FDOT finds $120 million: Fuller Warren to be widened

[cline]

Needless to say, the community objected much the same as the Riverside community seems to be objecting to this proposal.

hahaha, I don't see the Riverside community jumping up and down condemning this, yet. I don't see anyone but a handful on this board protesting the events.

Like a previous post said, if the FDOT does not spend the 120 million here, in jobs, work and business, they will spend it elsewhere, and they believe it will relieve congestion, and something needs to be done to help the poor residents of Orange Park and Middleburg get onto Blanding faster than trying to weave their way over across multiple lanes of traffic to get on US 17 south. Its a great game of Frogger in its current state! 

You are wrong, the Riverside community has already begun to jump up and down and say no more.  The RAP board approved a transportation strategic plan that includes no more highway expansion next to our neighborhood.  We researched the long term TPO plan to see if there was anything on the horizon that would affect us and there was not.  This is a complete surprise. 

How do residents assist in supporting you on this? This plan is terrible, there is a) no real need for the expansion, the backup comes from the overland bridge on the San Marco side, not from this section of it, and b) with 17 and 95 the way it is now, they've taken enough property in riverside for highways already.

At this point I think that emails to FDOT are appropriate.  The comment period for the proposed Work Program is open until December 31.  As far as I know, there hasn't been any meetings specifically regarding this project.  Below is the contact info from the meeting notice posted on the FDOT website:

Written comments will be received by the Department at the workshop or hearing and until December 31, 2013. Comments should be addressed to:
Mr. Greg Evans, FDOT District Two Secretary
1109 S. Marion Avenue, Mail Station 2000
Lake City, FL 32025-5874
(800) 749-2967 ext. 7800
Greg.Evans@dot.state.fl.us

[MEGATRON]

OR if its about the 'burbs- build a new bridge between the Fuller Warren and the Buckman? Direct from 17 to Phillips/University?

Let's not get silly

Its not silly ... JTB was originally proposed to go through to San Jose and then over the river to 17.  Needless to say, the community objected much the same as the Riverside community seems to be objecting to this proposal.

Realistically, I think the most you can expect in terms of DOT concessions is the possibility of a pedestrian lane.  Otherwise, this upgrade is going to happen as designed.

So, you think building a bridge through Ortega or NAS Jax is a concept that's not silly? 

[thelakelander]

FDOT's James Bennett is currently describing need for project. Says he drives it every day. He knows where backups are.

[thelakelander]

Wants to eliminate all merging conditions between Overland Bridge and US 17.

[thelakelander]

Why now? Found out $130 million express lane project on 1295/Dames Point isn't needed. FDOT did not want to lose the $130 million for this region to other areas of the State.

[Kay]

Wants to eliminate all merging conditions between Overland Bridge and US 17.

Tell him to do it within the current footprint or not at all.

[thelakelander]

Says project was just announced on Monday. Says it's in planning process. Public will be involved in planning it.

[thelakelander]

Just mentioned dog park. Says planning hasn't gotten that far to say it can't happen. Says this project is excellent opportunity to keep $130 million in NE Florida.

[thelakelander]

Bill Bishop is speaking. He's pissed off. Says FDOT is creating automatic antagonism.

[thelakelander]

Says he'd rather see money go elsewhere instead of to a bad project.

[thelakelander]

Bennett defends project. Says it's only being announced now because they were able to secure funds. Says they will work with community. Bishop mad that TPO has had no input that money maybe better spent elsewhere.

[thelakelander]

They claim need for project comes from working with community to get cars of Post/College and Overland Bridge. Says we don't want to lose money. Planning started in July.

[thelakelander]

Bishop still pissed.

[tufsu1]

Why now? Found out $130 million express lane project on 1295/Dames Point isn't needed. FDOT did not want to lose the $130 million for this region to other areas of the State.

I could have told them that from the beginning

[fieldafm]

Why can't they spend the $130 million on the road (that everyone wants) out near Oakleaf instead of tolling it (which no one wants)?