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Crews are working to complete a new alignment for US 301 to Bypass Starke in Bradford County, FL.
Just noticed the bypass route on the west side of Starke on Google Maps after reading this point...that can't be finished fast enough. US 301 in general has always been speed trap hell.
I think it is slated for completion in late 2019. At least its one year ahead of the Baldwin Bypass which will be done in 2020.
At least nearby Waldo is no longer a trap since the city disbanded its force of 5 officers who loved to ticket motorists for even going a few miles over the 35 posted limit even after the sudden drop from 65 into that city.
Quote from: roadman65 on May 05, 2018, 12:21:50 AM
I think it is slated for completion in late 2019. At least its one year ahead of the Baldwin Bypass which will be done in 2020.
At least nearby Waldo is no longer a trap since the city disbanded its force of 5 officers who loved to ticket motorists for even going a few miles over the 35 posted limit even after the sudden drop from 65 into that city.
Signs for Starke bypass state "Winter 2018" so I suspect a December opening (I fervently hope). From the looks of the construction at each end, there will be a traffic signal for traffic going to/coming from what will be the business route through town (i.e., there isn't an interchange at each end).
We just came through there last week and didn't see a single cop car, so speed traps weren't an issue. The bigger problem (other than getting through Starke) is at the I-10 interchange. The work to change the ramp to go east seems to be dragging on and the long backup to turn left has to be getting old for people (we breeze past it to continue up 301 to hit I-95 to the north). Getting through Baldwin since discovering this easy route has only been a problem once and that was due to CSX pulling a long train across the road to get into the nearby yard. The bypass, while nice, should benefit the town more as it loses all the through truck traffic.
Bruce, back in Blacksburg
^ Aerial imagery suggests there will be interchanges at FL 100 and FL 16. Any proof to this in the field?
Quote from: froggie on May 07, 2018, 12:32:46 PM
^ Aerial imagery suggests there will be interchanges at FL 100 and FL 16. Any proof to this in the field?
From Florida DOT: "The new roadway will consist of two travel lanes in each direction, and overpasses will be constructed over County Road 100A, the CSX Railroad, and County Road 229. Interchanges will be constructed along the new roadway to provide access to State Road 100 and State Road 16."
see http://www.us301northflorida.com/sites/StarkeBypass/Pages/home.aspx
When you annoy the rest of the state enough that they construct a bypass specifically to kill your town.
I see that there is a US-301 bypass under construction at Baldwin, FL, as well.
Quote from: VTGoose on May 07, 2018, 10:37:33 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on May 05, 2018, 12:21:50 AM
I think it is slated for completion in late 2019. At least its one year ahead of the Baldwin Bypass which will be done in 2020.
At least nearby Waldo is no longer a trap since the city disbanded its force of 5 officers who loved to ticket motorists for even going a few miles over the 35 posted limit even after the sudden drop from 65 into that city.
Signs for Starke bypass state "Winter 2018" so I suspect a December opening (I fervently hope).
Won't be anywhere close to opening this year.
Quote from: Beltway on May 08, 2018, 11:17:34 PM
I see that there is a US-301 bypass under construction at Baldwin, FL, as well.
That is more recent, though on the planning for years. It just started and slated for 2020 as Baldwin is known for its two at grade rail crossings with one of them featuring long slow moving freight trains. This new alignment will bypass the two crossings (and the town as well) and be four lanes making US 301 four lanes from The Villages to Homeland, GA.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 08, 2018, 11:21:23 PM
Quote from: VTGoose on May 07, 2018, 10:37:33 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on May 05, 2018, 12:21:50 AM
I think it is slated for completion in late 2019. At least its one year ahead of the Baldwin Bypass which will be done in 2020.
At least nearby Waldo is no longer a trap since the city disbanded its force of 5 officers who loved to ticket motorists for even going a few miles over the 35 posted limit even after the sudden drop from 65 into that city.
Signs for Starke bypass state "Winter 2018" so I suspect a December opening (I fervently hope).
Won't be anywhere close to opening this year.
Believable, seeing as how Florida doesn't do construction with any sense of urgency (or visible progress). Near as I can tell, they have moved a lot of sand around on the Starke, I-10, and Baldwin project (they shifted traffic lanes on the north end yet again for some reason or another) but aren't any nearer to putting down pavement than when we went through those areas starting two years ago. I suspect my daughter-in-law will finish her residency and fellowship before those projects are complete.
Bruce in Blacksburg
Quote from: VTGoose on May 09, 2018, 09:24:44 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 08, 2018, 11:21:23 PM
Quote from: VTGoose on May 07, 2018, 10:37:33 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on May 05, 2018, 12:21:50 AM
I think it is slated for completion in late 2019. At least its one year ahead of the Baldwin Bypass which will be done in 2020.
At least nearby Waldo is no longer a trap since the city disbanded its force of 5 officers who loved to ticket motorists for even going a few miles over the 35 posted limit even after the sudden drop from 65 into that city.
Signs for Starke bypass state "Winter 2018" so I suspect a December opening (I fervently hope).
Won't be anywhere close to opening this year.
Believable, seeing as how Florida doesn't do construction with any sense of urgency (or visible progress). Near as I can tell, they have moved a lot of sand around on the Starke, I-10, and Baldwin project (they shifted traffic lanes on the north end yet again for some reason or another) but aren't any nearer to putting down pavement than when we went through those areas starting two years ago. I suspect my daughter-in-law will finish her residency and fellowship before those projects are complete.
Bruce in Blacksburg
The Express Lane Project on FL 528 is even worse. They spent months rebuilding the John Young Parkway to EB FL 528 ramp to allow for it to be two lanes so there is a double left turn from SB John Young Parkway. Instead they erected a jersey barrier to use one half the new ramp as a temporary lane shift for the EB 528 ramp to NB JYP while crews redid the EB to NB permanent ramp instead of giving the motorists the new improved ramp instantly. Plus, that part of the project should have been done years ago when the new overpass over JYP was built to accommodate the new EB to NB ramp. Now the ramp is open and the half of the JYP to EB 528 ramp is no longer needed, workers after nearly two months STILL have not removed the jersey barriers and opened up the two lane ramp to full capacity.
Then when Osceola County decided to widen Orange Avenue for development due to the future SunRail Station, they closed the entire roadway south of Town Center Blvd. in Orange County to Osceola Parkway for months. Part of the closed section of road was over the Florida Turnpike which has to replace the entire overpass to accommodate the new future express lanes on the Turnpike! Instead of the workers on the Turnpike using this opportunity to completely tear down the existing bridge and rebuild the new one at the same moment. FDOT contractors still started to build half the bridge only and kept the existing one there despite no traffic on it for months, and now that Orange is open once again, is still using the original bridge waiting for the half the new one to open to transfer vehicle traffic over to it so they can tear down the existing structure to allow for the rest of the permanent overpass to be completed! How dumb is that? FDOT construction contractors got a free pass to have unobstructed work on a bridge that needs total replacement and be able to get the project done sooner, but did nothing!
Talk about wasting time. Both projects are the FTE part of FDOT too! Go figure! So if FTE could be so slow, so can FDOT District 2 who handles US 301 in both Bradford and Duval Countines.
This bypass at Starke is odd.
FDOT is bridging over everything except access to the former 301 where it will be signal controlled on both the north and south ends.
If going to the trouble to bypass, why not create a simple on-off exit diamond for each?
Why bridge over everything "except" the 2 busiest intersections?
Makes no sense.
Quote from: edwaleni on July 06, 2018, 08:29:12 AM
This bypass at Starke is odd.
FDOT is bridging over everything except access to the former 301 where it will be signal controlled on both the north and south ends.
If going to the trouble to bypass, why not create a simple on-off exit diamond for each?
Why bridge over everything "except" the 2 busiest intersections?
Makes no sense.
Maybe a concession to the Starkers (Starkians? Starkites?) so people are still required to come to a complete stop somewhere in or near town? If the lights are ill-timed and set to favor traffic wanting to enter the bypass, then heavy traffic will be stuck waiting for the lights to cycle.
Quote from: VTGoose on July 06, 2018, 08:53:14 AM
Quote from: edwaleni on July 06, 2018, 08:29:12 AM
This bypass at Starke is odd.
FDOT is bridging over everything except access to the former 301 where it will be signal controlled on both the north and south ends.
If going to the trouble to bypass, why not create a simple on-off exit diamond for each?
Why bridge over everything "except" the 2 busiest intersections?
Makes no sense.
Maybe a concession to the Starkers (Starkians? Starkites?) so people are still required to come to a complete stop somewhere in or near town? If the lights are ill-timed and set to favor traffic wanting to enter the bypass, then heavy traffic will be stuck waiting for the lights to cycle.
2 lights going around is better than the 4 or 5 going through town (and safer). But I guess all they did was reduce the light count.
If you are going to spend the money, at least do it right.
Quote from: VTGoose on July 06, 2018, 08:53:14 AM
Quote from: edwaleni on July 06, 2018, 08:29:12 AM
This bypass at Starke is odd.
FDOT is bridging over everything except access to the former 301 where it will be signal controlled on both the north and south ends.
If going to the trouble to bypass, why not create a simple on-off exit diamond for each?
Why bridge over everything "except" the 2 busiest intersections?
Makes no sense.
Maybe a concession to the Starkers (Starkians? Starkites?) so people are still required to come to a complete stop somewhere in or near town? If the lights are ill-timed and set to favor traffic wanting to enter the bypass, then heavy traffic will be stuck waiting for the lights to cycle.
I don't think they'll do this. If traffic is coming out of Starke at these intersections, they're most likely not going to go the opposite direction and actually use the bypass.
It's tough to tell, but it's appearing there will be 2 turning lanes for the left turns, minimizing the time the light will be dedicated to these movements.
Quote from: TXtoNJ on May 08, 2018, 09:28:38 AM
When you annoy the rest of the state enough that they construct a bypass specifically to kill your town.
Let's see, on the agenda for their next city council meeting is a proposal to annex this new bypass' ROW?
:-o
Mike
Quote from: mgk920 on July 07, 2018, 10:43:19 AM
Quote from: TXtoNJ on May 08, 2018, 09:28:38 AM
When you annoy the rest of the state enough that they construct a bypass specifically to kill your town.
Let's see, on the agenda for their next city council meeting is a proposal to annex this new bypass' ROW?
:-o
Mike
Of course. Unless you are being sarcastic but face facts. Every time a new road opens in FL, its for developers so they can build their money makers pronto. Heck look at I-295 in Jacksonville on the east end! It was built in proposal of a relief to I-95, however it will be its equal (if its not already) cause new open land among a new busy freeway is um $$$$ for me to get rich (or richer if I have developed already).
No new road is for relief anymore. Its for economic growth as we are no longer an agricultural nation anymore but a business and real estate nation.
Quote from: roadman65 on July 07, 2018, 12:10:32 PM
Of course. Unless you are being sarcastic but face facts. Every time a new road opens in FL, its for developers so they can build their money makers pronto. Heck look at I-295 in Jacksonville on the east end! It was built in proposal of a relief to I-95, however it will be its equal (if its not already) cause new open land among a new busy freeway is um $$$$ for me to get rich (or richer if I have developed already).
No new road is for relief anymore. Its for economic growth as we are no longer an agricultural nation anymore but a business and real estate nation.
How about the First Coast Beltway? Outer bypass of JAX area?
Florida doesn't believe in complete bypasses, you have to go to NC for those kind. The only complete bypasses in Florida are congested freeways or toll roads.
Quote from: Beltway on July 07, 2018, 01:57:53 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on July 07, 2018, 12:10:32 PM
Of course. Unless you are being sarcastic but face facts. Every time a new road opens in FL, its for developers so they can build their money makers pronto. Heck look at I-295 in Jacksonville on the east end! It was built in proposal of a relief to I-95, however it will be its equal (if its not already) cause new open land among a new busy freeway is um $$$$ for me to get rich (or richer if I have developed already).
No new road is for relief anymore. Its for economic growth as we are no longer an agricultural nation anymore but a business and real estate nation.
How about the First Coast Beltway? Outer bypass of JAX area?
FDOT has never promoted the First Coast Beltway as a traffic reliever. (that is why it will be a toll road road after all) It's the City of Jacksonville trying to promote Cecil Commerce. Clay County is on board because they are one of the few counties that has no freeway access. They too want the "economic development" they think the beltway will bring. Also St John's County south of Jacksonville is booming.
Many in Green Cove Springs and Middleburg think this will drive better access to jobs at Cecil Commerce as it continues to grow. (Saft, 2 Amazon facilities, Bridgestone, Boeing and various Navy subs) But the biggest winner has been the Argyle Forest developments (retail and residential). I have spoken to some Green Cove and Asbury residents and those that work in Jax says it will be meaningless until the Shands Bridge replacement is built in 2024. At last view I saw in 2012, that new Shands will look like a Buckman clone. Not very appealing.
The most blatant development driven exit in the world is the "E-Town Parkway" exit on I-795 (currently FL-9B). The Davis Family Trust owns the land in and around the nice little exit ramps that currently go no where. When their "E-Town" development of several hundreds of homes are done, that will become yet another ramp with Gate (Peyton), Shell (Daily's) gas stations and a host of strip malls (Sleiman) with various unremarkable but trendy middle of the road eateries and the typical drive through Starbucks and McDonalds.
Quote from: edwaleni on July 06, 2018, 08:29:12 AM
This bypass at Starke is odd.
FDOT is bridging over everything except access to the former 301 where it will be signal controlled on both the north and south ends.
If going to the trouble to bypass, why not create a simple on-off exit diamond for each?
Why bridge over everything "except" the 2 busiest intersections?
Makes no sense.
Came through Starke in the dark, so couldn't see much. There is a major change at the north end of the new bypass though. The new road has been tied in to the bypass so heading south one veers to the right onto the new lanes -- only to have to make a hard left at the intersection with the connector back to the old (soon to be Business) road. At the south end there are some lane shifts but couldn't tell how close that part is to being tied in. Work on this can't end soon enough.
Bruce in Blacksburg
Quote from: VTGoose on November 21, 2018, 09:22:52 AM
Came through Starke in the dark, so couldn't see much. There is a major change at the north end of the new bypass though. The new road has been tied in to the bypass so heading south one veers to the right onto the new lanes -- only to have to make a hard left at the intersection with the connector back to the old (soon to be Business) road. At the south end there are some lane shifts but couldn't tell how close that part is to being tied in. Work on this can't end soon enough.
Bruce in Blacksburg
Came back through Starke on Monday and have progress to report! FLDOT has updated the signs -- sign at the south end now says the project will be completed in Fall 2019 (updated from Winter 2018). The sign at the north end (the "interchange" with the old and new) says it will be completed in Spring 2019.
At the south end, there are some lane shifts while work is done on the tie-in of the bypass with the existing road. Traffic signals are being installed where Starkers (Starkians?) will get on/off the bypass but the connecting road isn't even close. At the north end, northbound traffic goes through some lane shifts (apparently there will be a merge lane from business to bypass going north).
Further north, crews are slogging along with the new interchange of U.S. 301 and I-10 with little apparent progress that bodes well for completion in the near-term. Traffic was backed up for quite a distance waiting to make the left turn onto the existing ramp (we kept going through Baldwin, where there is the same lack of visible progress on the Baldwin bypass). These contractors must be in completion with the ones in Charlotte to see who can drag out a project the longest.
Bruce in Blacksburg
Quote from: VTGoose on November 27, 2018, 09:56:22 AM
At the south end, there are some lane shifts while work is done on the tie-in of the bypass with the existing road. Traffic signals are being installed where Starkers (Starkians?) will get on/off the bypass but the connecting road isn't even close. At the north end, northbound traffic goes through some lane shifts (apparently there will be a merge lane from business to bypass going north).
Bruce in Blacksburg
Came through Stark again on Friday headed to Apollo Beach. Work is still going on at the north end of the bypass, with southbound traffic routed onto the bypass as far as the connection to the old road. At the south end, traffic takes a right onto the access road, then makes a sharp left onto the bypass where there will be traffic lights, and continues south to where the new road ties in with the old road.
It looks like paving is done on the bypass, but guardrails, lines, and signs still need to be installed.
Bruce in Blacksburg
Quote from: VTGoose on November 27, 2018, 09:56:22 AM
Quote from: VTGoose on November 21, 2018, 09:22:52 AM
Came through Starke in the dark, so couldn't see much. There is a major change at the north end of the new bypass though. The new road has been tied in to the bypass so heading south one veers to the right onto the new lanes -- only to have to make a hard left at the intersection with the connector back to the old (soon to be Business) road. At the south end there are some lane shifts but couldn't tell how close that part is to being tied in. Work on this can't end soon enough.
Bruce in Blacksburg
Came back through Starke on Monday and have progress to report! FLDOT has updated the signs -- sign at the south end now says the project will be completed in Fall 2019 (updated from Winter 2018). The sign at the north end (the "interchange" with the old and new) says it will be completed in Spring 2019.
At the south end, there are some lane shifts while work is done on the tie-in of the bypass with the existing road. Traffic signals are being installed where Starkers (Starkians?) will get on/off the bypass but the connecting road isn't even close. At the north end, northbound traffic goes through some lane shifts (apparently there will be a merge lane from business to bypass going north).
Further north, crews are slogging along with the new interchange of U.S. 301 and I-10 with little apparent progress that bodes well for completion in the near-term. Traffic was backed up for quite a distance waiting to make the left turn onto the existing ramp (we kept going through Baldwin, where there is the same lack of visible progress on the Baldwin bypass). These contractors must be in completion with the ones in Charlotte to see who can drag out a project the longest.
Bruce in Blacksburg
Then the contractor who widened US 17 & 92 in Kissimmee should be in this running as they are well over a year behind using Hurricane Irma and 100 year old water manes as an excuse.
Look also how long it took to widen US 301 from Baldwin to Callahan. That took years longer than it should have. Its finally open now, but should have been in 2015.
Drove through Starke this weekend.
Paving of the bypass is complete. Only incomplete sections are the connection intersection north and south of Starke. No striping just yet.
They redirect you onto the new pavement temporarily and then back off as they complete the grading for the new intersections.
Many of the overhead signage was onsite, but laying on the pavement and appears to be waiting for a crane to arrive to erect it.
I couldn't get a picture but the control city going north is showing US-301 Jacksonville with "To I-10" on the new signage.
Control city going south was US-301 Ocala.
I thought Gainesville was south?
Anyway, they have come along way since last April when I drove through there as the bypass was all dirt and no grading yet.
Quote from: roadman65 on March 01, 2019, 10:59:48 PM
I thought Gainesville was south?
Anyway, they have come along way since last April when I drove through there as the bypass was all dirt and no grading yet.
US-301 does not go to Gainesville. One must exit FL-24 West at Waldo to get there.
Reportedly on the bypass where I couldn't see, there is another sign that says "To FL-24 Gainesville"
Quote from: edwaleni on March 02, 2019, 11:10:32 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 01, 2019, 10:59:48 PM
I thought Gainesville was south?
Anyway, they have come along way since last April when I drove through there as the bypass was all dirt and no grading yet.
US-301 does not go to Gainesville. One must exit FL-24 West at Waldo to get there.
Reportedly on the bypass where I couldn't see, there is another sign that says "To FL-24 Gainesville"
I will be rejoicing if it is open when we go through there in late April. Now how many more years will it be until the Baldwin bypass is completed?
Quote from: edwaleni on March 02, 2019, 11:10:32 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 01, 2019, 10:59:48 PM
I thought Gainesville was south?
Anyway, they have come along way since last April when I drove through there as the bypass was all dirt and no grading yet.
US-301 does not go to Gainesville. One must exit FL-24 West at Waldo to get there.
Reportedly on the bypass where I couldn't see, there is another sign that says "To FL-24 Gainesville"
Aware of that fact, but Flaroads submitted a photo showing that Gainesville was on the SB guide instead of Ocala (which is used as a SB control city the moment 301 leaves US 1 at Callahan). I thought it was odd and asked and someone said that its cause indirectly it goes there and makes better sense.
When I drove through there last year I saw Gainesville on a mileage sign someplace along the route. This was when the bypass was dirt and I posted it here in this thread to start it off.
Quote from: VTGoose on March 04, 2019, 09:22:47 AM
Quote from: edwaleni on March 02, 2019, 11:10:32 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 01, 2019, 10:59:48 PM
I thought Gainesville was south?
Anyway, they have come along way since last April when I drove through there as the bypass was all dirt and no grading yet.
US-301 does not go to Gainesville. One must exit FL-24 West at Waldo to get there.
Reportedly on the bypass where I couldn't see, there is another sign that says "To FL-24 Gainesville"
I will be rejoicing if it is open when we go through there in late April. Now how many more years will it be until the Baldwin bypass is completed?
As of 2 weeks ago it was still dirt just north of I-10. I havent seen the north side of Baldwin yet. The realignment of I-10 over US-301 and the CSX Yard is still in full force. but they are still stacking dirt and building sidewall for that.
Quote from: edwaleni on March 06, 2019, 10:34:00 PM
Quote from: VTGoose on March 04, 2019, 09:22:47 AM
I will be rejoicing if it is open when we go through there in late April. Now how many more years will it be until the Baldwin bypass is completed?
As of 2 weeks ago it was still dirt just north of I-10. I haven't seen the north side of Baldwin yet. The realignment of I-10 over US-301 and the CSX Yard is still in full force. but they are still stacking dirt and building sidewall for that.
We were through there in January (taking 301 on up to I-95 at Yulee is a great route). As Florida seems to do, there have been multiple lane shifts at the north end of the bypass and it looked like most of the overpass across the CSX tracks was underway. It's coming up on four years since our son moved to Tampa and it doesn't look like much progress has been made on that interchange rebuild. Too bad the Balwin bypass wasn't extended further south to come in beyond the truck stop and Red Roof Inn.
Bruce in Blacksburg
The Stark Bypass must be a great make-work project that is providing long-term paychecks to a lot of people. It still isn't open and it has been under construction the whole four years we have been traveling through there. There are now signs up, which is progress, but the arrows that point to the "Truck Route" are covered over. It didn't look like any lines had been painted yet and paving of shoulders wasn't complete. They are still mucking about with the connector roads at each end. Right now, traffic uses the new road (we were traveling southbound) to the connection to the old road, makes the sharp turn, and joins the old road through town. At the south end, the connector goes to the new road, makes the sharp turn, and uses the new section that ties into the old road. There is still a lot of construction to be done in that area. At the rate the project has been going at, it will be sometime in 2020 before downtown Stark is free of massive traffic.
At the north end of Baldwin, it is the same situation -- the new section of the road to the connector is done with more work in the area to be done. Beyond that, it looked like grading was done but no subgrade or paving had started. There was work underway on the overpass crossing the CSX rail line. There was also work at the south end, but not enough to see how that will work out.
Bruce in Blacksburg
^ Here's the Baldwin bypass layout (http://www.us301northflorida.com/sites/BaldwinBypass/PublishingImages/209537-4%20Display%20Board.pdf) as it existed in 2013, which doesn't look all that much different from today based on aerial imagery. You can also faintly see what's intended with the I-10/US 301 interchange on the layout.
Here's what I saw as of 10 days ago in Starke.
North end, southbound:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teresco.org%2Fpics%2Fcfl-20190417%2FDSCF0001-800.jpg&hash=4250ad83a44c05bcc0d2b7543fd62bbb86a3b629)
South end, southbound coming out of Starke:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teresco.org%2Fpics%2Fcfl-20190417%2FDSCF0003-800.jpg&hash=a2203a5c3ca47d6e4b0cd938d225cff9c9e6c0c7)
As for Baldwin, lots of construction activity at the north end of the Baldwin bypass and at US 301/I-10. Neither end looked especially close to done to me, but were both far different from last summer's rides through that area.
Look how long it took to widen US 301 from Baldwin to Callahan. Why should anyone be surprised at how long the rest will take.
Although US 301 doesn't go through Gainesville, the majority of the traffic is probably headed that way, so it makes sense to use it as a control city until reaching SR 24.
Was "US 301 Alternate" approved by AASHTO/SCOURN, because I don't see it?
I drove though Baldwin three weeks ago, and the northern part looked almost complete, but being on "old" US 301/90, I couldn't get a good look.
Quote from: formulanone on May 04, 2019, 06:51:47 AM
Although US 301 doesn't go through Gainesville, the majority of the traffic is probably headed that way, so it makes sense to use it as a control city until reaching SR 24.
I agree on using Gainesville as a control city as yes, the majority of the traffic departs at SR 24. I think, though, FDOT should have at least added Ocala as a secondary control for those who are traveling further south to get to I-75.
QuoteWas "US 301 Alternate" approved by AASHTO/SCOURN, because I don't see it?
From what I have tried to look through at work (FDOT), I have not seen any documentation to indicate that it has been applied for. But I have thought about sending an email to find out...
QuoteThe Stark Bypass must be a great make-work project that is providing long-term paychecks to a lot of people. It still isn't open and it has been under construction the whole four years we have been traveling through there.
To add to your statement, VTGoose, the particular contractor in charge of building the Starke bypass is
notorious for being ultra slow at getting road projects complete. When I lived in the panhandle, this company worked on several projects, and took their sweet ass time a getting them done.
Why FDOT continues to use them is beyond me, other than it's still the "good ol' boy" system...
I'll be driving through there near the end of the month, so I will take note to see if anything has changed (not holding my breath...lol).
Is the Starke Bypass contractors those who done John Young Parkway in Kissimmee last year who took over 5 months to add the final asphalt down that should have been done in 3 weeks time?
Interesting that FDOT is going to call it US 301 Alt. and not just move US 301 onto the bypass and either decommission it through Starke or rename it US 301 Business. I wonder what the State Road number of the bypass will be. Easiest bet would be SR 200A but they might come up with a new number.
Quote from: emory on May 08, 2019, 03:24:21 AM
Interesting that FDOT is going to call it US 301 Alt. and not just move US 301 onto the bypass and either decommission it through Starke or rename it US 301 Business. I wonder what the State Road number of the bypass will be. Easiest bet would be SR 200A but they might come up with a new number.
It will be State Road 223:
http://nflroads.com/ProjectFiles/5086/2015-12-03_StarkeBypassExhibit_AllSegments_Reduced.pdf
Quote from: flaroads on May 04, 2019, 08:25:02 AM
Quote from: formulanone on May 04, 2019, 06:51:47 AM
Although US 301 doesn't go through Gainesville, the majority of the traffic is probably headed that way, so it makes sense to use it as a control city until reaching SR 24.
I agree on using Gainesville as a control city as yes, the majority of the traffic departs at SR 24. I think, though, FDOT should have at least added Ocala as a secondary control for those who are traveling further south to get to I-75.
QuoteWas "US 301 Alternate" approved by AASHTO/SCOURN, because I don't see it?
From what I have tried to look through at work (FDOT), I have not seen any documentation to indicate that it has been applied for. But I have thought about sending an email to find out...
QuoteThe Stark Bypass must be a great make-work project that is providing long-term paychecks to a lot of people. It still isn't open and it has been under construction the whole four years we have been traveling through there.
To add to your statement, VTGoose, the particular contractor in charge of building the Starke bypass is notorious for being ultra slow at getting road projects complete. When I lived in the panhandle, this company worked on several projects, and took their sweet ass time a getting them done.
Why FDOT continues to use them is beyond me, other than it's still the "good ol' boy" system...
I'll be driving through there near the end of the month, so I will take note to see if anything has changed (not holding my breath...lol).
Believe the practice in contract awarding is that it goes to the lowest bidder. The contractor may also be a "DBE" or federally designated woman or minority owned contractor. That may give them some cushion in terms of meeting contract completion dates.
Quote from: roadman65 on May 07, 2019, 02:37:21 PM
Is the Starke Bypass contractors those who done John Young Parkway in Kissimmee last year who took over 5 months to add the final asphalt down that should have been done in 3 weeks time?
They could also be the same ones that handled the I-95 widening in Indian River County, the asphalt was laid and already to go in January 2018, yet all 6 lanes did not open until Mid-May.
Quote from: DJStephens on May 08, 2019, 08:48:21 AM
Quote from: flaroads on May 04, 2019, 08:25:02 AM
Quote from: formulanone on May 04, 2019, 06:51:47 AM
Although US 301 doesn't go through Gainesville, the majority of the traffic is probably headed that way, so it makes sense to use it as a control city until reaching SR 24.
I agree on using Gainesville as a control city as yes, the majority of the traffic departs at SR 24. I think, though, FDOT should have at least added Ocala as a secondary control for those who are traveling further south to get to I-75.
QuoteWas "US 301 Alternate" approved by AASHTO/SCOURN, because I don't see it?
From what I have tried to look through at work (FDOT), I have not seen any documentation to indicate that it has been applied for. But I have thought about sending an email to find out...
QuoteThe Stark Bypass must be a great make-work project that is providing long-term paychecks to a lot of people. It still isn't open and it has been under construction the whole four years we have been traveling through there.
To add to your statement, VTGoose, the particular contractor in charge of building the Starke bypass is notorious for being ultra slow at getting road projects complete. When I lived in the panhandle, this company worked on several projects, and took their sweet ass time a getting them done.
Why FDOT continues to use them is beyond me, other than it's still the "good ol' boy" system...
I'll be driving through there near the end of the month, so I will take note to see if anything has changed (not holding my breath...lol).
Believe the practice in contract awarding is that it goes to the lowest bidder. The contractor may also be a "DBE" or federally designated woman or minority owned contractor. That may give them some cushion in terms of meeting contract completion dates.
While many think construction projects should be completed in unrealistic short periods of time, I can't find anything regarding the original schedule for this project. Best I find on their website is the project is due for completion in late 2019.
http://www.us301northflorida.com/sites/StarkeBypass/Pages/home.aspx
Quote from: flaroads on May 04, 2019, 08:25:02 AM
QuoteThe Stark Bypass must be a great make-work project that is providing long-term paychecks to a lot of people. It still isn't open and it has been under construction the whole four years we have been traveling through there.
To add to your statement, VTGoose, the particular contractor in charge of building the Starke bypass is notorious for being ultra slow at getting road projects complete. When I lived in the panhandle, this company worked on several projects, and took their sweet ass time a getting them done.
Why FDOT continues to use them is beyond me, other than it's still the "good ol' boy" system...
I'll be driving through there near the end of the month, so I will take note to see if anything has changed (not holding my breath...lol).
Just went through there northbound on Wednesday and about the only thing that has changed over the last year are the completion dates on the signs. It looks like one dump truck, a front-end loader, and two guys with a wheelbarrow are doing the finishing work on the bypass. As of yet, no lines have appeared on the new pavement.
The north end of the Baldwin bypass seems to be going through its 14th road configuration/demolition/construction. The connection is in place and in use and the contractor was tearing up the old/former direct connection to the existing road.
The good news for a lot of people is that the right lane on-ramp to I-10 eastbound was open, eliminating the long backup of traffic waiting to turn left at the traffic light.
Bruce in Blacksburg
Quote from: VTGoose on May 16, 2019, 04:55:24 PM
Just went through there northbound on Wednesday and about the only thing that has changed over the last year are the completion dates on the signs. It looks like one dump truck, a front-end loader, and two guys with a wheelbarrow are doing the finishing work on the bypass. As of yet, no lines have appeared on the new pavement.
The north end of the Baldwin bypass seems to be going through its 14th road configuration/demolition/construction. The connection is in place and in use and the contractor was tearing up the old/former direct connection to the existing road.
Bruce in Blacksburg
Came through Stark yesterday and it appears that the two guys with a wheelbarrow lost their front-end loader -- nothing has changed in the past few months. The contractor must be milking this project to the very end of the "to be completed" date.
Typical Florida. Look how long its taking to repave I-4 from US 41 to MacIntosh Road in Hillsborough County. It should have been done months ago, but still has the EB lanes from I-75 to McIntosh Road to mill and resurface a bottom base. The WB is got the base but needs the cover and the ramps excluding CR 579 need to be milled and redone especially the turbine ramps to and from I-75 are bad.
Just passed through SB and can also report that the north end looks just like it did months ago, but there was a lot of evening construction activity at the south end. Hopefully the trip back north next week will be the last one that will require me to pass through Starke.
Coming North on my Florida trip back in May, I took mainly county roads between I-75 and the new First Coast Expressway, avoiding US 301 completely. It was a pleasant and efficient drive with no traffic.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Starke,+FL+32091/@29.9439333,-82.1551417,13z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x88e5e2e5cb5677b1:0xba2c3c2bacaaee12!8m2!3d29.9441298!4d-82.1098275
Though the map does not show it, the roadway finally opened this week. Been on it and is signed as Truck Route ALT US 301 and some signs for US 301 mainline (the original route have it as Business Route 301) and some erroneous FL 100 Business on the new freeway ramps to SR 100 as well.
65 mph speed limit over the 35 it bypasses but cops are now staked out on this new road as well.
Sounds like the signage is confusing for it.
Only 2 interchanges/intersections on it between both 'bypass' ends (@ FL-100 & @ FL-16), correct? Will need to double check the FDOT GIS data on this as well before adding it to TM.
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on September 18, 2019, 01:10:37 AM
Sounds like the signage is confusing for it.
Only 2 interchanges/intersections on it between both 'bypass' ends (@ FL-100 & @ FL-16), correct? Will need to double check the FDOT GIS data on this as well before adding it to TM.
Was going to post about it on the TM board :nod: but yes, full freeway with the two unnumbered exits. The bypass (US 301 Alt) has mileposts as well.
Posted the photos we took yesterday covering both directions of U.S. 301 Alternate / Starke Truck Route on a new page (https://www.aaroads.com/guides/us-301a-fl/). We drove SR 16 and SR 100 through the exchanges with the freeway as well. With the two different contractors, the control cities are different for U.S. 301 Alternate: Baldwin/Ocala on SR 16 and Jacksonville/Gainesville on SR 100.
On my trip back north from Sarasota I used county roads to avoid both I-4 and US 301 and had no problem.