Some new renderings of the OIA Intermodal Facility currently under construction (courtesy of ShenkelShultz Architecture)
Is this what we want to see in Jacksonville?
SchenkelShultz is responsible for the programming and master planning for a new Intermodal Terminal Facility that will connect air and rail transportation at Orlando International Airport. The planning incorporates technical accommodations for 4 types of rail systems including Intercity Passenger Rail, Commuter Rail, Light Rail and an Automated People Mover (APM) system that connects the future South Terminal Complex with the existing North Terminal Complex, offering a "seamless" travel experience for the passenger. The Conceptual Programming includes provisions for Passenger Services, Transfer Lobby, Waiting/Hold Rooms, Offices, Ticketing, Concessions, Ground Transportation, future Baggage Services, and a Parking Garage for 5,000 vehicles.
(http://www.schenkelshultz.com/portfolio/aviation/OIA_Intermodal/01.jpg)
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(http://www.schenkelshultz.com/portfolio/aviation/OIA_Intermodal/03.jpg)
And it wouldn't be complete unless I mentioned Lake's favorite project in Florida, the I-Drive Maglev.
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Per the OBJ:
Maglev update: FDOT pursues leases, appraisals for Orlando airport-to-I-Drive train route
It may seem like things are pretty quiet on the maglev front, but there is activity behind the scenes.
The Florida Department of Transportation said it expects to have an appraisal completed early next year on right-of-way properties along the 13.7-mile corridor for the nearly $400 million elevated, magnetic-levitation passenger train set to connect Orlando International Airport to the busy Orange County Convention Center area. The transportation department last week issued a task work order to have an appraisal done on the properties, which should be done in 90 days, FDOT spokesman Steve Olson said.
Meanwhile, FDOT is still in talks with EMMI LLC on lease agreements for rights of way along the corridor. EMMI, a subsidiary of Marietta, Ga.-based American Maglev Technology Inc., also needs to concurrently reach agreements with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority, Orange County, city of Orlando and private land owners who also own rights of way along the route.
Once these items have been finalized, EMMI would need to secure multiple environmental and construction permits before it can break ground on the system.
Tony Morris, president and CEO of American Maglev Technology, declined to comment.
But this appears to be the first major activity happening with the project since the transportation department in May approved EMMI's plan to develop the fixed-guideway transportation system along this corridor.
Maglev, which is supposed to be operational by 2017, is planned to include six or seven stations and will generate 85 local, high-tech jobs for project development with potential for 100-plus permanent jobs. It's also expected to help visitors and residents better navigate Orlando's clogged International Drive corridor.
Preliminary plans include a main route with stops at the airport's new $215 million intermodal transportation hub, along with The Florida Mall and the convention center, plus a possible temporary one at a SunRail station. An additional circulator route near the convention center would include three more I-Drive stops at Rosen Centre Hotel, Hyatt Regency Orlando and Pointe Orlando/Rosen Plaza Hotel.
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sweet...7 stations over 14 miles...I'm sure the maglev speed will be amazing!