lanes. Those lanes will have to be torn out and new asphalt put down.

What?? Yes, I agree some of the new northbound lanes have been paved, but they are only paved to the abutment of the bridge over the creek, and they haven't even begun construction of that yet!! And not a whole lot has been done north of that point to the end of construction so a lot of work (staking, grading, etc., etc.) will have to be done before that can even be paved!! And are they going to rebuild the existing bridge?? If they don't then the northbound bridge will be extremely higher than the southbound one.

Quote

Two more phases are planned to complete the widening project. They will cover about 10 miles between Hickory Hammock Road and the Eglin boundary.

Funding for the final two phases has not been budgeted and neither phase is in the DOT's five-year work program. Total construction cost for those phases is estimated at $57.7 million, Speights said.

So the rest of the four-laning of FL 87 south of I-10 probably will not be completed until sometime after 2025 (my guess here)? IMO, every north-south corridor in this part of Florida should have been built up to divided highway status by now. I can only imagine the gridlock hell if (and/or when) a major tropical system slams the coastal area here. It will be like sucking a walnut through a straw.

I also read the last bit of the article on how DOT will have to ask Eglin for the right-of-way for the rest of the four-laning. Really? How difficult would it have been to acquire the right-of-way years ago when you could afford it, DOT? And I know the answer to this already, but why on earth does there have to be mountains of red tape to hand right-of-way from one entity of the U.S. government to another??? Maybe Eglin should spend some of the money they waste on their nightly bombings for whatever massive war they always seem to be preparing for and use that money to aid in the transportation infrastructure around here?? I can only imagine how much money gets wasted with each bomb dropped out into their practice field... And yep, even as I write this the bombing begins...

Sorry about the slight tangent about Eglin (and their bombing), but it really gets on my nerves that they are able to ship all these military personnel to this area and they do not even care on how that affects the transportation system (or lack thereof) around here, nor do they seem to be concerned to do anything about it.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on October 11, 2011, 09:31:54 PM
Overpass sought for U.S. 98 at Hurlburt Field entrance (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/hurlburt-44333-overpass-routine.html)

QuoteThe routine congestion near U.S. Highway 98 and Hurlburt Field's main gate worsens anytime there's a wreck, and there are about 20 each year. Now, a proposed road project aims to reduce both frustrations.

The Florida Department of Transportation project would reconstruct the intersection of Cody Avenue and U.S. Highway 98.

The proposed interchange "would elevate U.S. 98 over Cody Avenue by constructing two, two-lane bridges,"  according to a notice issued by the DOT this week. "The bridges would provide two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction along U.S. 98 with ramps to and from Cody Avenue."

Okaloosa County Commissioner Don Amunds said the estimated $21 million project has been in the works since 2002.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public hearing on the proposed overpass. The Nov. 1 hearing will be at the Ramada Plaza Beach Resort (1500 Miracle Strip Parkway SE) in the Ambassador Room at 5 p.m. with a formal presentation at 5:30 p.m.

Looks like another two to three years for design and two more years to construct the SPUI, which is the primary alternative for this project.


Title: US 98 Alternate - Panama City Beach
Post by: Alex on October 18, 2011, 10:40:38 AM
Found two remaining shields for the 2006-decommissioned U.S. 98 Alternate at Panama City Beach.

(https://www.aaroads.com/queue/cache/florida/dsc_0038_595.jpg)

There was no good angle to view this shield due to the palm frondes. I saw the backside of it from SR 30 and we turned around and I stood outside to try to document it. It is on a dead 3000-series County Road.

(https://www.aaroads.com/queue/cache/florida/dsc_0298_595.jpg)

According to my Mapsource Bay County, atlas, this was County Road 30P. It is not a county road now, but this shield remains. Probably was a 90s error install as it had a yellow FDOT sticker on the back.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on October 29, 2011, 06:48:40 PM
DOT plans for overpass bridge on U.S. 98 at Hurlburt gate (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/hurlburt-44859-hearing-host.html)

QuoteState transportation officials will host a public hearing Tuesday to present plans for an overpass on U.S. Highway 98 at Hurlburt Field's main gate on Cody Avenue.

The hearing will be from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Ambassador Room at the Ramada Plaza Beach Resort on Okaloosa Island.

Visitors can review the proposed design, ask questions and submit comments on the proposal. Representatives with the Department of Transportation will make a formal presentation at 5:30 p.m.

The project is intended to relieve congestion and improve safety near Hurlburt's gate. It calls for building two two-lane bridges on U.S. 98 over Cody Avenue with ramps to and from Cody. The job will extend about 3,350 feet west of the intersection and 2,500 feet to the east.

Okaloosa County Commissioner Don Amunds has estimated the project will cost $21 million. Funding sources have not been finalized.

Okaloosa County and Hurlburt Field have approved an Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact for the project.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on November 08, 2011, 08:00:36 PM
U.S. 331 improvements on deck (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/deck-45078-freeport-improvements.html)

QuoteWalton County commissioners will break ground Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. to mark the start of improvements to a small stretch of U.S. Highway 331.

The project consists of 1.6 miles on U.S. Highway 331 from Owl's Head Farm to .85 miles north of Bill Brown Road in Freeport.

QuoteThe $8.6 million project is scheduled for completion in early 2013. It is being funded through state and federal grants through the Department of Transportation with a $2.7 million commitment from Walton County.




Residents say U.S. 98 overpass is expensive Band-Aid for traffic problems (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/island-44928-traffic-okaloosa.html)

Schematic of the potential SPUI. (http://richmedia.onset.freedom.com/nwfdn/lu1pua-2hurlburt98projectoverview.pdf)

Public Hearing presentation. (http://richmedia.onset.freedom.com/nwfdn/lu1prs-2hurlburtpublichearing.pdf)
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on November 09, 2011, 09:26:51 PM
Thanks in part to yours truly, the Escambia and Santa Rosa County line will be signed on the Escambia Bay Bridges of Interstate 10 again. Received an email last week with the Traffic Operations Request Evaluation/ Recommendation form and sign specs for the new assemblies (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/i0010_esc_sra_county_line_signs.png).

County line signs were omitted from the bridge replacement that occurred after Hurricane Ivan in 2004...
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on November 09, 2011, 10:30:07 PM
Stumbled across this project (http://www.i10escambia.com/I-10/Project_Description.html) tonight while looking at other things. FDOT plans to widen a 2.7-mile stretch of Interstate 10 from SR 291 (Davis Highway) to the Escambia Bay Bridges. This includes a redesign of the Exit 17 folded-diamond interchange with US 90 (Scenic Highway) and replacement of its overpass. The widening will see I-10 six-laned from the east end of the Escambia Bay Bridges to just east of US 29 (Exit 10).

From the FAQ:
QuoteWhen will construction begin and how long will it take to complete the work?

The design will be completed in early 2012.  The current project letting date is August 2013.  The contract time for the project has not been set but it is anticipated to take approximately two years to construct.

The project website is http://www.i10escambia.com/I-10/Project_Description.html
The schematic links are not coded correctly, but can be found via the source. They can be accessed at the following url's (warning, the files vary between 50-85 MB):
http://www.i10escambia.com/I-10/Documents/Exhibit01.pdf
http://www.i10escambia.com/I-10/Documents/Exhibit02.pdf
http://www.i10escambia.com/I-10/Documents/Exhibit03.pdf

Also of personal note, the three photos they used for their graphical header are ones that are posted on the eastbound I-10 Escambia Guide (https://www.aaroads.com/guide.php?page=i0010eafl).  No credit given though...  :-/
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Ace10 on November 15, 2011, 09:08:52 PM
Quote from: Alex on November 09, 2011, 10:30:07 PM
Stumbled across this project (http://www.i10escambia.com/I-10/Project_Description.html) tonight while looking at other things. FDOT plans to widen a 2.7-mile stretch of Interstate 10 from SR 291 (Davis Highway) to the Escambia Bay Bridges. This includes a redesign of the Exit 17 folded-diamond interchange with US 90 (Scenic Highway) and replacement of its overpass. The widening will see I-10 six-laned from the east end of the Escambia Bay Bridges to just east of US 29 (Exit 10).

I seriously hope whatever traffic engineering study they conduct after this construction will say to up the speed limit from 55 to 70! With light traffic, 70, or at the very least 65 seems very reasonable for that stretch of I-10.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: agentsteel53 on November 15, 2011, 09:21:31 PM
Quote from: Ace10 on November 15, 2011, 09:08:52 PM

I seriously hope whatever traffic engineering study they conduct after this construction will say to up the speed limit from 55 to 70! With light traffic, 70, or at the very least 65 seems very reasonable for that stretch of I-10.

apparently, the 55 has to do with an older interchange configuration (US-29, if I recall correctly) there that was prone to weaving and large speed differentials ... but since the interchange was rebuilt, indeed the speed limit should likely be at least 65.  and FHP should get out of the revenue harvesting business there.

(personally, I'd go for 70, but then again I think that some of the more abandoned "28 miles between exits" on I-10 in Florida, as well as I-75 in similar situations, should be speed limit 85 or 90!)
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Ace10 on November 15, 2011, 09:37:04 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on November 15, 2011, 09:21:31 PMapparently, the 55 has to do with an older interchange configuration (US-29, if I recall correctly) there that was prone to weaving and large speed differentials ... but since the interchange was rebuilt, indeed the speed limit should likely be at least 65.  and FHP should get out of the revenue harvesting business there.

(personally, I'd go for 70, but then again I think that some of the more abandoned "28 miles between exits" on I-10 in Florida, as well as I-75 in similar situations, should be speed limit 85 or 90!)

I can see that, especially now with US 29 having left-hand entry ramps onto I-10 in both directions. Not exactly the best situation for merging, but this exact same setup also exists with I-10 and I-75 about 300 miles east. I believe the speed limit remains 70 for the latter.

And for upping the speed limit for those "abandoned stretches" - tell me about it. Madison County Sheriff's Office is not on my good side.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on November 30, 2011, 08:21:47 PM
SR 85 flyover continues on course (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/slideshow-45595-valparaiso-continues.html)

Work continues on the SR 85/SR 123 interchange with the majority of the work now focused on the airport entrance flyover (for northbound and southbound SR 85). The steel beams for SR 123 northbound traffic will not be seen until February though. The entire project will be finished in Fall 2012.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on December 16, 2011, 11:29:27 PM
Northwest Florida Daily News has two road related articles in one day:

http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/trip-46027-long-milton.html (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/trip-46027-long-milton.html)

http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/bridge-46030-county-million.html (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/bridge-46030-county-million.html)
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: allniter89 on December 17, 2011, 06:33:39 PM
Quote from: Ace10 on November 15, 2011, 09:37:04 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on November 15, 2011, 09:21:31 PMapparently, the 55 has to do with an older interchange configuration (US-29, if I recall correctly) there that was prone to weaving and large speed differentials ... but since the interchange was rebuilt, indeed the speed limit should likely be at least 65.  and FHP should get out of the revenue harvesting business there.

(personally, I'd go for 70, but then again I think that some of the more abandoned "28 miles between exits" on I-10 in Florida, as well as I-75 in similar situations, should be speed limit 85 or 90!)

I can see that, especially now with US 29 having left-hand entry ramps onto I-10 in both directions. Not exactly the best situation for merging, but this exact same setup also exists with I-10 and I-75 about 300 miles east. I believe the speed limit remains 70 for the latter.

And for upping the speed limit for those "abandoned stretches" - tell me about it. Madison County Sheriff's Office is not on my good side.

Is it a common practice in Florida for county sheriffs to run radar on a Interstate highway?
Madison and perhaps Duval are the only known to me
My home county, Okaloosa county, doesnt run radar even on local roads iirc.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: DeaconG on December 17, 2011, 08:01:11 PM
^Some more than others. Madison I know from running I-10 (Leon and Okaloosa too for a good while), Brevard and Indian River will also get a craving flung on them on occasion.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: route29 on December 23, 2011, 09:59:44 PM
Quote from: Ace10 on November 15, 2011, 09:08:52 PM
I seriously hope whatever traffic engineering study they conduct after this construction will say to up the speed limit from 55 to 70! With light traffic, 70, or at the very least 65 seems very reasonable for that stretch of I-10.
I thought FDOT raised the speed limit to 70 east of SR 291 after the new Escambia Bay Bridges were opened
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: EmeraldCoast93 on January 04, 2012, 10:18:33 PM
New road work about to start in Fort Walton Beach and Shalimar.

http://www.myeglinparkway.com
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on January 06, 2012, 12:46:29 PM
DOT unveils proposed improvements to SR-20 (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/freeport-46449-improvements-proposed.html)

QuoteFREEPORT – The state Department of Transportation unveiled preliminary plans for improvements to State Road 20 at a meeting Thursday night.

The state has earmarked about $7.4 million for the project in 2014.

The DOT plans to resurface a 16.6-mile stretch from the Okaloosa County line east to County Road 83A near Freeport. The work also will include some drainage repairs and the addition of turn lanes at the intersection with Site C-6 Road.

Traffic studies indicated the need for a left turn lane on eastbound SR 20 at Site C-6, which serves as a cut-off to U.S. Highway 331 and a major range road through Eglin Air Force Base property.

The DOT also plans to replace pavement near the intersection with Sycamore Drive that was washed away during Hurricane Ivan.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on January 11, 2012, 07:26:53 AM
To tax or toll? Panel to host public meetings on 331 bridge funding (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/host-46578-meetings-wednesday.html)

QuoteThe Highway 331 Blue Ribbon Task Force met last Thursday to discuss possible funding mechanisms to build a second bridge over the bay for southbound motorists.

Two options have been presented: a $2 toll for southbound traffic or a 1 cent sales tax increase.

The Florida Department of Transportation has said it will provide $177 million for to build a bridge if the county can come up with $75 million.

Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on January 12, 2012, 11:41:09 PM
More area resurfacing, though with some additions of five foot shoulders *yawns*

$3.5 million project on U.S. 90 might wrap up by spring (http://www.crestviewbulletin.com/news/project-16452-million-work.html)

QuoteThe project includes widening and resurfacing S.R. 4 north from U.S. 90 into Baker at Georgia Avenue, along with a portion of U.S. 90 between S.R. 4 and the Yellow River Bridge to the east.

"Improvements will include resurfacing and adding five-foot paved shoulders, minor drainage, driveway and side street improvements, guardrail repairs, replace school zone signs and flashing signals, safety upgrades, and placement of new signs and pavement markings within project limits,"  an FDOT media release stated.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on January 12, 2012, 11:46:06 PM
Quote from: EmeraldCoast93 on January 04, 2012, 10:18:33 PM
New road work about to start in Fort Walton Beach and Shalimar.

http://www.myeglinparkway.com

Work to last until late 2013  :wow:

FDOT says Eglin Parkway resurfacing to begin next month (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/residents-46598-discuss-resurfacing.html)

QuoteA $6.9 million project to resurface 4.5 miles of Eglin Parkway is scheduled to begin next month, according to the state Department of Transportation.

QuoteThe work will extend from 12th Avenue in Shalimar south to U.S. Highway 98 in Fort Walton Beach.

Along with the resurfacing, the DOT will make drainage improvements and add needed sidewalks near the Shalimar and Cinco Bayou bridges. Traffic signals at the intersection of Eglin Parkway and Hollywood Boulevard (http://www.southeastroads.com/florida080/fl-085_sb_at_hollywood_bl.jpg) also will be upgraded, Branton said.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: EmeraldCoast93 on January 13, 2012, 12:04:23 PM
Now, to go along with the SR 85/123 interchange and the Eglin Parkway (SR 85) resurfacing, yet another resurfacing project will begin in Fort Walton Beach along a portion of Lewis Turner Blvd. (SR 189) on Jan. 21 through late 2012.

QuoteWork will begin this month to resurface Lewis Turner Boulevard (S.R. 189) from Roberts Boulevard to Eglin Parkway (S.R. 397) in Okaloosa County. Planned improvements include resurfacing the roadway, drainage upgrades, curb and gutter replacement, pedestrian improvements and new signage and pavement markings. The project is slated for completion in late 2012.

http://static.ow.ly/docs/LewisTurner_NewsRelease_011312_sNL.pdf
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: allniter89 on January 13, 2012, 06:56:20 PM
Quote from: Alex on January 12, 2012, 11:46:06 PM
Quote from: EmeraldCoast93 on January 04, 2012, 10:18:33 PM
New road work about to start in Fort Walton Beach and Shalimar.

http://www.myeglinparkway.com

Work to last until late 2013  :wow:

FDOT says Eglin Parkway resurfacing to begin next month (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/residents-46598-discuss-resurfacing.html)

QuoteA $6.9 million project to resurface 4.5 miles of Eglin Parkway is scheduled to begin next month, according to the state Department of Transportation.

QuoteThe work will extend from 12th Avenue in Shalimar south to U.S. Highway 98 in Fort Walton Beach.

Along with the resurfacing, the DOT will make drainage improvements and add needed sidewalks near the Shalimar and Cinco Bayou bridges. Traffic signals at the intersection of Eglin Parkway and Hollywood Boulevard (http://www.southeastroads.com/florida080/fl-085_sb_at_hollywood_bl.jpg) also will be upgraded, Branton said.

Its a shame they didnt go ahead a four lane 123 and build a flyover at the north end. I think all the south flyover will do is move the congestion from the south to the north end.
Anyone remember when they last repaved Eglin Pkwy in Shalimar? 2000?
On a unrelated note, Okaloosa County Road 393 is apparently back open to thru traffic. The vms(?) or big portable advisory sign now says something like "road construction on Hwy 393" instead of "road closed at Shoal River Bridge, seek alternate route".  I havent take the ride yet but I dont have a decent cameera anyway. ;-/

Fixed quote. (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4000.0) - rmf67
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on January 14, 2012, 11:52:27 AM
Panel delays recommendation on how to fund U.S. 331 bridge (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/delays-46664-fund-panel.html)

QuoteA citizens group tasked with recommending a way to raise $77 million for a second U.S. Highway 331 bridge over Choctawhatchee Bay heard about four hours of comments Wednesday and Thursday before deciding to postpone a vote until next week.

QuoteThe task force was appointed in December after Florida Department of Transportation officials said they have set aside $177 million for the project, but that Walton County must raise $75 million in order for work to begin in early 2013.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on February 06, 2012, 08:29:02 PM
Quote from: Alex on November 09, 2011, 09:26:51 PM
Thanks in part to yours truly, the Escambia and Santa Rosa County line will be signed on the Escambia Bay Bridges of Interstate 10 again. Received an email last week with the Traffic Operations Request Evaluation/ Recommendation form and sign specs for the new assemblies (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/i0010_esc_sra_county_line_signs.png).

County line signs were omitted from the bridge replacement that occurred after Hurricane Ivan in 2004...

Saw today that the county lines along Interstate 10 at Escambia Bay are finally in place! They are posted at the entrance to the bridge in either direction.

Also of note, Navarre was replaced with Navarre Beach on guide signs for Exit 31 of Interstate 10. A greenout is in place on the one-mile sign (https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/florida010/i-010_eb_exit_031_02.jpg) while the sign ahead of the off-ramp (https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/florida010/i-010_eb_exit_031_04.jpg) was completely replaced. No camera today, so no pics to go with this post.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: lamsalfl on February 07, 2012, 01:26:58 AM
At the entrances?!?!  That means they are both about 1.5 miles from the actual line!
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on February 07, 2012, 09:42:25 AM
Quote from: lamsalfl on February 07, 2012, 01:26:58 AM
At the entrances?!?!  That means they are both about 1.5 miles from the actual line!

Yup. The usual placement for county line signs where the line is midway across a waterway, is following the bridge. Why they opted for placing them at the beginning is beyond me. From what I remember, the old bridge had the county line signs over the water.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alps on February 07, 2012, 07:49:04 PM
Quote from: Alex on February 07, 2012, 09:42:25 AM
Quote from: lamsalfl on February 07, 2012, 01:26:58 AM
At the entrances?!?!  That means they are both about 1.5 miles from the actual line!

Yup. The usual placement for county line signs where the line is midway across a waterway, is following the bridge. Why they opted for placing them at the beginning is beyond me. From what I remember, the old bridge had the county line signs over the water.

Typically, I've found them right over the middle of the water. Pennsylvania certainly does that a lot. Otherwise, it may be posted on one side or the other - I'm not sure there's any preference for before vs. after, or having both on the same side.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on February 15, 2012, 09:45:36 PM
Pensacola Bay Bridge PD&E Study is online at http://www.pensacolabaybridge.com/

There is an online survey (four questions) you can take about the option to make a replacement span a toll bridge.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on February 17, 2012, 11:54:49 AM
Couple more articles as the discussion for tolling a replacement Pensacola Bay Bridge heats up

Officials meet to discuss Pensacola Bay bridge toll idea (http://www.pnj.com/article/20120216/NEWS01/120216004/-1/7daysarchives/Pensacola-Bay-bridge-toll-would-kill-business-local-leaders-say)

Bridge toll still on table (http://www.pnj.com/article/20120217/NEWS01/202170313/-1/7daysarchives/Bridge-toll-still-table)
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on March 13, 2012, 07:35:44 PM
Somebody must have gone out to U.S. 98 and moved that salamander...

Update on the proposed U.S. 98 and Cody Avenue interchange outside of Hurlburt Field:

http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/hurlburt-48162--.html (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/hurlburt-48162--.html)

It seems that there will actually be funding in the State's 2013 budget to get this project moving, with groundbreaking to commence in early 2013. It's about damn time! Of course it will take three or more years to build and I am sure that traffic will be ten times worse than it already is, but at least its finally going to happen. Of course as soon as I post this something will happen so that it doesn't happen...
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on March 23, 2012, 01:17:12 PM
While killing some time for a mid-morning dentist appointment, I made an impromptu trip around the Niceville area to see progress on the Florida 85/Florida 123 interchange and on Toll Florida 293. I did not take a camera so I apologize for lack of pictures.

For the former mentioned interchange, the beams for the bridge that will carry northbound Florida 123 have still not been placed yet. An article in the local paper a few months ago indicated that the work was to be done in February. However, work continues along the main-line Florida 85 bridges and approaches over the airport access road. In fact, the deck seems to be poured as I seen a work vehicle parked along the southbound span.

There has been more progress made on the construction of Toll Florida 293 at Florida 85 and Florida 285. Bridge work has commenced at the future trumpet interchange with Toll FL 293 and FL 85 with beams already in place for the future toll road over FL 85. The approaches to the bridge have also been constructed and work was being done on the future loop ramp from FL 293 north to FL 85 south. Work has also progressed at the future interchange with FL 285 as well, but only the approaches for the overpass have been constructed.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on April 05, 2012, 08:38:45 PM
Florida 85 bridges over airport access road to open next week:

http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/shifting-48711-traffic-valpariaso.html (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/shifting-48711-traffic-valpariaso.html)

Once this is portion is open work will focus on the remaining flyover for northbound Florida 85 to northbound Florida 123 traffic.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: SSF on April 10, 2012, 09:42:31 PM
saw on the I-10 VMS on the east end of the bridges that 98 is going to be closed at Hurlbut Field this upcoming Sunday from 2am to 8am. 
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on April 11, 2012, 11:47:17 AM
Quote from: SSF on April 10, 2012, 09:42:31 PM
saw on the I-10 VMS on the east end of the bridges that 98 is going to be closed at Hurlbut Field this upcoming Sunday from 2am to 8am. 

That is for the reinstallation of a pedestrian bridge at Hurlburt Field.

U.S. 98 to close again while Hurlburt bridge re-installed (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/bridge-48726-hurlburt-military.html)
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on April 11, 2012, 05:49:12 PM
Quote from: SSF on April 10, 2012, 09:42:31 PM
saw on the I-10 VMS on the east end of the bridges that 98 is going to be closed at Hurlbut Field this upcoming Sunday from 2am to 8am. 

Noted the same message today on VMS along both directions of Interstate 10. The first eastbound VMS displayed a Silver Alert while the others showed the US 98 closure.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on April 11, 2012, 07:02:48 PM
That's funny, on the way home from work the signboard had the times of Midnight to 6AM...Yep, at it again with variable times.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on April 12, 2012, 12:00:25 PM
Seashore's speed humps aimed to save shorebirds (http://www.pnj.com/article/20120412/NEWS01/204120322/Seashore-s-speed-humps-aimed-save-shorebirds?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE)

QuoteSo this year, in addition to normal measures of roping off nesting areas, handing out educational materials and reducing the speed limit through nesting areas to 20 mph, on Monday, the seashore is installing temporary speed humps in Fort Pickens and the Santa Rosa areas of the park. The humps are meant to encourage drivers who ignore the reduced speed limit to slow down, said Dan Brown, seashore superintendent.

» Three humps will be installed on J. Earle Bowden Way in the Santa Rosa area, between Opal Beach and Navarre Beach.

» One hump will be installed on Fort Pickens Road about midway between the Fort Pickens entrance station and campground registration station.

The humps have more gradual inclines than bumps, which can "take off the bumper of a car" that hits them going too fast, Brown said. Installing the humps costs $3,820.

QuoteI know it's excruciating to go 20 mph

Yup, it is unnerving to travel in a car at 20 mph for long periods of time, so why don't just you just close the road until the nesting season is over and save the expense.  :banghead:
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 12, 2012, 12:42:37 PM
speed bumps in general are horrific.  If I am going over them at 5mph under the posted speed limit, I should not feel like I just left my transmission pan behind.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on April 17, 2012, 05:35:38 PM
Drainage work marks start of Eglin Parkway project (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/parkway-48954-project-shalimar.html)

QuoteAfter the drainage work is done, the resurfacing will get begin.

The 4.5-mile project also will include new sidewalks, road markings and signage, as well as improvement to the intersection of Eglin and Hollywood Boulevard.

Any lane closures required for the milling and resurfacing will be from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The 18-month, $6.9 million project will continue into 2013.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on April 18, 2012, 10:31:20 AM
The solution to everything, a new traffic light!!!  :pan: Will be the 5th one added since late 2008...

'Bloody 98' to get new traffic signal at intersection where 2 women were killed (http://www.pnj.com/article/20120418/NEWS01/204180323/-Bloody-98-get-new-traffic-signal-intersection-where-2-women-were-killed?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE)

QuoteA new traffic signal could be in place as early as midsummer on a deadly stretch of U.S. 98 near Gulf Breeze.

State Rep. Doug Broxson said the Florida Department of Transportation has agreed to install a signal on U.S. 98 near where two pedestrians recently were struck and killed. Greenbriar Parkway is north of the intersection, and Country Club Drive is to the south.

"It's a unique section of road where we have a lot of pedestrian traffic because of the mix of residential neighborhoods and businesses," said Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze. "There's a shopping center on one side and fast food on the other side – just a lot of pedestrian traffic in that area. This will, if nothing else, slow traffic down and give people the opportunity to safely cross."

In March, pedestrians Deborah Rector and Christine Nelson were killed in separate incidents while each was trying to cross U.S. 98 near the Greenbriar Parkway/Country Club Drive intersection. A third pedestrian, William Hopkins Jr., also was hit and killed in March as he tried to cross U.S. 98 in Navarre.

The three deaths prompted the Santa Rosa County Commission to ask the state to address pedestrian safety on U.S. 98. At that time, Commissioner Lane Lynchard – whose district includes the Greenbriar/Country Club intersection – called that stretch of road "a racetrack" despite its 45 mph speed limit.

Lynchard praised the state's quick action.

"This is an outstanding result," he said. "That's a fairly long stretch in a congested, highly populated area that doesn't have a light. There's a good bit of speeding there. There also is no convenient crosswalk. This will give pedestrians a safe place to cross Highway 98."

The new light will likely include a marked crosswalk and pedestrian signals, according to DOT spokesman Ian Satter. Such systems typically cost $200,000 to $250,000, he said.

Broxson hopes the new light can be in place by midsummer, after the engineering and design for the project is completed. Satter said the timeline will depend on how the project is funded, which has not been determined.

In addition to the signal, DOT has scheduled a road-safety study on U.S. 98 from Gulf Breeze to the Okaloosa County line, to be conducted this summer. The study will include a review of safety conditions and historical data about the roadway as well speed limits, sight distances and other factors.

"I think that we will have a better understanding of traffic flow and where the problems potentially will come from in the future and what the long-term solutions will be when the state, eventually, widens that road," Broxson said. "They will have to consider pedestrian traffic."

Lynchard hopes the study results in better lighting, especially in the area between the Wal-mart Supercenter in Tiger Point and College Parkway, the area where the two women were killed.

"It's a very dark section of Highway 98 at night," he said. "There's not much ambient lighting. There are no street lights there, but there is a lot of residential population."
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 18, 2012, 10:43:37 AM
god damn, people, look both ways before crossing the expressway.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: florida on April 18, 2012, 05:15:40 PM
Better planning would have let the "racetrack" be itself without any issues....but money first and pain later has always been the mantra down here.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on April 25, 2012, 09:59:18 AM
SRIA to vote to return toll booth operations to county (http://www.pnj.com/article/20120425/NEWS01/120425001/SRIA-to-vote-to-return-toll-booth-operations-to-county?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE)

QuoteEscambia County wants to take back the management and operations of the Bob Sikes Bridge toll booth as it prepares to completely overhaul the toll plaza operations by the summer season of 2014.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: lamsalfl on April 29, 2012, 02:03:42 AM
I would LOVE to see Sunpass accepted on the Pensacola Beach toll bridge.  Maybe the county and the Turnpike people can work out a deal. :)
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: DeaconG on May 01, 2012, 02:29:55 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on April 29, 2012, 02:03:42 AM
I would LOVE to see Sunpass accepted on the Pensacola Beach toll bridge.  Maybe the county and the Turnpike people can work out a deal. :)

+1!  It irked me badly when I went to Pensacola Beach back in late 2010 and they wouldn't take SunPass...
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on May 25, 2012, 08:29:35 PM
FDOT fast-tracking traffic signal at dangerous section of U.S. 98 (http://www.pnj.com/article/20120525/NEWS01/120525003/-1/7daysarchives/FDOT-fast-tracking-traffic-signal-dangerous-section-U-S-98)

QuoteBut Ian Satter, FDOT spokesman, said it will still be roughly four months before the signal in the busy stretch of the highway will be installed.

"What we're looking at is getting the materials to construct that signal,"  Satter said. "If the contractor can get the materials sooner, we want to construct the signal as soon as possible. We are working very hard to get that light up, but everything is weather permitting."

The signal and crosswalk improvements are in the design phase, and the total cost of the project is still being calculated.

The goal of the signal is to make it safer for pedestrians to cross the highway and slow down traffic.

:banghead:
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: florida on July 06, 2012, 07:59:26 PM
Cross-posting from the big FL thread.

SR 293 has been (re)added on its new alignment from the Toll Plaza to Range Road [2.757 miles, added 5/22/12]
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on July 13, 2012, 12:03:12 PM
Duke Field overpass taking shape (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/duke-50992-overpass-.html)

QuoteEGLIN AFB – Work is progressing on an overpass across State Road 85 to link Duke Field and the Army 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) cantonment.

The project is expected to wrap up next February.

That's good news for motorists traveling along Okaloosa County's only major north-south artery.

When the 7th Special Forces Group moved to its new home on Eglin Air Force Base property south of Crestview last year, traffic at SR 85's intersection with the former McWhorter Avenue serving Duke Field increased dramatically after 77th Special Forces Way to the cantonment opened at the same intersection.

Work started in March 2011 on the $10.9-million road work. A traffic light was added to the intersection ahead of the project.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: EmeraldCoast93 on July 16, 2012, 10:26:21 PM
 Flyover enters final stage (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/flyover-51054-slideshow-.html)

Quote
VALPARAISO – Almost two years after it started, construction on the flyover at the intersection of state roads 85 and 123 has entered its final phase.

The $25.6 million project, which began in August 2009, is scheduled to be finished sometime this fall or by the end of the year.

Crews have most of the flyover bridge in place and are beginning to focus on the "finishing touches,"  DOT district spokesman Ian Satter said.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on July 31, 2012, 01:13:56 PM
Work at Five Points intersection in Pace has begun (http://www.pnj.com/article/20120731/NEWS05/307310021/-1/7daysarchives/Louis-Cooper-Work-Five-Points-intersection-Pace-has-begun)

QuoteConstruction has begun on a $1.9 million project to realign a busy intersection in Pace.

Work on the Five Points intersection – where Woodbine Road, Chumuckla Highway, Quintette Road and Berryhill Road meet – began last week and is expected to continue for nine months.

The busiest of those roads is Woodbine, which the state Department of Transportation says is traveled by 12,500 cars a day.

The improvements include realigning Berryhill Road from Ashmore Lane to Chumuckla Highway.

The realignment will move the current intersection about 500 feet north and create a two lane rural roadway section north of Berryhill Road connecting to Chumuckla Highway.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on August 02, 2012, 12:19:42 PM
Street lighting OKed for U.S. 98, Santa Rosa commissioner says (http://www.pnj.com/article/20120802/NEWS01/120802010/Street-lighting-OKed-U-S-98-Santa-Rosa-commissioner-says?nclick_check=1)

QuoteThe state Department of Transportation has agreed to install street lighting along U.S. 98 between Gulf Breeze and the Okaloosa County line, Santa Rosa County Commissioner Lane Lynchard told the News Journal this morning.

"I think it is going to vastly include safety on U.S. 98,"  said Lynchard, whose District 5 includes the Gulf Breeze/Tiger Point area. "The road safety audit that DOT undertook showed that most of the accidents occurred at night. One of the primary contributing factors is a lack of lighting along the corridor."

The study was conducted after a series of pedestrian deaths along U.S. 98 this spring.

"They have allocated about $3 million to construction and installation of the lights, then there will be a cost-share with the state and county for maintenance,"  Lynchard said. "The intent is to have the installation complete by this fall."  
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on August 21, 2012, 11:44:16 AM
SR 123 flyover nearing completion (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/completion-51821-flyover-nearing.html)

Quote
The project began in August 2009 as part of a $25.6 million effort to seamlessly connect SR 85 northbound to SR 123 northbound, widen portions of both roadways, improve the entrance to Northwest Florida Regional Airport and increase safety at the busy intersection.

"Right now, we're on schedule for opening the flyover, which is the last large milestone we have for this project,"  Florida Department of Transportation district spokesman Ian Satter said.

The DOT earlier had announced the flyover would open this week, but because of the significant amount of rainfall the area has gotten, Satter said it is likely the opening will be pushed back to later this week or early next week.

"We have to finish paving and striping and obviously we can't do those things while it's still raining,"  Satter said.

Once paving and striping are completed, the construction team will transition traffic to the new flyover structure during overnight hours to minimize traffic impacts.

"We really want to finish up as soon as we can,"  Satter said.

Additional work on the project will include final paving, which will require periodic lane closures that will occur at night. The project is slated to be completely finished this fall.

"People have seen us there for three years and have been waiting a long time for this to happen,"  Satter said. "We'll finally see an end to it this fall."
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on September 11, 2012, 07:24:33 PM
http://ow.ly/d/MP9

Three years of road work to widen 4.6 miles of US 331 (Choctawhatchee Relief Bridge to Florida 20) commenced this month. The project adds three traffic lights as well: Short Avenue / Jolly Bay Road, LaGrange Road / Ramsey Branch Road and County Road 3280.

Additionally a Facebook page on the project was set up: https://www.facebook.com/UsHighway331
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on September 16, 2012, 11:05:43 AM
DOT: SR 123 flyover could open next week (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/flyover-52351-week-dot.html)

QuoteCompletion of the State Road 123 flyover, delayed because of Hurricane Isaac, is expected next week.

QuoteThe DOT announced in early August that the flyover was expected to open late last month. However, heavy rains and then Isaac delayed the completion.

Some minor striping and signage work must be finished before the flyover can open. Next week's completion date depends on the weather, Satter said.

No ceremony marking the project's completion has been scheduled
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on September 19, 2012, 07:08:19 PM
Florida 123 flyover to open Wednesday night (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/open-52400-valparaiso-wednesday.html)

Looks like the Florida 123 northbound flyover is opening sooner than later...

QuoteAfter three years of construction, the State Road 123 flyover is set to open late Wednesday night.

The new ramp will move northbound traffic from State Road 85 to SR 123 to loosen congestion at the busy intersection near Northwest Florida Regional Airport.

The flyover is set to open about 11 p.m. Wednesday, he said. Starting at 8:30 p.m., northbound SR 85 between General Bond and SR 123 will be reduced to one lane while construction crews install overhead signs. Overnight Thursday, southbound traffic will be reduced to one lane along the same stretch.

Temporary electronic message signs will be in place tonight to guide drivers through the new interchange.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on September 22, 2012, 10:30:45 AM
SR 123 flyover opens Friday (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/opens-52462-valparaiso-flyover.html)

Quote

VALPARAISO – After several delays, the flyover ramp at State Road 85 and State Road 123 opened early Friday.

Motorists began using the ramp at 4:30 a.m., said Ian Satter, district spokesman for the Florida Department of Transportation.

"Traffic is flowing well across the bridge and it appears everything is going well,"  Satter said later Friday morning.

The ramp was originally scheduled to open last month, but was delayed by frequent rain and Hurricane Isaac. The project, which was funded by federal stimulus money, began August 2009.

Crews still must erect some signage, but Satter said a crane will likely not be used because of the traffic jam it would cause.

One of the last major traffic shifts will take place Wednesday when southbound SR 123 traffic moves from the detour onto the new road.

"Basically, southbound (SR) 123 traffic will continue to southbound (SR) 85 and it will flow seamlessly by the ramp,"  Satter said. "Northbound (SR) 123 to north (SR) 85 will turn left onto temporary asphalt onto a different ramp."

Satter said work will continue near the intersection for the next few months while the traffic signal at SR 123 is removed and other tasks are completed.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: codyg1985 on September 25, 2012, 09:01:32 AM
Quote from: Alex on April 18, 2012, 10:31:20 AM
The solution to everything, a new traffic light!!!  :pan: Will be the 5th one added since late 2008...

'Bloody 98' to get new traffic signal at intersection where 2 women were killed (http://www.pnj.com/article/20120418/NEWS01/204180323/-Bloody-98-get-new-traffic-signal-intersection-where-2-women-were-killed?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE)

So there is a Bloody 98 in Alabama and in Florida...

On a side note, you can't engineer for stupidity (failure to look both ways).
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: NE2 on September 25, 2012, 09:15:22 AM
Quote from: codyg1985 on September 25, 2012, 09:01:32 AM
On a side note, you can engineer for stupidity (failure to yield to peds).
The original link is down, but this is more likely the cause of the crash.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on October 05, 2012, 04:59:14 PM
J. Earle Bowden Way beach road repairs to being soon (http://www.pnj.com/article/20121005/NEWS09/310050015/J-Earle-Bowden-Way-beach-road-repairs-being-soon?nclick_check=1)

QuoteRepairs are expected to begin in about a week on J. Earle Bowden Way, or State Road 399, between Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach.

The seven-mile stretch through the Gulf Islands National Seashore was damaged during Hurricane Isaac last month and has been closed to the public since.

Several sections of the road caved in when Isaac's storm surge rushed across the barrier island. Estimated cost of repairs is $700,000.

QuoteThe actual repair work should take about three to four weeks, pending weather,"  he said. "That would take us to the end of October or early November. The contract includes repairs both to Highway 399 and road shoulder repairs on the Fort Pickens Road."
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on October 11, 2012, 05:56:51 PM
Navarre Beach Bridge repairs set to begin Monday (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local-news/navarre-beach-bridge-repairs-set-to-begin-monday-1.27074)

QuoteThe first major repair work to the Navarre Beach Bridge since Santa Rosa County took ownership in 2006 is expected to start Monday.

The $2.4 million project will include repairs to the bridge fender system, replacement of pedestrian railings, concrete spall and crack repairs, replacement of expansion joints and steel replacement and repair.

QuoteThe job is expected to take six months and most of the work will be done during daylight hours, Blaylock said.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on October 19, 2012, 11:57:52 AM
The Pensacola Bay Bridge PD&E web site was updated with documents from yesterday's public involvement meeting. One of the proposals considered includes a flyover ramp from 17th Avenue south onto U.S. 98 east. All proposals include six overall lanes with bike/pedestrian paths.

http://www.pensacolabaybridge.com/involvement.html
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on November 02, 2012, 11:19:53 PM
National Seashore road expected to reopen by Thanksgiving (http://www.pnj.com/article/20121102/NEWS09/121102004/National-Seashore-road-expected-reopen-by-Thanksgiving-)

QuoteOne of the most scenic coastal roads in our area is expected to reopen before Thanksgiving, Gulf Islands National Seashore superintendent Dan Brown announced today.

J. Earle Bowden Way, or State Road 399, is a seven-mile stretch of road in the Santa Rosa Area of the seashore that links Pensacola Beach to Navarre Beach. It hugs the shoreline and offers unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico.

It was extensively damaged during September's Hurricane Isaac and has been closed since.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on November 08, 2012, 09:31:23 AM
DOT to present plans to widen SR 123 (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local-news/dot-to-present-plans-to-widen-sr-123-1.45753?tc=cr)

QuoteThe project will add two new travel lanes on the west side of the existing road to accommodate southbound traffic. The existing lanes will be reconfigured to serve northbound motorists along the six-mile stretch through Eglin Air Force Base land.

The wider road will feature 12-foot travel lanes and 10-foot shoulders separated by a 64-foot grass median.

The project has been divided into three segments. Only the third segment, which will widen SR 123 from north of Turkey Creek to State Road 85 north, has been funded. The cost is estimated at $10.2 million, and construction is slated to begin in fiscal 2014. It will take about two years to complete, Satter said.

QuoteThe first segment will widen SR 123 from just north of SR 85 south to north of Toms Creek. It will include a new 550-foot bridge over the creek for southbound traffic. The existing bridge will remain for northbound traffic.

The second segment extends from north of Toms Creek to just north of Turkey Creek. It will feature a new 830-foot bridge over Turkey Creek for southbound traffic. The existing bridge will serve northbound motorists.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on December 04, 2012, 01:32:44 PM
The one area state road page I have not updated, and this is why.

Avalon Boulevard construction nearing an end (http://www.pnj.com/article/20121204/NEWS01/121204005/Avalon-Boulevard-construction-nearing-an-end?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE)

QuoteTwo segments of the project to widen Avalon Boulevard from two to four lanes are set to be completed in January, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. Those two segments make up the area between the bridge over the CSX tracks and U.S. 90. The other two segments, which make up the area between Interstate 10 and the CSX tracks, are scheduled to be done in fall 2013.

Construction on the first segment began in August of 2009.

QuoteThe combined cost of the four segments is more than $33 million.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on January 11, 2013, 01:30:22 PM
Residents weigh in on U.S. 98 plans (Okaloosa County) (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/residents-weigh-in-on-u-s-98-plans-1.77395?tc=cr)

QuoteAbout 25 people looked at maps, chatted with DOT officials and left comments about the plans to widen 4.1 miles of U.S. 98 to six lanes from Airport Road east to the Walton County line. The project would skip the existing six-lane stretch from Matthew Boulevard east to Kel Wen Circle.

QuoteOther improvements would include modifying traffic signals and adding sidewalks, curb ramps and handrails to comply with the Americans with Disability Act. Bicycle lanes also would be added at all right-turn lanes.

The $33.8 million project is unfunded at the moment. Work will begin as soon as funding is available, Satter said.

Although a timetable hasn't been set yet, similar projects take almost three years to complete, he said.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on January 12, 2013, 01:40:21 PM
Preliminary work to begin for Hurlburt overpass (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/military/top-story/preliminary-work-to-begin-for-hurlburt-overpass-1.78005?tc=cr)

QuoteCrews are set to begin moving utilities Monday to prepare for construction of the new overpass on U.S. Highway 98.

QuoteThe overpass should extend to about 3,750 feet west of the intersection and 2,500 feet to the east, according to the DOT.

Dan Wilcoxen, Hurlburt's chief of military construction, said they are working closely with DOT and Okaloosa County to coordinate potential secondary gate access points.

The entire project is expected to be complete by winter 2014.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on January 26, 2013, 11:35:48 AM
Finally got around to checking out the new SR 85/123 flyover in Okaloosa County and drove around to a few other area projects:

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/fl-085_nb_at_fl-123.jpg)

The flyover carries two lanes from Florida 85 north onto Florida 123 north. The four-lane section quickly ends north of the overpass, with a lowly 45 mph speed limit set (speed limits go up to 55 mph once the road goes down to two lanes...). Work is planned to four-lane all of SR 123 in the near future.

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/fl-085_nb_at_mcwhorter_av.jpg)

Completely surprised to find that the folded-diamond interchange between Florida 85 and McWhorter Avenue/77th Special Forces Way (http://goo.gl/maps/LNW8H) was already open to traffic! A traffic light was added here a couple of years ago as Elgin AFB increased activities in this area. Not long after work began to add the overpass to offset delays to Duke Field.

Heading back south, more surprises in the fact that work has progressed quite a bit on the Mid-Bay Bridge Connector (Niceville bypass) project. A sign posted at the future trumpet interchange touts a spring 2014 completion.

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/fl-085_nb_at_future_fl-293.jpg)

Florida 85 at the future southbound on-ramp to Florida 293 Toll (Mid-Bay Bridge Connector).

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/fl-085_sb_at_future_fl-293.jpg)

Southbound on Florida 85 at the FL-293 interchange. Only one carriageway was built, as the road will only carry two lanes until traffic demands (and funds) warrant a expansion.

The SR 85/123 flyover project coincided with the construction of frontage roads from Florida 123 east to Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS). Traffic from FL-123 south to FL-85 east is directed onto the service road east to make the connection:

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/fl-123_sb_app_fl-085_nb.jpg)

Was not a big fan of the mixed fonts on most of the signs along the service roads.

Two widening projects are underway along U.S. 331 in Walton County. The first expands the roadway from Choctawahatchee Bay northward to Freeport. A second span is planned for U.S. 331 across the Intracoastal Waterway at some point.

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/us-331_nb_at_cr-3280.jpg)

Land clearing for the future southbound lanes is about the extent of progress on the project.

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/us-331_nb_after_cr-883.jpg)

The second four-laning project exists from CR-883 (old U.S. 331) north of Freeport to Woodlawn. Right of way fences are already in place from Woodlawn northward, but no work is underway from there to I-10.

Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on January 28, 2013, 09:01:02 AM
Gulf Breeze fights light pollution with 64 new LED lights (http://www.pnj.com/article/20130128/NEWS01/301280012/Gulf-Breeze-installs-new-energy-saving-lights)

Quote...the city is taking a small step in reducing light glow by having Gulf Power Co. convert 64 of the old glaring street lights to high efficiency LED lights along Gulf Breeze Parkway (U.S. 98).

MasTec engineering and construction workers have been moving quickly to install the new fixtures and are expected to complete the job next week.

The $195,000 project also involves converting overhead power lines to the street lights to underground wiring, a project that will wrap up in about three weeks, Gulf Power Co. spokeswoman Natalie Smith said.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on January 29, 2013, 10:35:15 AM
Local officials fear Pensacola Bay Bridge toll (http://www.pnj.com/article/20130129/NEWS01/301290020/Pensacola-Bay-Bridge-toll-feared-in-FDOT-announcement)

QuoteFDOT officials said last year the bridge spanning Pensacola Bay to Gulf Breeze, which was built in the 1960s, is out of date and needs to be replaced.

The cost of such a project is estimated to be in the $500 million range. FDOT has indicated the only way the state can pay for such a project is to levy tolls.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on February 01, 2013, 10:40:16 AM
Record road spending approved for Northwest Florida (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/record-road-spending-approved-for-northwest-florida-1.87733?tc=cr)

$974 million has been granted for Northwest Florida transportation projects.

QuoteThe plan includes setting aside $44.5 million for widening State Roads 123 and 87 and moving their construction dates up, Gaetz said at a meeting at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. The projects are now slated to begin in 2015.

More than $600 million also has been set aside to build a new three-mile U.S. Highway 98 bridge between Gulf Breeze and Pensacola, Gaetz said. The long-sought project will be publicly funded and will not require tolls, as some people feared.

Until yesterday's announcement, many assumed that the new span would be tolled, much like the Garcon Point and Mid-Bay bridges, and that it would cripple the local economy.

QuoteHe said DOT officials told him the $974 million is the largest single transportation initiative for Northwest Florida in history.

$20.6 million has been set aside for the Florida 123 project, which will four-lane the remaining stretch north to Florida 85 between Niceville and Crestview. However, the article does not specify if the work will include the proposed interchange at the north end of FL 123.

$23.9 million has also been set aside to four-lane Florida 87 through Eglin Air Force Base from the south boundary (where the new four-lane section still under construction ends) north to two miles south of the Yellow River bridge. That will leave about a 3.9-mile section of FL 87 as a two-lane arterial between I-10 and U.S. 98 when completed.

Both these projects were originally slated to begin in 2018 or later due to lack of funding.

QuoteNone of the new projects will be tolled, but state Rep. Doug Broxson said people should expect future transportation efforts to include tolls because of funding shortfalls.

On a personal note, the project they really should be funding and building (with tolls or not) is the ever-proposed limited-access highway that would parallel U.S. 98 through western Okaloosa County and eastern Santa Rosa County. It would seem nobody at FDOT really gives a **** about the true necessity for an additional east-west corridor through these counties. I would assume it will take a tropical system of a Category 4 or 5 with a fast approach to the area to get their attention that the transportation infrastructure is less than adequate in the need of a massive evacuation.

Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on February 07, 2013, 09:26:11 PM
Officials break ground on Hurlburt Field overpass (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/military/top-story/officials-break-ground-on-hurlburt-field-overpass-1.91723?tc=cr)

QuoteState, local and military officials met Thursday to break ground on the long-awaited U.S. Highway 98 overpass at the entrance to the base.

QuoteConstruction should begin this summer and conclude by the end of 2014. Officials stressed they are dedicated to limiting the impacts.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on February 19, 2013, 06:17:34 PM
All of the lights will be LED's.

U.S. 98 to get 1,000 streetlights, starting this month (http://www.pnj.com/article/20130219/NEWS01/130219011/U-S-98-get-1-000-streetlights-starting-month)

QuoteThe Florida Department of Transportation will begin installation of about 1,000 streetlights on U.S. 98 from Bayshore Road in Gulf Breeze to the Okaloosa County line in Santa Rosa County before the end of the month, State Rep. Doug Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze, announced today.

The $2.5 million project is designed to ensure the safe movement of traffic for vehicles and pedestrians.

Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: bassoon1986 on March 01, 2013, 05:10:14 PM
Quote from: flaroads on February 07, 2013, 09:26:11 PM
Officials break ground on Hurlburt Field overpass (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/military/top-story/officials-break-ground-on-hurlburt-field-overpass-1.91723?tc=cr)

QuoteState, local and military officials met Thursday to break ground on the long-awaited U.S. Highway 98 overpass at the entrance to the base.

QuoteConstruction should begin this summer and conclude by the end of 2014. Officials stressed they are dedicated to limiting the impacts.

QuoteHURBLURT FIELD – State, local and military officials met Thursday to break ground on the long-awaited U.S. Highway 98 overpass at the entrance to the base.


Hurblurt hahaha. Another derp of a spell check
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on March 01, 2013, 05:39:47 PM
Quote
Hurblurt hahaha. Another derp of a spell check

So typical of the local paper. It's why I have it labeled on my favorites as "Northwest Florida Daily Waste". I find at least once a day a misspelled word or use of poor grammar, and sometimes both.

To be honest though, I didn't even see that when I read this particular article, otherwise I would have pointed it out...
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on March 02, 2013, 10:39:38 AM
Additional money found to widen entire SR 123 (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/additional-money-found-to-widen-entire-sr-123-1.104553?tc=cr)

QuoteState funding continues to flow in to widen State Road 123 to four lanes.

Gov. Rick Scott's office announced recently that it will add $19.9 million to funds already secured for the project by state Senate President Don Gaetz.

Scott also announced that Florida would provide the funding Gaetz had obtained in fiscal 2014 rather than fiscal 2018 as originally planned. The state will save $2 million by moving the work up.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: lamsalfl on March 02, 2013, 04:34:41 PM
A pass at Navarre???  What kind of impacts to the water color will this have? 
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on March 02, 2013, 10:52:42 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on March 02, 2013, 04:34:41 PM
A pass at Navarre???  What kind of impacts to the water color will this have?

Locals have been trying to lobby for this pass for years now and it has never gotten traction. The original Navarre Pass was located east of where Navarre County Park is now, roughly where the Eglin AFB land is located on the barrier island.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on March 20, 2013, 05:25:30 PM
Barge crashes into Brooks Bridge (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/barge-crashes-into-brooks-bridge-1.114498?tc=cr)

QuoteA barge crashed into the Brooks Bridge about 3:15 p.m.

The bridge is being closed to all traffic. There were cars on the bridge when the crashed occured.

Some pipes that run under the bridge were struck and were leaking large amounts of water and possibly gas.

Damage is reported is reported on the west side of the bridge.

QuoteDepartment of Transportation engeineers are en route to the bridge to asses the damage.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on March 22, 2013, 12:26:09 PM
The PNJ posted a historical photo gallery of 23 images showing the Pensacola Bay Bridge (Three-Mile Bridge), including some shots of the original toll booth:

http://www.pnj.com/article/20130322/HISTORY/130322005/Historic-Photos-Series-Pensacola-Bay-bridges
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: DeaconG on March 22, 2013, 10:32:09 PM
Quote from: Alex on March 20, 2013, 05:25:30 PM
Barge crashes into Brooks Bridge (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/barge-crashes-into-brooks-bridge-1.114498?tc=cr)

QuoteA barge crashed into the Brooks Bridge about 3:15 p.m.

The bridge is being closed to all traffic. There were cars on the bridge when the crashed occured.

Some pipes that run under the bridge were struck and were leaking large amounts of water and possibly gas.

Damage is reported is reported on the west side of the bridge.

QuoteDepartment of Transportation engeineers are en route to the bridge to asses the damage.

It's made CNN.com, with video:

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-944879?hpt=hp_bn1
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on March 31, 2013, 12:14:23 PM
Seashore begins study to relocate Fort Pickens Road (http://www.pnj.com/article/20130331/NEWS01/303310042/Seashore-begins-study-relocate-Fort-Pickens-Road)

QuoteGulf Islands National Seashore Superintendent Dan Brown and two other park officials trudged through the sand about 100 yards north of Fort Pickens Road sticking red flags in the sand Tuesday afternoon.

The flags, lined up for about 1.4 miles, mark what could become a new route for a section of the park's 4-mile road to the historic fort.

Since August, the road that hugs the Gulf of Mexico has been closed four times to remove sand and repair storm damage.

No longer does it take a hurricane to wash out portions of the road. A strong south wind combined with high tide can send waves surging over the road and deposit sand drifts that can be 6 inches high.

"That's the new normal,"  Brown said. "We are going to lose that section of the road, in all likelihood, sooner rather than later. I don't know if it's going to be six months, six years or 10 years from now."

Instead of waiting for the road to wash away, the seashore is launching a lengthy process to develop an option to maintain access to Fort Pickens for an estimated 5 million yearly visitors.

One option under review is realigning a stretch of the roadway away from the Gulf, to the north. But before any construction can begin, the seashore will conduct a 12- to 18-month process involving public workshops, consultation with local officials and extensive scientific review.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on April 24, 2013, 11:32:13 AM
Businesses along Avalon Boulevard (Florida 281) set to return to normal (http://www.pnj.com/article/20130424/NEWS05/304240020/Business-set-to-return-to-normal-on-Avalon)

QuoteThat's because work to widen Avalon Boulevard – the primary connection between the heart of Milton and Interstate 10 – is complete along the roadway's northernmost two miles.

QuoteThe lower 2 1/2 miles of Avalon, however, remain under construction. The state Department of Transportation expects that work to be completed by January.

QuoteWork to widen Avalon Boulevard to four lanes began in August 2009. The first segment – one of four for funding purposes – was partially funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the federal stimulus bill pushed by President Obama.

It was the first project in the state to receive money from that act.

All four segments, which will cover the 41/2 miles from U.S. 90 to Interstate 10, are expected to cost about $33 million. About $5.5 million of that came from stimulus money, with the rest covered by the state.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on May 09, 2013, 10:28:09 AM
Work will help ease traffic jams over Bob Sikes bridge (http://www.pnj.com/article/20130509/NEWS09/305090011/Work-will-help-ease-traffic-jams-over-Bob-Sikes-bridge)

QuoteAt least that's the goal of $430,000 worth of improvements that are in store for the Pensacola Beach gateway now through the first of next year.

The work involves:

- Extending the fourth lane approaching the toll plaza so vehicles can access that lane at the foot of bridge instead of a few yards away.

- Extending the fourth lane exiting the toll plaza to give vehicles more time to merge with traffic on Pensacola Beach Boulevard.

- Extending the eastern transponder beach pass lane from the foot of the bridge.

- Extending the turning lane into The Grand Marlin restaurant and bridge fishing pier on the south side of the toll plaza to provide more room for vehicles to stack up.

- Enlarging the right turn lane on the northbound side of Pensacola Beach Boulevard to improve access to the bridge fishing pier and The Grand Marlin.

- Installing a pedestrian crosswalk with pavement embedded flashing lights on Pensacola Beach Boulevard at the Quietwater Beach pavilion area to the east and Pensacola Beach Marina and the Elk's Lodge on the west side of the street.

- Upgrading the toll plaza's transponder readers and hardware to make them operate more efficiently.

This may or may not include interoperability with Sunpass
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on May 15, 2013, 10:39:47 AM
From the FDOT District 3 Twitter feed:

QuoteFDOT District 3 ‏@MyFDOT_NWFL 55m
Walton- New signal on US 331 @ Chat Holley Road Tues, May 21 @ 10 a.m. http://ow.ly/d/1ftL

This breaks up a 9.7-mile signaless stretch from US 98 to Florida 20 at Freeport and is at the immediate south end of the Choctawahatchee Bay bridge.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on June 20, 2013, 11:53:25 AM
Three years just to widen three miles of a road that is the only north-south road connecting southeastern Santa Rosa with I-10 and Milton. Even worse was that it was signed with a 45 mph speed limit at its original two lanes, but once orange barrels appeared, even though the majority of the work was well away from the travel lanes, speed limits were dropped to 35. The same contractor that dragged its feet on this is now resurfacing US 98 through Navarre until winter 2015...

SR 87 work progressing (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/business/local-business-news/sr-87-work-progressing-1.161002?tc=cr)

QuoteAfter nearly three years, the widening of a three-mile stretch of State Road 87 is nearing completion.

Construction from Five Forks Road to the southern edge of Eglin Air Force Base property started in late August 2010. Construction crews for Anderson Columbia have begun laying the friction course – the final layer of asphalt – on the northbound lanes.

QuoteIn addition to the friction course, drainage inspections, signage, sod and landscaping work and mailbox replacements will be completed in the next several weeks. Anderson Columbia projects the will be finished the week of July 26.

QuoteThe current work was funded by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It is the third phase of widening SR 87 to four lanes from Navarre to near Milton.

Construction began in 2002, and roughly 10.2 miles is complete or nearly complete. Work is progressing on widening the remaining 10 miles from the Eglin boundary north to just south of Interstate 10 that is still two lanes, Satter said.

The cost of the two projects has been estimated at $57.7 million.

Florida Senate President Don Gaetz announced in late January that $23.9 million of a $970 million Northwest Florida transportation package had been set aside to widen SR 87 from the Eglin boundary to two miles south of the Yellow River.

Since then, the DOT has found more money through savings on bids and good management, and allocated those dollars to widening more of SR 87, Gaetz said. The project now has $37.9 million secured, which is enough to widen the road from the Eglin boundary to County Road 184.

That leaves about 1½ miles of SR 87 unfunded for widening, but Gaetz also hopes to find money for that.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: DeaconG on June 20, 2013, 10:10:47 PM
Quote from: Alex on June 20, 2013, 11:53:25 AM
Three years just to widen three miles of a road that is the only north-south road connecting southeastern Santa Rosa with I-10 and Milton. Even worse was that it was signed with a 45 mph speed limit at its original two lanes, but once orange barrels appeared, even though the majority of the work was well away from the travel lanes, speed limits were dropped to 35. The same contractor that dragged its feet on this is now resurfacing US 98 through Navarre until winter 2015...

SR 87 work progressing (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/business/local-business-news/sr-87-work-progressing-1.161002?tc=cr)

QuoteAfter nearly three years, the widening of a three-mile stretch of State Road 87 is nearing completion.

Construction from Five Forks Road to the southern edge of Eglin Air Force Base property started in late August 2010. Construction crews for Anderson Columbia have begun laying the friction course – the final layer of asphalt – on the northbound lanes.

QuoteIn addition to the friction course, drainage inspections, signage, sod and landscaping work and mailbox replacements will be completed in the next several weeks. Anderson Columbia projects the will be finished the week of July 26.

QuoteThe current work was funded by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It is the third phase of widening SR 87 to four lanes from Navarre to near Milton.

Construction began in 2002, and roughly 10.2 miles is complete or nearly complete. Work is progressing on widening the remaining 10 miles from the Eglin boundary north to just south of Interstate 10 that is still two lanes, Satter said.

The cost of the two projects has been estimated at $57.7 million.

Florida Senate President Don Gaetz announced in late January that $23.9 million of a $970 million Northwest Florida transportation package had been set aside to widen SR 87 from the Eglin boundary to two miles south of the Yellow River.

Since then, the DOT has found more money through savings on bids and good management, and allocated those dollars to widening more of SR 87, Gaetz said. The project now has $37.9 million secured, which is enough to widen the road from the Eglin boundary to County Road 184.

That leaves about 1½ miles of SR 87 unfunded for widening, but Gaetz also hopes to find money for that.

Does this project have a completion bonus?  Not that it would guarantee that they move any faster (the contractor for the previous widening of I-95 in Brevard had one and didn't even get close [cough Community Asphalt cough]), but it certainly helps.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on June 21, 2013, 05:04:44 PM
Quote from: DeaconG on June 20, 2013, 10:10:47 PM
Does this project have a completion bonus?  Not that it would guarantee that they move any faster (the contractor for the previous widening of I-95 in Brevard had one and didn't even get close [cough Community Asphalt cough]), but it certainly helps.

I'm surprised it even has a completion deadline! The original contract (http://www2.dot.state.fl.us/construction/Estimates/ActiveContracts/ActiveDetails.aspx?id=T3042) called for 785 days of construction and over the course of the project, Anderson Columbia has already asked for a total of 275 more days. Some of those approved extension days are total BS in my opinion.

When driving through the construction zone, nine out of ten times yielded seeing no activity going on during the entire stretch. And on the off-chance that they were there most of their workers were just standing around doing nothing. Week after week no real progress could be seen. It took well over two years for them to even switch traffic over to the new northbound lanes. And they had to tear down a completely useful bridge not too old and rebuild it??

Just based on this little bit here, I would not expect them to receive a bonus, but I am sure they will (or even have gotten one) anyway.

On a side note, there is a widening project where I am living now and its totally opposite of the SR 87 project. I notice changes on a day-to-day basis! What a concept!! Not sure when they started but its suppose to be done in the Fall.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on June 24, 2013, 10:30:25 AM
Online petition seeks to save Historic Milton (http://www.pnj.com/article/20130624/NEWS05/306240010/Petition-aims-to-save-Milton-s-historic-district)

This is the first I have read for a possible US 90 bypass of Milton.

The PNJ map shows it following Old US 90 on a southerly route around the Milton street grid:

http://www.pnj.com/assets/pdf/DP207367623.PDF
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on July 02, 2013, 09:58:31 AM
U.S. 331 widening plans take shape (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/u-s-331-widening-plans-take-shape-1.166539?tc=cr)

QuotePlans to widen U.S. Highway 331 and the Clyde B. Wells Bridge took decades to bring to fruition, but it appears Walton County's resistance to accepting tolls to pay for it could save residents hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Florida Department of Transportation announced recently that it had hired a company to expand the 2.274-mile span across Choctawhatchee Bay by building a second bridge just east of the existing one.

Skanska USA Civil Southeast has agreed to design and build the second bridge for $118.5 million.

Because the state and county had agreed to put up a total of $177 million to cover the cost, FDOT told the Walton County Commission June 24 that the county will receive a $50 million rebate check.

QuoteIn conjunction with the bridge expansion, FDOT will widen U.S. Highway 331 north from the bridge to State Road 20. The two projects together will cost the state $145.9 million, or about $31 million less than the state and county budgeted to pay for the bridge.

That compares very favorably to the almost $400 million a private business called Moving U.S. 331 Forward LLC wanted in 2009 to widen the bridge and build, operate and maintain a toll facility there.

QuoteThe first phase of widening U.S. 331 was a $22.4 million project that expanded the roadway from U.S. Highway 98 to the south end of the bridge.

The $24.9 million four-laning of the road to State Road 20 has begun north of the bridge, as evidenced by piles of dirt pushed aside to level the area to be paved.

Skanska USA Civil Southeast is expected to begin work on the bridge project in August and complete the project by fall 2016, an FDOT news release said.

QuotePlans and $47.6 million in funding are also in place to expand U.S. 331 from State Road 20 to Interstate 10 just south of DeFuniak Springs.

"We have the interstate and now have a four-lane highway,"  Demers said.

The final phase of the widening project would four-lane U.S. 331 from DeFuniak Springs to the Alabama state line.

Satter said $2.9 million is being spent to conduct a planning, development and engineering study to determine the feasibility of completing the U.S. 331 expansion from I-10 to the Alabama line.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on July 08, 2013, 07:56:21 PM
Traffic solutions proposed for Navarre Beach (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/traffic-solutions-proposed-for-navarre-beach-1.169168)

QuoteTraffic leaving Navarre Beach is only getting worse, but the Santa Rosa County Commission is looking at short- and long-term solutions to improve traffic flow.

Earlier this year, the county contracted with Volkert & Associates to conduct a traffic study on Navarre Beach and the intersection of Navarre Beach Causeway and U.S. Highway 98.

The two short-term solutions Volkert & Associates presented to the board were adding a roundabout to the intersection of Gulf Boulevard and the Navarre Beach Causeway and adding a dedicated left-turn lane for people leaving the causeway to turn onto U.S. 98.

Commissioner Jim Melvin said those improvements would be a temporary Band-Aid that would not completely fix the traffic problem. He said improving traffic on Navarre Beach needs to be a two-pronged approach, looking at both short- and long-term solutions.

Melvin recommended the board look into building a new bridge that would start at State Road 87 and extend south onto property the county already owns on Navarre Beach. He said the new bridge should be four lanes and the existing bridge would be kept open, but he would advise terminating the two-way traffic and making it a one-way road off the island.

"If somebody had done this 10, 15 years ago, we would be looking at building a bridge right now,"  Melvin said.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on July 19, 2013, 05:04:33 PM
Florida 285 to close for overpass work late Monday/early Tuesday. (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/sr-285-to-close-for-overpass-work-1.175023?tc=cr)

This is part of the ongoing project for the Niceville bypass (Toll Florida 293) slated to open in 2014.

$13.9 million construction on overpass to begin. (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/13-9-million-construction-on-overpass-to-begin-1.174759?tc=cr)

Construction is set to begin next week on the SPUI along U.S. 98 at the entrance to Hurlburt Field (Cody Avenue), with a completion date of late 2014.

QuoteThe first phase of the overpass work people will notice will be construction of temporary lanes in the median of U.S. 98 to reroute traffic as needed.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on August 08, 2013, 08:08:11 PM
Mid-Bay Bridge Connector nears home stretch (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/mid-bay-bridge-connector-nears-home-stretch-gallery-1.184258?page=0)

Quote"It's the biggest transportation project in the county and it's been going on since 2009,"  boasts Jim Vest, executive director of the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority, which is building the connector.

When completed in mid-2014, the $143 million connector will be part of a 16-mile limited access route from State Road 85 around Niceville and across the Mid-Bay Bridge to Destin.

Vest will lead county officials, military members and other dignitaries on a tour of the project next week, something he does twice a year...
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: allniter89 on August 09, 2013, 06:05:02 PM
Regarding residents concerns of the bypass affecting Niceville businesses I dont think it will be a problem, imo the area has plenty of residents that will use hwy 20 to keep the businesses thriving. To catch tourists business why not put up blue services signs like on the interstates, the toll road  is never very far from the FL 20 business corridor. Okaloosa county does need to work on the timing of the lights, its difficult to get thru more than one green light at a time :angry:
The article mentioned 2 tolls $1.50 & $4.50 I imagine the $1.50 toll  be from FL 85 to FL 20 then those going across the MBB will pay $4.50 more. I dont think $1.50 is too much for that stretch of road. There is a free alternative albeit 2 lane road with 25mph to 40 mph speed limit. Use College Blvd east from FL 85, it changes to Forest Road to Rocky Bayou Dr to FL 20. This misses the majority of the traffic lights and there is only one light this route excepting the light at the beginning and end of this route.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on September 19, 2013, 08:06:39 PM
Mid-Bay Bridge Connector to open in coming months (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/mid-bay-bridge-connector-to-open-in-coming-months-1.205235?tc=cr).

The connector linking the Mid-Bay Bridge with Florida 85 looping around Niceville is now set to open January 4, 2014 with all day festivities as well as a half-marathon along the route. Tolls will be levied from late Saturday when the route opens to early Monday morning.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: florida on September 22, 2013, 11:09:02 PM
Quote from: allniter89 on August 09, 2013, 06:05:02 PM
Regarding residents concerns of the bypass affecting Niceville businesses I dont think it will be a problem, imo the area has plenty of residents that will use hwy 20 to keep the businesses thriving. To catch tourists business why not put up blue services signs like on the interstates, the toll road  is never very far from the FL 20 business corridor. Okaloosa county does need to work on the timing of the lights, its difficult to get thru more than one green light at a time :angry:
The article mentioned 2 tolls $1.50 & $4.50 I imagine the $1.50 toll  be from FL 85 to FL 20 then those going across the MBB will pay $4.50 more. I dont think $1.50 is too much for that stretch of road. There is a free alternative albeit 2 lane road with 25mph to 40 mph speed limit. Use College Blvd east from FL 85, it changes to Forest Road to Rocky Bayou Dr to FL 20. This misses the majority of the traffic lights and there is only one light this route excepting the light at the beginning and end of this route.


Have no fear. Okaloosa County will not change anything about signal timing so motorists would be inclined to use the new toll road.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on October 12, 2013, 11:00:51 AM
Improvements made at I-10, N. Davis Highway (http://www.pnj.com/article/20131012/NEWS01/310120023/Improvements-made-10-N-Davis-Highway)

QuoteA $144,412 project to improve the traffic flow from southbound North Davis Highway to west-bound Interstate 10 is about half-way complete...

QuoteThe project has added a second lane to the I-10 on ramp, as well as converted the existing outside lane of Davis Highway into a free flow lane where motorists can either turn right or continue straight.

QuoteThe commute of many drivers traveling along N. Davis Highway to Interstate-10 should be a lot smoother by mid-November.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on October 22, 2013, 04:41:01 PM
FDOT to begin another U.S. 98 project (http://www.pnj.com/article/20131022/NEWS01/310220024/Repaving-of-U-S-98-from-Gulf-Breeze-proper-to-zoo-begins-Monday)

QuoteThe $11.4 million project will mill and resurface the 12.77 mile section of highway. The road's existing shoulders will also be widened to 8 feet, and new bicycle lanes will be constructed from Gondolier Boulevard east to the Gulf Breeze Zoo entrance.

APAC Mid-South Inc. of Pensacola will begin construction in the City of Gulf Breeze and move eastward. The project's completion is scheduled for spring 2015.

QuoteThis project will accompany similar improvements on U.S. 98 from the Gulf Breeze Zoo entrance to the Okaloosa County line that began in June. That $12.3 million, 11.2 mile project is being undertaken by Anderson Columbia Co. and is scheduled to be completed in winter 2015.

Another project has Gulf Power Co. installing 1,000 280-watt LED streetlights on U.S. 98 from Bayshore Road to the Okaloosa County line and is projected to be completed in November.

The $2.5 million project will install the streetlights every 200 to 250 feet along a 19-mile stretch of the highway from the Okaloosa County line to the eastern edge of the Naval Live Oaks area.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on November 23, 2013, 11:22:16 AM
I-10 expansion a boon and bane for businesses (http://www.pnj.com/article/20131123/NEWS01/311230018/I-10-expansion-a-boon-and-bane-for-businesses)

QuoteThe Florida Department of Transportation is gearing up for a $43 million project to expand a stretch of Interstate 10 to six lanes, and business ­owners in the path of the construction are unsure whether they're on the road to riches or ruin.

By fall 2016, the construction project will add additional lighting, storm retention ponds, sound walls and two new lanes to the interstate between the Escambia Bay bridge and the Davis Highway interchange.

The project will also improve the section of Scenic Highway between Whisper Way and Northpointe Parkway by replacing the Scenic Highway overpass, repaving the driveways of some adjacent businesses and adding lighting, sidewalks and a bicycle lane.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on December 06, 2013, 10:57:10 AM
Traffic shift planned for U.S. 331 work (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/traffic-shift-planned-for-u-s-331-work-1.245189)

QuoteSANTA ROSA BEACH - Southbound traffic on U.S. Highway 331 will be shifted today to a new temporary lane between the south end of the Clyde B. Wells Bridge and Chat Holley

Road while northbound traffic will be shifted to the center portion of the road.

The lane shift will allow preliminary construction to begin for a new U.S. 331 bridge. One lane of traffic will remain open in each direction at all times.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on December 17, 2013, 11:16:54 AM
Not so scenic highway after state clears ancient oaks (http://www.pnj.com/article/20131217/NEWS10/312170014/Not-so-scenic-highway-State-clears-ancient-oaks-as-part-of-expansion-project)

QuoteLocal officials have promised to help replant an area along Scenic Highway where a stand of mature live oaks was clear-cut last week by a Florida Department of Transportation contractor after area residents voiced concern.

Highway officials have said the removal of the trees, located along Scenic Highway at the Interstate 10 on-ramp in northeast Pensacola, was necessary to accommodate ongoing construction and avoid additional impacts to private property and costs to taxpayers. But environmental advocates and area residents are not happy.

Department spokesman Ian Satter said the trees had been removed to make way for new interstate ramps, sound walls and two storm water retention ponds as part of the ongoing widening of I-10 and Scenic Highway.

The three-year project will widen the interstate between Davis Highway and the Escambia Bay bridge and Scenic Highway between Whisper Way and Northpointe Parkway from four to six lanes. It also will include reconstructing the Scenic Highway overpass. The work, which began in November and is slated for completion in fall 2016, will cost an estimated $43.1 million.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on December 18, 2013, 01:12:35 PM
Gaetz: Consensus is key to getting new bridge  (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/gaetz-consensus-is-key-to-getting-new-bridge-1.250947)

QuoteThe Florida Department of Transportation has committed to spend $3.5 million to study options for replacing the Brooks Bridge.

A project development and environmental study has been placed in DOT's five-year plan but is not scheduled until 2015, agency spokesman Ian Satter said.

QuoteThe Brooks Bridge connecting Fort Walton Beach to Okaloosa Island was built in 1966 and today carries a "C"  grade for structural soundness and an "F"  grade for capacity.

QuoteThe last time an alternative route between Okaloosa Island and Fort Walton Beach was discussed, three bridge plans were conceived.

At least one of those, a bridge extending from the eastern end of Hollywood Boulevard to Okaloosa Island near the Emerald Coast Convention Center appears to have been eliminated as an option by plans to build commercial properties at the eastern landing site.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: allniter89 on January 01, 2014, 12:49:51 AM
Quote from: flaroads on September 19, 2013, 08:06:39 PM
Mid-Bay Bridge Connector to open in coming months (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/mid-bay-bridge-connector-to-open-in-coming-months-1.205235?tc=cr).

The connector linking the Mid-Bay Bridge with Florida 85 looping around Niceville is now set to open January 4, 2014 with all day festivities as well as a half-marathon along the route. Tolls will be levied from late Saturday when the route opens to early Monday morning.
There is signage up at FL 293/FL 85 jct & FL 293/FL 285 jct. I am flying out of town in a few hours so I cant get pix, sorry :-(  All on/off ramps are blacktopped, I dont remember if edge lines were painted :-(  BGS on right shoulder "FL 293 Toll Road, Destin & Freeport" just after you get on a ramp there pull thru(?) signs overhead "Fl Sunpass or license plate tolled", no mention of toll amount. On FL 285 they have nb/sb lanes separated by a small grass median in the area of the ramps & FL 293 overpass. On FL 285 northbound just past the 293 jct there is a I 10 reassurance sign and a mileage sign I 10 15 miles. The FL 285 exit should be signed "To I 10 Eastbound,  I 10 Westbound use next exit (FL 85)" because 285 runs northeast and taking 285 to I 10 westbound adds quite a few miles, maybe 30 miles? There are no services northbound for 18 miles as 285 is on Federal property/ Eglin AFB. There is nothing but forest the entire route. I think a "next services 18 mile sign" and or a blue services sign on the ramp directing drivers south for services should be erected to warn those unfamiliar with the area. The FL 85 to FL 293 ramps look to be built for a high advisory speed, a big sweeping curves to FL 293 eastbound, FL 293 does not go any further west than FL 85. I was hoping to attend the opening festivities but that aint gonna happen now, family issues in Delaware :-((
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on January 04, 2014, 03:16:58 PM
Mid-Bay Bridge Connector to be unveiled after four years of work. (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/mid-bay-bridge-connector-to-be-unveiled-after-four-years-of-work-photos-1.257519?tc=cr)

QuoteThe $140 million Mid-Bay Bridge Connector toll road will open to the public between 4 and 5 p.m. Saturday.

Motorists will be able to travel the 11-mile connector for free until 12:01 a.m. Monday.

Quote"The connector is going to relieve a lot of congestion, particularly traffic on state Highway 20 in Niceville,"  said Jim Vest, who as executive director of the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority has been largely responsible for overseeing the five-year project.

The $140 million connector will complete a 16-mile limited access route running from State Road 85 just north of Niceville to U.S. Highway 98 at Danny Wuerffel Way in Destin.

Its primary purpose is to smooth the flow of tourist traffic to and from the Destin area.

Vest said the connector will save travelers 20 minutes on their commute from one end of Okaloosa County to the other by eliminating 14 stoplights in the Niceville area.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on January 09, 2014, 12:15:36 PM
County Commissioner proposes second I-10 exit (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/county-commissioner-proposes-second-i-10-exit-letter-1.259559?tc=cr)

QuoteGridlock on State Road 85 could be greatly decreased with an additional exit built just west of the existing I-10 interchange, Okaloosa County Commissioner Nathan Boyles says.

Boyles plans to share his proposal today at the state Department of Transportation's public meeting on the I-10 Master Plan for Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington and Jackson counties.

QuoteAn additional I-10 interchange just west of Crestview would fit well with the county's long-term plans for the P.J. Adams Parkway-Antioch Road corridor, Boyles said.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on January 13, 2014, 10:51:28 AM
A smoother commute along U.S. 98 in Gulf Breeze may be on the horizon (http://www.pnj.com/article/20140113/NEWS01/301130009/A-smoother-commute-through-Gulf-Breeze-may-be-on-the-horizon)

Quote...the City Council last Monday endorsed a Florida Department of Transportation plan to better synchronize the traffic signal timing at the city's four traffic lights on six miles of U.S. 98 so a larger volume of traffic could make it through the city at one time without being caught at a red light.

"DOT has tried this signal timing adjustment in other areas of Santa Rosa County and Escambia County, and it appears to be working,"  said City Manager Edwin "Buz"  Eddy.

One of the biggest changes to the signals, he said, would be eliminating the ability for motorists on side streets, such as Daniel Drive and Fairpoint Drive, trying to cross U.S. 98 from being able to trip the light signal on demand, during three peak traffic times. Those times are 7 to 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

"At 6 p.m. it will be back to the regular demand system,"  said Thomas Lambert, they city's assistant director of public service.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: lamsalfl on January 13, 2014, 02:31:43 PM
My solution:  Toll road from I-10 mp23 southeastward along edge of Eglin in the direction of and then north of Hurlburt and FWB continuing nearly due east to the south of VPS airport across the bay terminating at the north end of the Midbay Bridge.   

Thousands of tourists would never have to touch US 98 - problem solved


(Except for Santa Rosa businesses :) )
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: DeaconG on January 13, 2014, 07:36:34 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on January 13, 2014, 02:31:43 PM
My solution:  Toll road from I-10 mp23 southeastward along edge of Eglin in the direction of and then north of Hurlburt and FWB continuing nearly due east to the south of VPS airport across the bay terminating at the north end of the Midbay Bridge.   

Thousands of tourists would never have to touch US 98 - problem solved


(Except for Santa Rosa businesses :) )

Breathe, son, you forgot how to breathe!
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on January 29, 2014, 02:53:18 PM
Yet another new signal activated along U.S. 98 in Santa Rosa County.

New traffic light goes live Tuesday (http://navarrepress.com/local/community/new-traffic-light-goes-live-tuesday/)

QuoteThe Florida Department of Transportation reports the new traffic signal on U.S. 98 at Edgewood Drive in Navarre will be activated Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 10 a.m.  The signal has been on flash mode to acquaint motorists with the location. Drivers are advised to use caution when approaching the intersection.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: lamsalfl on January 29, 2014, 07:25:58 PM
How has the Niceville bypass been working so far?
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on March 09, 2014, 11:08:44 AM
SR 123 widening could begin this summer (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/sr-123-widening-could-begin-this-summer-1.288533?tc=cr)

QuoteTree clearing along State Road 123 has begun in preparation of a major widening project slated to start in the summer.

The $50.5 million project ultimately will widen the entire length of SR 123 from two lanes to four. It will be completed in three phases.

Crews from Eglin Air Force Base are cutting the timber in preparation for the first phase of the work, which will cost $19.9 million.

"They're taking the timber down in that middle section from Tom's Creek to Turkey Creek,"  said Ian Satter, district spokesman for the state Department of Transportation.

The second phase, which will cost $18.4 million, will widen SR 123 from north of State Road 85 South to north of Tom's Creek. The third phase, estimated to cost $12.2 million, will widen the stretch from north of Turkey Creek to SR 85 North.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on March 25, 2014, 11:01:51 PM
60 is better than 55, but 65 would be more appropriate. I-10 never drops below 70 mph through Tallahassee FWIW.

Speed limit increase set for Interstate 10 (http://www.pnj.com/article/20140325/NEWS01/140325013/Speed-limit-increase-set-for-Interstate-10)

QuoteThe Florida Department of Transportation announced today that it will increase the speed limit on Interstate in Escambia County from 55 mph to 60 mph from Davis Highway to west of U.S. 29 beginning Friday.

The FDOT cites results of a recent speed study as the reason for the change.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on April 21, 2014, 10:05:31 PM
Route for a new Pensacola Bay Bridge poses major impact on Gulf Breeze (http://www.pnj.com/article/20140421/NEWS01/304210017/Route-for-a-new-Pensacola-Bay-Bridge-poses-major-impact-for-Gulf-Breeze)

QuoteAfter years of planning, meeting and debating three possible routes for the new Pensacola Bay Bridge, a group of public officials and community leaders are anxious to take a look at where the Florida Department of Transportation is recommending it be built.

FDOT will present its proposed plans and construction details for what it calls the west-central corridor to the Project Advisory Group, made up of 14 members, at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grand hotel in Pensacola.

During a special meeting in early June, the general public will have an opportunity to pore over those plans, talk to FDOT officials, and offer comments, concerns or suggestions about the project.

The corridor is one of four that have been under consideration for years.

QuoteWhat Eddy is not feeling ­optimistic about is the 1,600 days, or five years, it will take to construct the two three-lane spans for the replacement bridge, which is slated to begin with purchasing rights of way next year, followed by site preparation, with actual construction to begin in 2017.




New phase of expansion begins for U.S. 331 (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/new-phase-of-expansion-begins-for-u-s-331-1.308230)

QuoteU.S. 331 is undergoing a long anticipated transformation that enters a new phase April 28 when crews contracted by the Florida Department of Transportation begin clearing the area north of State Road 20 to Interstate 10.

As drainage work and other activities get underway it will extend the 331 construction zone 12 miles, from the Clyde B. Wells Bridge, where a parallel bridge is being constructed, to I-10.

QuoteThe $47.6 million project is expected to be completed by winter of 2016, the news release said.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on April 24, 2014, 04:45:01 PM
High-tech road safety network moving ahead (http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2014/04/24/fdot-interstate-safety/8064651/)

QuoteDubbed the Intelligent Transportation System, the $24 million Northwest Florida network will include 183 traffic cameras, 135 microwave vehicle detectors, 40 travel time sensors, 17 overhead message signs, eight highway advisory radios, and three road and weather information sensors, FDOT spokesman Ian Satter said.

QuoteIn mid-October, construction crews will begin installing fiber optic infrastructure for the Intelligent Transportation System along a 158-mile section of Interstate 10 from State Road 87 in Santa Rosa County to U.S. 90 in Gadsden County, Satter said. Installation will begin at the I-10 and U.S 231 interchange and proceed east and west along I-10 and north and south on U.S. 231.

The network also will extend 56 miles along U.S. 231 from the Alabama state line to Bay County.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on April 30, 2014, 02:13:12 PM
Up to 27 inches of rain fell in the Pensacola area this week. Lots of flooding problems and roads washed out, including a portion of U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) north of Summit Road. My stepmom emailed me this photo from Johnson Road west of Olive Road (CR 290):

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/johnson_rd_w_of_olive_rd.jpg)

Here is what that stretch of road normally looks like: https://www.google.com/maps/@30.516844,-87.177377,3a,75y,262.75h,73.42t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sPhQcVRmisr3bsi9an7jYZw!2e0
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on June 03, 2014, 10:29:25 PM
Portions of Scenic Highway north of I-10 reopen (http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2014/06/02/portions-scenic-highway-north-reopen/9863825/)

QuoteThe Florida Department of Transportation last week reopened all portions of Scenic Highway north of Interstate 10, said Ian Satter, a FDOT spokesman. Previously, portions of the iconic roadway just south of the Olive Road intersection had been closed to traffic because of damages suffered during the April 29-30 flood.

Portions of Scenic Highway south of Interstate 10 near Scenic Highway Circle – where the road collapsed in two places during the flood, creating two giant holes about 30 feet deep – remain closed. But Satter said repairs to the area – a project costing $1.2 million – still are on schedule and that the road will be completely open to motorists by June 30.

Correction, US 90 was closed just north of Olive Road (CR-290), not south.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on June 23, 2014, 10:43:49 AM
Nine Mile's future (http://www.pnj.com/story/opinion/editorials/2014/06/23/nine-miles-future/11113171/)

QuoteOn Tuesday, the public has a chance to offer input on a project that could improve the way thousands of us travel daily through central Escambia County.

The Florida Department of Transportation is inviting the public to a hearing to discuss the study for widening Nine Mile Road from two to four lanes beginning at U.S. 90/Mobile Highway and continuing to Pine Forest Road, a length of about 5.8 miles, according to a legal notice published last week.

The hearing is 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Plainview Baptist Church, 1101 W. Nine Mile Road. A formal presentation is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

Quote"Other improvements include access management, changes or the design and construction of medians and median openings, and stormwater treatment ponds," the notice said.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: DeaconG on June 24, 2014, 07:12:43 PM
Quote from: Alex on June 23, 2014, 10:43:49 AM
Nine Mile's future (http://www.pnj.com/story/opinion/editorials/2014/06/23/nine-miles-future/11113171/)

QuoteOn Tuesday, the public has a chance to offer input on a project that could improve the way thousands of us travel daily through central Escambia County.

The Florida Department of Transportation is inviting the public to a hearing to discuss the study for widening Nine Mile Road from two to four lanes beginning at U.S. 90/Mobile Highway and continuing to Pine Forest Road, a length of about 5.8 miles, according to a legal notice published last week.

The hearing is 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Plainview Baptist Church, 1101 W. Nine Mile Road. A formal presentation is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

Quote"Other improvements include access management, changes or the design and construction of medians and median openings, and stormwater treatment ponds," the notice said.

That widening is way, way overdue!  I was up there in late 2010 and that section of Nine Mile was not happy fun time (my cousins live near there so I used it quite a bit).
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on July 27, 2014, 09:50:37 AM
Potential choke point for U.S. 331 in Walton County (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/331-whoops-dispute-between-hospital-dot-could-lead-to-traffic-choke-point-1.350923?tc=cr)

QuoteA hospital"˜s objection to expansion plans for U.S. Highway 331 threatens to clog Walton County"˜s major north/south artery for the foreseeable future.

Healthmark Regional Medical Center, two miles south of Interstate 10 between DeFuniak Springs and Freeport, has rejected the Florida Department of Transportation"˜s plan to pave over a large chunk of its front yard in widening U.S. 331.

QuoteTommy Barfield, secretary of the transportation agency"˜s District 3, notified Walton County Commissioners Tuesday that FDOT had decided to forego four-laning about a mile of Hwy. 331 for "at least a couple years."

It has cancelled its design and build contract with Anderson Columbia for that portion of roadway while engineers work to "redesign"  plans for widening it in front of the hospital.

QuoteThe widening of the stretch of U.S. 331 from Edgewood Circle to I-10 is the last of three phases of the project to get underway. That phase was supposed to be completed in 2016.

Widening work in front of Healthmark Regional Medical Center will be held up until the redesign is completed.

That means for at least some period of time drivers traveling an otherwise four-lane U.S. 331 will be forced to transition to a two-lane highway at that section of the road.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: D-Dey65 on August 14, 2014, 01:32:41 AM
Quote from: flaroads on July 27, 2014, 09:50:37 AM
Potential choke point for U.S. 331 in Walton County (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/331-whoops-dispute-between-hospital-dot-could-lead-to-traffic-choke-point-1.350923?tc=cr)

QuoteA hospital"˜s objection to expansion plans for U.S. Highway 331 threatens to clog Walton County"˜s major north/south artery for the foreseeable future.

Healthmark Regional Medical Center, two miles south of Interstate 10 between DeFuniak Springs and Freeport, has rejected the Florida Department of Transportation"˜s plan to pave over a large chunk of its front yard in widening U.S. 331.

QuoteTommy Barfield, secretary of the transportation agency"˜s District 3, notified Walton County Commissioners Tuesday that FDOT had decided to forego four-laning about a mile of Hwy. 331 for "at least a couple years."

It has cancelled its design and build contract with Anderson Columbia for that portion of roadway while engineers work to "redesign"  plans for widening it in front of the hospital.

QuoteThe widening of the stretch of U.S. 331 from Edgewood Circle to I-10 is the last of three phases of the project to get underway. That phase was supposed to be completed in 2016.

Widening work in front of Healthmark Regional Medical Center will be held up until the redesign is completed.

That means for at least some period of time drivers traveling an otherwise four-lane U.S. 331 will be forced to transition to a two-lane highway at that section of the road.

In principal, the widening seems like a good idea. But why do they want to abandon the existing road and shift both new lanes on one side?

Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on August 14, 2014, 10:20:02 PM
It's only going to be like that in the area in front of the hospital disputing the widening. My guess is that FDOT will want to try and keep the roadway/median width as consistent as possible and the best way to do that while making a compromise with the hospital is to acquire right-of-way west of the existing lanes and shift the new lanes in that direction, keeping it well enough away from the entrance and building.

IMO, the developers of that hospital should have known that the highway would eventually be widened when they designed and built it. That was a fallacy on their part.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on September 15, 2014, 03:42:53 PM
That was resolved quickly...

Hospital drops objection to widening 331 (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/hospital-drops-objection-to-widening-331-1.373044?tc=cr)

QuoteA second plan was drawn up that would move the roadway about 180 feet further west of the facility's emergency room entrance.Hospital board chairman Clayton Adkinson attended a recent meeting where the compromise was discussed, and told District 3 FDOT Secretary Tommy Barfield Healthmark would drop its objections to a right of way acquisition.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: adventurernumber1 on September 15, 2014, 11:10:28 PM
Ah. When I went on vacation to Destin, FL, this past July I saw them working on widening US 331. Wonder when that'll get finished up. Here's a video a took of US 331 and the construction begins about when the video ends.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ964tEREfk

Should've kept the camera rolling longer but I had taken a bunch of road videos on the trip and my phone was nearly maxed out on storage. It's a shame I couldn't really get all the construction.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on September 16, 2014, 05:10:47 PM
Nine Mile Road widening scheduled (http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2014/09/16/nine-mile-road-widening-scheduled/15730791/)

QuoteA stretch of Nine Mile Road from Beulah Road to U.S. Highway 29 has been moved near the top of the Florida Department of Transportation's to-do list, and the nearly $42 million project could begin by the end of 2015.

The agency said in a prepared statement that about 10 miles of the road will be widened, including a section between Pine Forest Road and Highway 29.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on October 20, 2014, 11:14:58 AM
Plans underway for Mid-Bay Bridge Connector to continue to airport (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/plans-underway-for-mid-bay-bridge-connector-to-continue-to-airport-1.388980?tc=cr)

QuoteThe next phase of the project would add about an additional four miles to continue the connector across State Road 85 to near the Northwest Florida Regional Airport. The road would be built through Eglin Air Force Base property.

QuoteIn a letter to the authority late last month, Brig. Gen. David Harris, Eglin's commander, said base officials found two areas of concern with the latest proposal.

The plan would extend the connector to a portion of State Road 85 near the airport that would interfere with Eglin's north gate, which is reserved primarily for commercial traffic in and out of the base, Harris said. The route would also pass through a section of the Eglin range slated for construction of solar panels to provide some power to the base.

Harris said the authority should continue to work with his engineering staff to address the issues and make necessary alterations to the plan.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on November 14, 2014, 06:02:25 PM
Garcon Point Bridge toll could go to $5 (http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2014/11/14/garcon-point-bridge-toll-go/19037733/)

QuoteTrustees of the bank holding bonds for the Garcon Point Bridge in a letter sent Nov. 6 are recommending that the cash toll of the Garcon Point Bridge be raised to $5 each way.

The current toll is $3.75.

An analysis included with the letter to the bridge authority said the bridge generated $4.9 million in revenue in Fiscal Year 2013; expected to raise $5.4 million this year; and could generate as much as $6.7 million in Fiscal Year 2015.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on December 02, 2014, 10:33:41 PM
Locals, officials fight Garcon Point Bridge toll hike (http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/2014/12/01/share-thoughts-garcon-point-bridge-toll/19734901/)

QuoteThe one-way toll for the privately owned Garcon Point Bridge could increase from $3.75 to $5 this month if bondholders of the bridge get their way, but local legislators and residents are working to stop the toll hike on the $130 million defaulted bridge.

QuoteThe Nov. 6 letter sent from the trustee, the Bank of New York Mellon, requests that the authority increase the SunPass transaction rate from $3.75 to $4, increase the cash transaction from $3.75 to $5 and reduce the SunPass discount for heavy users from 50 percent to 25 percent.




In road enthusiast related news, Florida 281 now has at least one shield with a Yellow Toll Banner:

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/yellow_fl-toll-281.jpg)
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on December 11, 2014, 07:59:46 PM
Traffic planners to study new I-10 exit (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/traffic-planners-to-study-new-i-10-exit-1.412565?tc=cr)

QuoteThe state Department of Transportation has allocated $1 million to study the construction of an additional exit at P.J. Adams Parkway. The study is slated for 2017 as part of the state's five-year work plan.

QuoteThe DOT's study will analyze everything from construction alternatives and crash records to traffic counts and census data.

The same article also mentions that FDOT have shelved its plans for a pedestrian overpass in Navarre along U.S. 98 between Presidio and Luneta Streets.

Quote"We're going to try to look at other ways to improve pedestrian safety there,"  DOT Spokesman Ian Satter said.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: NE2 on December 11, 2014, 08:09:48 PM
PJ Adams is the southwestern bypass of Crestview, for the record, and partly carries CR 4. It seems the primary benefit for non-local traffic would be for access to SR 4, since the bypass hits SR 85 just south of I-10.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on December 11, 2014, 09:34:33 PM
The only way they would be able to build an interchange at that location is to either build a tight-ass diamond or a SPUI. All four quadrants are already filled with homes and an apartment complex. Either that or build an interchange in an entirely new area and do a realignment of PJ Adams.

And having lived in that part of Florida, PJ Adams really isn't a true bypass, as all it serves is the sprawl to the south and west of Crestview. Otherwise it has no real purpose other than as NE2 mentioned to get to SR 4 from SR 85.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on January 14, 2015, 12:52:34 PM
Avalon [FL 281] construction should wrap up in summer (http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/santa-rosa/2015/01/13/avalon-construction-wrap-summer/21698363/)

QuoteFDOT is currently in the fourth and final phase of the project, which should be completed by May, said FDOT Spokesman Ian Satter. FDOT had previously anticipated completion in winter 2014.

Construction began in August 2009 on the approximately five-mile stretch of Avalon Boulevard from Interstate 10 to U.S. 90, Satter said, with the final stretch running from the interstate to just south of the Moors Golf Club.

QuoteSeveral unforeseen issues were encountered during construction that caused delays for the project, Satter said, including roadway redesigns due to unsuitable soil, necessary drainage additions and conflicts with overhead power lines.

Satter said subsoil testing is always performed before FDOT road projects begin, but sometimes the soil turns out to be different than expected when construction is underway, which was the case on sections of Avalon Boulevard.

QuoteThe Avalon Boulevard project included widening the road from two to four lanes, adding bicycle lanes and sidewalks and building a service road from Cactus Drive to Admirals Road, Satter said.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Avalanchez71 on January 15, 2015, 10:46:50 PM
Why are there so many 7XX state roads out that way?
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: NE2 on January 15, 2015, 10:55:01 PM
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on January 15, 2015, 10:46:50 PM
Why are there so many 7XX state roads out that way?
Because they ran out of numbers.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Avalanchez71 on January 15, 2015, 11:06:37 PM
What about using A/B/C like they used to do?
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: NE2 on January 15, 2015, 11:14:55 PM
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on January 15, 2015, 11:06:37 PM
What about using A/B/C like they used to do?
It was in that era that they ran out. Sure, they could have made 298Q, but 727 was easier.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on February 19, 2015, 09:40:40 PM
City upgrading traffic signals on Garden St. (http://www.pnj.com/story/news/traffic/2015/02/18/city-upgrading-traffic-signals-garden-st/23640581/)

QuoteThe Florida Department of Transportation is replacing traffic signals that are hanging on wires at the intersections of Garden and E streets, Garden Street and Pace Boulevard and Ninth Avenue and College Boulevard with signals that are mounted on metal masts. Camera systems to control the timing on the signals and push-button LED pedestrian signals also are being installed at those intersections.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on February 21, 2015, 10:53:14 AM
I-10 work near Scenic starts next week (http://www.pnj.com/story/news/traffic/2015/02/20/construction-near-scenic-highway-scheduled-next-week/23746695/)

QuoteInterstate 10 near the Scenic Highway overpass in Escambia County will encounter vehicle pacing operations from 10:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, through Feb. 27 and March 2 through March 4 as crews perform deck work for the new Scenic Highway overpass.

Vehicle pacing operations, also known as a rolling roadblock, are formed by creating a gap between traffic and the work area so that short-duration construction activities can be performed. Drivers should anticipate travel delays during this time.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on February 22, 2015, 07:37:15 PM
Hurlburt overpass taking shape (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/hurlburt-overpass-taking-shape-1.441364)

QuoteConstruction of the flyover at Cody Avenue and U.S. Highway 98 is scheduled to be completed by August, Air Force and state Department of Transportation officials said Friday.

Work crews have set the final two of 11 precast concrete beams that will support the elevated lanes of U.S. 98.

QuoteThe $13.9 million project — which started in February 2013 — is expected to ease traffic woes on U.S. 98 where major delays are commonplace.

The two new eastbound dual left turn lanes at the main Hurlburt Field entrance will be longer and remove more vehicles from the overall flow. FDOT officials predict faster morning commute times for the nearly 50,000 motorists traveling through the intersection each day.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on April 08, 2015, 06:53:55 AM
FDOT invites public to sound off on Brooks Bridge (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/fdot-invites-public-to-sound-off-on-brooks-bridge-document-1.461516?tc=cr)

QuoteA decision on whether the state will move forward with an alternate bridge across Santa Rosa Sound could come as early as December 2016.

QuoteThe update — provided by Steve Schnell of the engineering firm HDR, which has offices in Niceville — touched on both the alternate crossing study and the Brooks Bridge replacement study.

QuoteThe goal of the alternate span study is to give FDOT enough information to decide whether it should move into the planning, engineering and design phase, he added.

The Brooks Bridge replacement study is expected to take twice as long, wrapping up by the summer of 2018.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on May 01, 2015, 10:17:58 PM
Changes eyed on Bayfront Parkway in Pensacola (http://www.pnj.com/story/news/traffic/2015/04/30/fdot-wants-alleviate-traffic-bayfront-parkway/26656551/)

QuoteMore than 20 people gave the Florida Department of Transportation their ideas on improving Bayfront Parkway between South Tarragona and East Chase streets during a public meeting Thursday night.

Residents interviewed for this story said they want to see the busy stretch of Bayfront Parkway quieted, possibly by reducing it from two lanes each way to one.

To alleviate traffic in the area with two fewer lanes on Bayfront Parkway, a few residents proposed making Chase Street a two-way road in the area. Traffic can only go east on Chase Street near Bayfront Parkway.

QuoteResidents also said they would like to see truck traffic allowed along Tarragona Street between Interstate 110 and the Port of Pensacola. But the city restricts truck traffic on that road because it is a historic district.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on May 20, 2015, 07:35:38 PM
U.S. 98 drive gets smoother (http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/santa-rosa/2015/05/20/us-drive-gets-smoother/27670389/)

QuoteAfter about two years of construction and several weather delays, including last year's historic April flooding and cold temperatures earlier this year, the Florida Department of Transportation is wrapping up road resurfacing projects along about 13 miles of the highway in Gulf Breeze and Navarre.

The approximately $23.7 million project, split into two segments, also includes widening turn lanes and shoulders for added safety.

Completing the improvements will be a milestone for the highly-utilized corridor, which was approaching its estimated asphalt "life expectancy" of about 20 years, said FDOT spokesman Ian Satter.

QuoteFDOT is in the final stages of resurfacing and widening an approximately 11.2-mile section of highway between the Okaloosa County line and the Gulf Breeze Zoo, which should wrap up by summer.

QuoteResurfacing improvements on another two-mile section in Gulf Breeze from the Gulf Breeze Zoo to the Pensacola Bay Bridge have also been completed, and crews are now focusing on widening turn lanes and shoulders between the Villa Venyce subdivision and the zoo, expected to finish by fall.


Quote

FDOT has also set aside approximately $2.8 million to fund a Project Development and Environment study addressing the possibility of six-laning a section of U.S. 98 in Gulf Breeze from Portside Drive to the Okaloosa County line, putting the study in its five-year work program for 2015-2019.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on May 22, 2015, 11:52:22 AM
Bay Bridge project moves forward (http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/pensacola/2015/05/22/bay-bridge-project-moves-forward/27745115/)

QuoteAfter years of back-and-forth between the city of Gulf Breeze and the Florida Department of Transportation planning for the impending replacement of the Pensacola Bay Bridge, an agreement has been reached for construction of the new six-lane corridor connecting Pensacola and Gulf Breeze.

The arrangement is a major step for what's expected to be one of the area's most impactful road construction projects in recent history, which is slated to begin as early as 2017.

QuoteThough construction may not begin until 2017 or 2018, Sen. Gaetz told the News Journal on Thursday that he'd like to see it happen before his senate term is up in November 2016.

"I'm putting pressure on the department, saying we want to break ground (and) start construction, like, tomorrow,"  Gaetz said.

For more information about the Pensacola Bay Bridge project, visit pensacolabaybridge.com.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on May 29, 2015, 08:22:49 PM
The same exact delays were cited in the January 2015 article on the same project. Furthermore scrolling further up in this thread, a previous news article cited fall 2013 as the completion date...

Avalon Blvd. [Florida 281] completion delayed again (http://www.pnj.com/story/news/traffic/2015/05/29/avalon-boulevard-completion-delayed/28180037/)

QuoteA section of Avalon Boulevard in Milton will be decked in orange and white construction barrels for a while longer, as a six-year $40 million project stretches into the fall.

The approximately five-mile portion of Avalon from Interstate 10 to U.S. 90 is in the fourth and final construction phase, which was expected to wrap up this month but is now projected to finish in September, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

Construction on the route began in August 2009 and included widening it from two to four lanes, adding sidewalks and building a service road from Cactus Drive to Admirals Road, according to FDOT.

Completion was previously expected by winter 2014, but the project has experienced several delays from unforeseen issues including roadway redesigns due to unsuitable soil, necessary drainage additions and conflicts with overhead power lines.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on June 10, 2015, 09:46:46 AM
This signal replaces a set of flashers. It also breaks up a long signal less stretch between Cantonment and Century.

New traffic signal in Molino (http://www.pnj.com/story/news/traffic/2015/06/10/new-traffic-signal-molino/71001340/)

QuoteThe new traffic signal on U.S. 29 at the intersection of S.R. 97 in Escambia County will become operational beginning Thursday at approximately 10 a.m.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on July 01, 2015, 07:22:12 AM
Plans were unveiled last night for a $1.5 million pedestrian overpass across U.S. 98 in Navarre.

FDOT unveils proposed plan for pedestrian bridge over U.S. 98 (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/dot-unveils-proposed-pedestrian-bridge-over-u-s-98-1.494844?tc=cr)


Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on July 29, 2015, 07:50:54 PM
Mid-Bay Bridge authority offers info on toll increase options (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/20150729/NEWS/150729439)

QuoteAlthough not an actual public hearing, the small size of the group allowed for more interaction between the attendees and Mid-Bay Bridge Authority Executive Director Van Fuller, who presented an overview of the authority's plans for a future toll increase.

"We have reached the point where we need to set a new toll rate schedule to meet our revenue needs," Fuller said. "We have been working very hard to try to keep the cost increase as low as possible."

QuoteSince opening for traffic in 1993, the bridge has seen two toll increases: one in 2004 and another in 2010.

QuoteThe seven options ranged from a scenario with no toll increases to one with an across the board increase of $1 per car.

QuoteThe authority will implement the selected toll schedule on Oct. 1.


Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on August 14, 2015, 09:26:26 PM
Interstate 10 improvements on horizon (http://www.pnj.com/picture-gallery/news/2015/08/14/interstate-10-improvements-on-horizon/31752015/)

QuoteThe next phase of I-10 improvements begins this month, and will include $38.6 million in construction feautring [sic] widening from 4 to 6 lanes moving eastward to Santa Rosa county across Escambia Bay Bridge over past Avalon Boulevard

Work runs through Summer 2017:
http://static.ow.ly/docs/Interstate%2010%20work%20beginning%20in%20Santa%20Rosa%20County_3C1J.pdf
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on August 16, 2015, 02:42:22 PM
Completed flyover has cut travel time (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/20150815/NEWS/150819471/?Start=1)

QuoteWhat was once a highly misunderstood proposal to alleviate traffic woes on U.S. Highway 98, is now changing the lives of the nearly 50,000 drivers on a daily basis.

Since both lanes of the overpass at the entrance of Hurlburt Field opened late last month, drivers have reported fewer traffic bottlenecks and shorter commutes.

QuoteWhen the U.S. 98 Flyover was announced in 2012, two opinions dominated. It would either be a godsend or a nightmare.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on September 29, 2015, 04:43:14 PM
Avalon construction stretching until December (http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2015/09/28/avalon-construction-stretching-december/72996984/)

QuoteAfter multiple setbacks and more than six years of construction on Avalon Boulevard in Milton, the $40 million road project will be stretching to the end of the year, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

QuoteThe remaining work is expected to wrap up by December, according to FDOT. The project was previously projected to finish in winter 2014, delayed to summer 2015 and later pushed back to a fall 2015 completion date.

QuoteFDOT Spokesman Ian Satter said the department is definitely aware of the public's frustrations with the construction, and the remaining work is being completed as quickly as possible, weather permitting.

QuoteSanta Rosa County Commissioner Bob Cole, who represents the district where Avalon Boulevard is located, said he has heard frustrations from residents and business owners about the lengthy construction.

Quote"When it falls this far behind, they should have to work on this 24 hours a day to get caught back up,"  Cole said.
Title: New toll system for Bob Sikes Bridge? [CR 399]
Post by: Alex on October 16, 2015, 09:01:56 PM
Finally.

New toll system for Bob Sikes Bridge? (http://new%20toll%20system%20for%20bob%20sikes%20bridge?)

QuoteEscambia County is preparing to transition in the spring to a SunPass system for the Bob Sikes Toll Bridge. The county bid out the contract to TransCore, which specializes in the tolling industry. Florida's Turnpike Enterprise will manage the SunPass transactions.

"We're still on pace to have implementation around April," said David Forte, Public Works Department division manager.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on November 03, 2015, 05:13:26 PM
Governor helps celebrate flyover's completion (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/20151102/NEWS/151109959)

The single point urban interchange officially complete along U.S. 98 at Cody Avenue at the entrance to Hurlburt Field, with the governor in attendance.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on January 19, 2016, 09:09:33 PM
This stretch of US 90 is a slugfest with poor signal timing and heavy commercial development. The Pace area is mostly a bedroom community for Pensacola with consistent growth going back 20 plus years. Plenty of land to still develop to the north, so traffic counts will continue to increase.

FDOT studying U.S. 90 widening (http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/santa-rosa/2016/01/18/fdot-studying-us-90-widening/78736092/)

QuoteWorking to get ahead of an anticipated traffic increase along U.S. 90 between Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, the Florida Department of Transportation is beginning a two-year study on widening the highway from four to six lanes.

The study area covers an 11-mile stretch of the roadway from where it intersects Scenic Highway in Pensacola to Glover Lane in Milton, focusing on additional capacity needs for east-west travel between the counties.

FDOT will host a public kickoff meeting this month for the Project Development and Environment Study evaluating that section of U.S. 90, which is set to wrap up in December 2017. Design, right-of-way acquisition and construction for the project have not been scheduled or funded, according to FDOT.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on February 13, 2016, 11:22:32 AM
All lanes on SR 281 (Avalon Boulevard) are finally opened.

https://twitter.com/MyFDOT_NWFL/status/698330415598342144

QuoteWith all lanes open on Avalon Blvd construction project the work is scheduled to wrap up at the end of the month.

Progress on the new flyover taking SR 123 north onto SR 85:

Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on April 10, 2016, 10:35:38 AM
The interchange between Interstate 10 and U.S. 29 will be partially redesigned. Per the Interstate 10 Widening FB (https://www.facebook.com/WidenI10NWFL/) page:

QuoteI-10/U.S. 29 Interchange Project Update:
Construction is beginning at the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange where an $8.5 million project will enhance safety and improve mobility for the estimated 68,000 (I-10) and 44,000 (U.S. 29) drivers who travel through the interchange daily.

Included in the construction is:

1) Removal of Exit 10A, the I-10 westbound exit ramp to U.S. 29 south.
2) Constructing a new I-10 westbound exit ramp to U.S. 29 south, adjacent to the current Exit 10B. The new exit will be designated "Exit 10."
3) Installing a new traffic signal on U.S. 29.

The new traffic signal will govern U.S. 29 north and south traffic, as well as I-10 westbound traffic destined for U.S. 29 south.

The new signal will not impact the following traffic movements:

- U.S. 29 south to I-10 eastbound. These drivers will bypass
the new traffic signal using a dedicated through-lane.
- I-10 westbound to U.S. 29 north.
- U.S. 29 north to I-10 eastbound.

4) Widening the I-10 eastbound bridge. This will create an added lane, eliminating the current left-side merge from U.S. 29 south. Drivers traveling from U.S. 29 north to I-10 eastbound will have a standard right-side merge onto I-10.

Construction is scheduled for completion spring 2017. Continue to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest traffic alerts and information on construction progress. Questions regarding the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange project, email them to Info@I-10Escambia.com.

Unfortunately the left-hand on-ramp to I-10 west from US 29 north will remain...
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: FLRoads on May 05, 2016, 06:53:18 AM
Air Force shoots down 6 of 10 island bridge routes (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20160504/daily-news-exclusive-air-force-shoots-down-6-of-10-island-bridge-routes)

QuoteEglin Air Force Base has weighed in on the studies being conducted to determine a best route for a Brooks Bridge alternate, connecting Okaloosa Island to the mainland. And it doesn't like anything that would impact Air Force property, in effect ruling out six of 10 of the proposed alternates.

QuoteIn a letter to Florida Department of Transportation project developer April Day Williams, Col. Matthew Higer states that the Air Force would not support alternate routes at Wright Parkway, Hollywood Boulevard or Yacht Club Drive.

QuoteHiger's letter cautioned FDOT against "making any assumption that (Air Force) lands would be made available should the project move beyond merely a concept."  Tommy Barfield, the secretary for FDOT's District 3 office in Chipley, said the Air Force opinion could bear great weight on Project Development and Environmental studies presently being conducted by the consulting firm of HDR Inc.

QuoteEven before the Air Force weighed in, studies had shown each of the 10 alternatives proposed by HDR presented "substantial"  difficulties to construct, the FDOT power point presentation showed.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on May 24, 2016, 05:37:00 PM
Frequent beach visitors scramble to meet SunPass deadline (http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2016/05/23/frequent-beach-visitors-scramble-meet-sunpass-deadline/84791570/)

Quote...Green was among a steady stream of people who lined up at the beach office to obtain new passes before the beach's SunPass toll booth system launches May 31.

With the switch to the statewide Florida SunPass system, SunPass transponders will activate from each of the four beach toll booths. The system will deduct $1 from the SunPass account with each pass through the toll booth. Drivers who do not have a SunPass can still pay $1 to toll operators in three of the booths. One lane will not be staffed and designated for transponders only.

This is a needed change given how bad back-ups can be during the summer months and on holiday weekends. The Sunpass lanes commence operations on May 26, though the official launch is on May 31st: http://www.myescambia.com/home/news/bob-sikes-bridge-accept-sunpass%C2%AE-puts-drivers-fast-lane-pensacola-beach
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: DeaconG on May 24, 2016, 08:13:38 PM
Quote from: Alex on May 24, 2016, 05:37:00 PM
Frequent beach visitors scramble to meet SunPass deadline (http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2016/05/23/frequent-beach-visitors-scramble-meet-sunpass-deadline/84791570/)

Quote...Green was among a steady stream of people who lined up at the beach office to obtain new passes before the beach's SunPass toll booth system launches May 31.

With the switch to the statewide Florida SunPass system, SunPass transponders will activate from each of the four beach toll booths. The system will deduct $1 from the SunPass account with each pass through the toll booth. Drivers who do not have a SunPass can still pay $1 to toll operators in three of the booths. One lane will not be staffed and designated for transponders only.

This is a needed change given how bad back-ups can be during the summer months and on holiday weekends. The Sunpass lanes commence operations on May 26, though the official launch is on May 31st: http://www.myescambia.com/home/news/bob-sikes-bridge-accept-sunpass%C2%AE-puts-drivers-fast-lane-pensacola-beach

Excellent! Wish they'd had it when I visited Pensacola Beach in 2010...
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 03, 2016, 12:33:33 PM
Speaking of Tolls in Florida, I was just looking up the driving distance between my town and Tallahassee on Google Maps, and I got a warning for the quickest route claiming "This Route has Tolls," specifically focusing on US 27 in Tallahassee. I don't remember any tolls there when I went though the city on Greyhound.  Even if they're just electronic tolls (which look simply like security and traffic cameras), there don't seem to be any signs indicating the existence of any tolls.

Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: NE2 on June 03, 2016, 01:11:20 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on June 03, 2016, 12:33:33 PM
Speaking of Tolls in Florida, I was just looking up the driving distance between my town and Tallahassee on Google Maps, and I got a warning for the quickest route claiming "This Route has Tolls," specifically focusing on US 27 in Tallahassee. I don't remember any tolls there when I went though the city on Greyhound.  Even if they're just electronic tolls (which look simply like security and traffic cameras), there don't seem to be any signs indicating the existence of any tolls.
It's impossible to reply to this without knowing what your town is...
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 03, 2016, 02:52:10 PM
Quote from: NE2 on June 03, 2016, 01:11:20 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on June 03, 2016, 12:33:33 PM
Speaking of Tolls in Florida, I was just looking up the driving distance between my town and Tallahassee on Google Maps, and I got a warning for the quickest route claiming "This Route has Tolls," specifically focusing on US 27 in Tallahassee. I don't remember any tolls there when I went though the city on Greyhound.  Even if they're just electronic tolls (which look simply like security and traffic cameras), there don't seem to be any signs indicating the existence of any tolls.
It's impossible to reply to this without knowing what your town is...
Not really. The tolls are supposedly in Tallahassee.

Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: DeaconG on June 03, 2016, 04:58:31 PM
US 27 in Tallahassee does not have tolls. Period.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 04, 2016, 12:37:02 AM
Quote from: DeaconG on June 03, 2016, 04:58:31 PM
US 27 in Tallahassee does not have tolls. Period.
Okay, so let's tell Google Maps that.

Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: NE2 on June 05, 2016, 11:14:34 PM
You do that. I can't without knowing what your route is.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 06, 2016, 09:21:46 AM
Quote from: NE2 on June 05, 2016, 11:14:34 PM
You do that. I can't without knowing what your route is.
I just said it was US 27.

Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: NE2 on June 06, 2016, 10:18:23 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on June 06, 2016, 09:21:46 AM
Quote from: NE2 on June 05, 2016, 11:14:34 PM
You do that. I can't without knowing what your route is.
I just said it was US 27.
:banghead:

No tolls here: http://www.google.com/maps/dir/30.4034203,-84.0356253/30.5834441,-84.4010224/@30.4930736,-84.3576398,11z/am=t/data=!3m1!4b1!4m3!4m2!3e0!5i1
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: DeaconG on June 06, 2016, 12:41:45 PM
Quote from: NE2 on June 06, 2016, 10:18:23 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on June 06, 2016, 09:21:46 AM
Quote from: NE2 on June 05, 2016, 11:14:34 PM
You do that. I can't without knowing what your route is.
I just said it was US 27.
:banghead:

No tolls here: http://www.google.com/maps/dir/30.4034203,-84.0356253/30.5834441,-84.4010224/@30.4930736,-84.3576398,11z/am=t/data=!3m1!4b1!4m3!4m2!3e0!5i1

Thank you. I have family in Tallahassee and have been going there for over 40 years. If US 27 had tolls on it EVER I would have known it.
Also, you would think he'd check the SunPass website to see if there were any facilities on it.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 06, 2016, 02:04:51 PM
Quote from: DeaconG on June 06, 2016, 12:41:45 PM
Thank you. I have family in Tallahassee and have been going there for over 40 years. If US 27 had tolls on it EVER I would have known it.
Also, you would think he'd check the SunPass website to see if there were any facilities on it.
That probably would've been a good idea, but either way, since there are no tolls, Google shouldn't say there are. I'm going to do this again, and report it as false.

UPDATE: I see where the tolls they were talking about are now... the SUNCOAST PARKWAY.

Well, at least we got that resolved.

Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: NE2 on June 06, 2016, 04:10:58 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on June 06, 2016, 02:04:51 PM
UPDATE: I see where the tolls they were talking about are now... the SUNCOAST PARKWAY.

Well, at least we got that resolved.
It would have been resolved much faster had we been able to help you...
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: DeaconG on June 06, 2016, 10:12:48 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on June 06, 2016, 02:04:51 PM
Quote from: DeaconG on June 06, 2016, 12:41:45 PM
Thank you. I have family in Tallahassee and have been going there for over 40 years. If US 27 had tolls on it EVER I would have known it.
Also, you would think he'd check the SunPass website to see if there were any facilities on it.
That probably would've been a good idea, but either way, since there are no tolls, Google shouldn't say there are. I'm going to do this again, and report it as false.

UPDATE: I see where the tolls they were talking about are now... the SUNCOAST PARKWAY.

Well, at least we got that resolved.



But US 27 isn't anywhere near...oh never mind.
These are the same idiots that allowed US202 to be designated Quebec Route 338.
I won't even consider expending the energy to slam my head against the desk.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: NE2 on June 06, 2016, 10:25:59 PM
The only idiot here is D-Dey65, getting directions that included SR 589 and US 27 and somehow assuming the toll applied to the latter rather than the former.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 11, 2016, 12:27:28 AM
Quote from: NE2 on June 06, 2016, 10:25:59 PM
The only idiot here is D-Dey65, getting directions that included SR 589 and US 27 and somehow assuming the toll applied to the latter rather than the former.
What I saw was a warning saying that there were tolls, and a bunch of yellow markings along US 27 mixed in with the blue that Google used for the route. I don't need to be told that US 27 is nowhere near Suncoast Parkway, and I knew Suncoast was a toll road before they even brought it up to SR 50.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: NE2 on June 16, 2016, 11:57:23 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on June 11, 2016, 12:27:28 AM
a bunch of yellow markings along US 27 mixed in with the blue that Google used for the route
Slow traffic.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: emory on June 19, 2016, 05:58:34 AM
Back in April, the City of Panama City Beach requested that FDOT relinquish the portion of SR 30 between S. Thomas Drive and SR 392A from the state highway system over to city maintenance. Roughly 0.3 miles of road.  http://www.pcbgov.com/Home/ShowDocument?id=5598
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: emory on July 20, 2016, 08:11:14 PM
An article from a few days ago on the Panama City Beach takeover of a portion of SR 30. http://www.newsherald.com/news/20160714/fdot-to-transfer-front-beach-road-segment-to-panama-city-beach
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: emory on August 13, 2016, 09:05:57 PM
Bay County Road 390 may be re-entering the state highway system in a swap for segments of SR 30/Front Beach Road, allowing the county to fund the widening of now CR 390.

http://www.newsherald.com/news/20160514/bay-mulls-turning-county-390-over-to-state
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on September 22, 2016, 06:27:10 AM
The old proposal to build a bridge south from Wright Parkway is one of the preferred Alternatives (#1).

FDOT reveals plans for a new bridge onto Okaloosa Island (http://weartv.com/news/local/fdot-reveals-plans-for-a-new-bridge-onto-okaloosa-island)

QuotePlans for a second bridge onto Okaloosa Island are starting to take shape. On Tuesday, Florida Department of Transportation revealed some of the ways they could put a new crossing over Santa Rosa Sound to alleviate traffic issues on Highway 98.

QuoteThis would be a completely separate project from the Brooks Bridge Replacement set for 2022. Ian Satter, the spokesperson for FDOT, explains the Brooks Bridge will not solve the congestion issue. The Santa Rosa Sound Crossing hopefully would. Right now, that area sees roughly 50,000 cars come through each day.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on September 23, 2016, 08:03:49 PM
FDOT taking comments on 98 widening (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20160921/fdot-taking-comments-on-98-widening)

QuoteTuesday was the kick-off of the Project Development & Environment (PD&E) study to discuss the widening of U.S. 98 from four lanes to six lanes, increasing the efficiency of intersections and improving safety.

The proposed widening would be from Portside Drive in Gulf Breeze to Mary Esther Boulevard – about 25 miles.

This is an open house to get feedback from citizens, which will be taken into consideration,"  said Tanya Branton, public information officer with Florida Department of Transportation. "In about nine to 10 months, we'll be back for a meeting to provide alternatives."

Branton said there is nothing funded for the projects outside the PD&E study. The project is part of the FDOT 5-year work program and is expected to be approved by mid 2019.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: emory on October 03, 2016, 06:49:09 PM
Bay County Road 390 is now under state maintenance, joining existing State Road 390.

State Road 30 from Deluna Place to US 98 is now Bay County Road 30.

http://www.mypanhandle.com/news/fdot-bay-county-swap-control-of-two-roads
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on October 13, 2016, 09:08:45 AM
Quote from: emory on October 03, 2016, 06:49:09 PM
Bay County Road 390 is now under state maintenance, joining existing State Road 390.

State Road 30 from Deluna Place to US 98 is now Bay County Road 30.

http://www.mypanhandle.com/news/fdot-bay-county-swap-control-of-two-roads

May check this out today. The change will likely ko another set of keys shields too.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: NE2 on October 13, 2016, 11:34:35 AM
Quote from: Alex on October 13, 2016, 09:08:45 AM
May check this out today. The change will likely ko another set of keys shields too.
As of Tuesday, the only keys shield on 390 is the seemingly random one on Illinois Avenue.

390 itself is signed as a state road both ways from 77, but with a county adopt-a-highway sign. There is nothing at the CR 389 intersection; we did not make it to the east end.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on October 14, 2016, 10:40:19 AM
Quote from: NE2 on October 13, 2016, 11:34:35 AM
Quote from: Alex on October 13, 2016, 09:08:45 AM
May check this out today. The change will likely ko another set of keys shields too.
As of Tuesday, the only keys shield on 390 is the seemingly random one on Illinois Avenue.

390 itself is signed as a state road both ways from 77, but with a county adopt-a-highway sign. There is nothing at the CR 389 intersection; we did not make it to the east end.

Looks like all that was done thus far was the removal of any references to CR 390, and the aforementioned reference on SR 77. Signage at the west end of SR 30 on US 98 is still unchanged and I saw no shield on eastbound at the beginning.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Avalanchez71 on October 14, 2016, 12:15:55 PM
Wow it wasn't that long ago that CR 30 was US 98 ALT.  GSV still shows that there are still ALT US 98 signs around on SR 392 and others.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on October 14, 2016, 04:17:29 PM
As part of a loop I did south from Crestview to Panama City Beach and back north to I-10 near Sneads, I checked the status of two projects to see if they were complete. The flyover from FL 123 north to FL 85 north is open, but the rest of the route remains with just two lanes with construction scheduled through "Winter 2017"

The new Choctawhatchee Bay bridge is open for U.S. 331, but with two-way traffic as construction reconfigures the original span for southbound travel. The new span stays elevated for the entire length across the bay while the older roadway travels partially at-grade along a causeway.

The four-laning of U.S. 331 is complete north from the bridge to Freeport now. But the addition of five signalized intersections, including one for a brand new Publix, is quite annoying.

Quote from: Avalanchez71 on October 14, 2016, 12:15:55 PM
Wow it wasn't that long ago that CR 30 was US 98 ALT.  GSV still shows that there are still ALT US 98 signs around on SR 392 and others.

There were still a few posted on intersecting roads in 2011. They are likely still there given the reverse video US 98 and 30A keys shields are still posted in Laguna Beach as of yesterday.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: NE2 on October 14, 2016, 04:23:03 PM
The last piece of SR 79 widening south of I-10 is in progress.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on October 14, 2016, 04:28:20 PM
Quote from: NE2 on October 14, 2016, 04:23:03 PM
The last piece of SR 79 widening south of I-10 is in progress.

My original plan was to return north via SR 79 to I-10 to check on that, but then I saw the post about SR 390 and opted to drive SR 388 and see what the status of new SR 390 was.

When I last drove 388 it was still a county road. Yesterday there was no eastbound shield for SR 388 until the entrance to NW Florida Beaches Int'l. Surprisingly there was a trailblazer for CR 388 at the east end directing to SR 77 north for the east branch of the county road. Speed limits were posted at 60 MPH.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: emory on October 14, 2016, 08:12:00 PM
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on October 14, 2016, 12:15:55 PM
Wow it wasn't that long ago that CR 30 was US 98 ALT.  GSV still shows that there are still ALT US 98 signs around on SR 392 and others.

How old are those GSV images? Because straight-line diagrams and Wikipedia all label SR 392 as SR 392A.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Avalanchez71 on October 14, 2016, 09:00:14 PM
Here is one on SR 30 with a date of May 2016.  https://www.google.com/maps/@30.1782478,-85.8011374,3a,75y,284.38h,89.26t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sWBcKOFAiho95DDyfpkZuig!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@30.1782478,-85.8011374,3a,75y,284.38h,89.26t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sWBcKOFAiho95DDyfpkZuig!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

Here is one with same coordinates looking the other way showing SR 392 in lieu of SR 392A.
https://www.google.com/maps/@30.1782478,-85.8011374,3a,28.1y,97.9h,89.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sWBcKOFAiho95DDyfpkZuig!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Here is a US ALT 98 sign on SR 392A (SR 392?) as of May 2016.
https://www.google.com/maps/@30.1787808,-85.8010507,3a,32.8y,184.84h,88.57t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sv6_55s1sPiIode1H6pSy8A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@30.1787808,-85.8010507,3a,32.8y,184.84h,88.57t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sv6_55s1sPiIode1H6pSy8A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: NE2 on October 15, 2016, 12:03:36 AM
392/392A is inconsistently signed as both.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: allniter89 on October 19, 2016, 07:48:47 PM
Finally progress on a much needed west bypasss for Crestview. I hope they do it right & build an exit for Antioch Rd. It could be problematic b/c there are two large apt complexes on the east side of the jct & a school at the southwest side of the Antioch Rd I 10 intersection. http://www.crestviewbulletin.com/article/20151015/NEWS/151019468
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on November 04, 2016, 11:37:05 PM
Quote from: Alex on May 24, 2016, 05:37:00 PM
Frequent beach visitors scramble to meet SunPass deadline (http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2016/05/23/frequent-beach-visitors-scramble-meet-sunpass-deadline/84791570/)

The Sunpass lanes commence operations on May 26, though the official launch is on May 31st: http://www.myescambia.com/home/news/bob-sikes-bridge-accept-sunpass%C2%AE-puts-drivers-fast-lane-pensacola-beach

And not even a year later, they are switching the Bob Sikes Bridge to AET.

Pensacola Beach toll booth to stop taking cash (http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2016/11/03/beach-toll-may-stop-accepting-cash/93250096/)

QuoteEffective Feb. 1, the Bob Sikes Bridge toll plaza will convert to an all-electronic tolling format and cease accepting cash.

The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday night to move to a fully electronic, toll-by-plate system in hopes of alleviating the traffic congestion that has caused long delays leading onto Pensacola Beach.

QuoteThe change will not affect drivers who have already enrolled in the SunPass system, and the toll for all drivers will remain $1. Drivers without a SunPass will be charged an additional $2.50 fee for their first trip through the toll booth each month. Non-SunPass drivers, including tourists, will be sent a bill on a monthly basis.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: emory on December 19, 2016, 11:13:39 PM
The portion of SR 97 between US 29 and CR 95A has been relinquished to the county. SR 97 now ends at US 29.

Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on December 20, 2016, 07:26:21 PM
Quote from: emory on December 19, 2016, 11:13:39 PM
The portion of SR 97 between US 29 and CR 95A has been relinquished to the county. SR 97 now ends at US 29.

Surprised it lasted that long. The change means it will be an unsigned leg since CR 290 never got any signs on the mainline or intersecting county roads.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: emory on December 20, 2016, 09:16:00 PM
Quote from: Alex on December 20, 2016, 07:26:21 PM
Quote from: emory on December 19, 2016, 11:13:39 PM
The portion of SR 97 between US 29 and CR 95A has been relinquished to the county. SR 97 now ends at US 29.

Surprised it lasted that long. The change means it will be an unsigned leg since CR 290 never got any signs on the mainline or intersecting county roads.

290? That leg of SR 97 is signed, albeit barely, and both US 29 and CR 95A show JCT signs and trailblazers that'll have to be removed or changed. They won't be able to call it CR 97 either since that route already exists further south.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: NE2 on December 20, 2016, 09:30:30 PM
Quote from: emory on December 20, 2016, 09:16:00 PM
They won't be able to call it CR 97 either since that route already exists further south.
What. County roads are duplicated all over the place.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: emory on December 21, 2016, 08:11:42 AM
Quote from: NE2 on December 20, 2016, 09:30:30 PM
Quote from: emory on December 20, 2016, 09:16:00 PM
They won't be able to call it CR 97 either since that route already exists further south.
What. County roads are duplicated all over the place.

Even if they're not linked via a related route? They don't just add letters, which some counties go nuts with?
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on December 21, 2016, 10:17:40 AM
Quote from: emory on December 21, 2016, 08:11:42 AM
Quote from: NE2 on December 20, 2016, 09:30:30 PM
Quote from: emory on December 20, 2016, 09:16:00 PM
They won't be able to call it CR 97 either since that route already exists further south.
What. County roads are duplicated all over the place.

Even if they're not linked via a related route? They don't just add letters, which some counties go nuts with?

Some counties did, others like Leon renumbered the duplicated routes to 4-digit routes.  In some cases numbers out of the grid were used to offset duplication (CR 795 at Live Oak for instance). On the flip side, there are four separate sections of CR 399 posted in Santa Rosa County.

With the exception of perhaps assemblies posted by FDOT on US 29, the stub of CR 97 may likely be unsigned because Escambia County is poor about posting their routes now.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on January 26, 2017, 11:47:28 AM
Should the westbound lanes of the U.S. 98 viaduct ever be built above Thomas Drive, this traffic light will quickly end the signal less stretch.

Potential new stoplight for Back Beach Rd. for entrance to school, sports park (http://www.wjhg.com/content/news/Potential-new-stoplight-to-come-to-Back-Beach-Road--411720695.html)

QuoteTuesday night, transportation officials held a public hearing at the Palms Conference Center in Panama City Beach to display proposals for an intersection on Bach Beach Rd. at Cauley Road.

According to Ian Satter with the Florida Department of Transportation, it would make way for a future road leading to the proposed new school and sports park.

Satter said the intersection would include turn lanes, sidewalks, bike lanes and the stoplight. FDOT is still in the design phase. Construction might not begin until the end of 2017. Satter said they estimate the project will cost about $1.2 million.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: DeaconG on January 26, 2017, 01:10:42 PM
Quote from: Alex on January 26, 2017, 11:47:28 AM
Should the westbound lanes of the U.S. 98 viaduct ever be built above Thomas Drive, this traffic light will quickly end the signal less stretch.

Potential new stoplight for Back Beach Rd. for entrance to school, sports park (http://www.wjhg.com/content/news/Potential-new-stoplight-to-come-to-Back-Beach-Road--411720695.html)

QuoteTuesday night, transportation officials held a public hearing at the Palms Conference Center in Panama City Beach to display proposals for an intersection on Bach Beach Rd. at Cauley Road.

According to Ian Satter with the Florida Department of Transportation, it would make way for a future road leading to the proposed new school and sports park.

Satter said the intersection would include turn lanes, sidewalks, bike lanes and the stoplight. FDOT is still in the design phase. Construction might not begin until the end of 2017. Satter said they estimate the project will cost about $1.2 million.

What is the situation with those westbound lanes? I always believed that should have been done at the same time they did the eastbound side, and would have been an immense improvement.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: emory on March 06, 2017, 01:39:15 PM
Quote from: Alex on December 21, 2016, 10:17:40 AM
Quote from: emory on December 21, 2016, 08:11:42 AM
Quote from: NE2 on December 20, 2016, 09:30:30 PM
Quote from: emory on December 20, 2016, 09:16:00 PM
They won't be able to call it CR 97 either since that route already exists further south.
What. County roads are duplicated all over the place.

Even if they're not linked via a related route? They don't just add letters, which some counties go nuts with?

Some counties did, others like Leon renumbered the duplicated routes to 4-digit routes.  In some cases numbers out of the grid were used to offset duplication (CR 795 at Live Oak for instance). On the flip side, there are four separate sections of CR 399 posted in Santa Rosa County.

With the exception of perhaps assemblies posted by FDOT on US 29, the stub of CR 97 may likely be unsigned because Escambia County is poor about posting their routes now.

Looks like they're going with CR 97C.

http://agenda.myescambia.com/agenda_publish.cfm?id=&mt=ALL&get_month=1&get_year=2017&dsp=agm&seq=11420&rev=0&ag=1649&ln=35328&nseq=11381&nrev=0&pseq=11271&prev=0#ReturnTo35328
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: florida on March 12, 2017, 03:29:50 AM
Wow, a new suffixed CR AND they will modify the intersection to give southbound CR 95A a stop sign while making the northbound 95A and 97C a primary route. Poor Darlene has her info all over the internet  :-/
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on November 28, 2017, 08:31:05 AM
Plans to ease traffic congestion in Bay County (http://www.wjhg.com/content/news/456000183.html)

QuoteBay Parkway in Panama City Beach is meant to cut down on congestion on Back Beach Road.

"In order to continue to grow we've got to have more roads," Panama City Beach Mayor Mike Thomas said.

Mayor Thomas says the city is looking to partner with the county and the Florida Department of Transportation to extend Bay Parkway.

"Bay Parkway will continue east down the length of the beach sometime, we hope, but this next phase will go to Nautilus [Street] and turn out there," Mayor Thomas said, "and that will just keep trying to move that part down the road to take some traffic off Back Beach Road."

It is really meant to open up more land for development...

QuoteTo keep traffic moving, FDOT plans to turn Back Beach Road into a six-lane thoroughfare.

They also want to widen State Road 390 in Panama City and Lynn Haven. There are plans to add sidewalks and bicycle lanes for that project.

Travelers along State Road 388 may notice a change in the coming years with their drive to the airport.

"It's gonna have one of the biggest roundabouts here in Northwest Florida. We'll be building that at the entrance of the airport. So a lot of changes coming to Bay County, trying to get those goods and services moving and really being able to handle the capacity to be able to move those people to our major areas," Satter explained. "Whether that's the airport, you're heading to the coast, or heading to the interstate."

The Florida Department of Transportation estimates the Highway 390 widening project to be completed in the Winter of 2020. The Back Beach Road expansion is expected to be completed in the Winter of 2018.




More on the mega roundabout planned for SR 388 at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport

Roundabout planned at Beaches International entrance (http://www.newsherald.com/news/20171110/roundabout-planned-at-beaches-international-entrance)

QuoteThe roundabout at the intersection of State Road 388 and West Bay Parkway is part of the Florida Department of Transportation's widening project along State Road 388. The four-laning of the highway from State Road 79 to the airport, including the roundabout project, is slated to start next summer and take a couple of years to finish.

The airport recently sold the land for the roundabout to FDOT, which is developing the project, for $422,350. Airport executive director Parker McClellan said the airport plans to move its entrance sign to the middle of the roundabout.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: emory on November 10, 2019, 10:00:56 PM
It appears FDOT is ready to drop a portion of SR 292 from the books. Specifically from Gongora Drive to the Alabama state line along the coast. It'll move to Escambia County's system.

http://agenda.myescambia.com/docs/2019/COW/20190808_4347/16621_3C.%20Road%20Swap%20Map%2C%20Agreement%2C%20MOU.pdf

In exchange, Escambia County will sign over County Road 99 to FDOT from US 90 to Isaacs Lane. They plan to study a new corridor to extend the state highway north to US 29.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: Alex on September 15, 2020, 07:55:08 PM
Jeff was in Pensacola last week and asked me if there was any requests for photos. I asked for him to see if State Road 99 had finally been posted. He replied back with this photo of a new SR 99 shield on U.S. 90 Alternate (Nine Mile Road):

(https://www.aaroads.com/fl/090/us-090a-e-at-fl-099-1.jpg) (https://www.aaroads.com/fl/090/us-090a-e-at-fl-099-1.jpg)

He wrote that there are shields in both directions of Nine Mile Road, but nowhere else thus far.

Had you in mind Rickmastfan so you can now add SR 99 to travelmapping.
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: rickmastfan67 on September 16, 2020, 12:31:15 AM
Thanks!  Will work on adding it in the next few days!
Title: Re: Northwest Florida Road News
Post by: rickmastfan67 on September 19, 2020, 12:33:57 AM
Quote from: Alex on September 15, 2020, 07:55:08 PM
Jeff was in Pensacola last week and asked me if there was any requests for photos. I asked for him to see if State Road 99 had finally been posted. He replied back with this photo of a new SR 99 shield on U.S. 90 Alternate (Nine Mile Road):

(https://www.aaroads.com/fl/090/us-090a-e-at-fl-099-1.jpg) (https://www.aaroads.com/fl/090/us-090a-e-at-fl-099-1.jpg)

He wrote that there are shields in both directions of Nine Mile Road, but nowhere else thus far.

Had you in mind Rickmastfan so you can now add SR 99 to travelmapping.

Now added. ;)
https://travelmapping.net/hb/showroute.php?r=fl.fl099

Also added US-301 Bypass over in Baldwin (https://travelmapping.net/hb/showroute.php?r=fl.us301bypbal) at the same time. :)