1. I-4 ULTIMATE DESIGN PRESENTATION TO THE VOLUSIA TPO AUGUST 21, 2012 FDOT Contact: John Zielinski (407) 482-7868

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

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

4. UPDATE: SPECIAL USE LANES FDOT Central Office is presently working on statewide policy and implementation procedures for Special Use/Managed Lanes. The statewide policy and procedure will meet FDOT Secretary Prasad’s charge for CPR: Consistency, Predictability, and Repeatability. The statewide policy will consist of:  Procedures to identify which facilities require further study for added capacity through special use lanes.  Methodology for assessing and analyzing the implementation of special use lanes.  Techniques for transitioning special use lanes to other use types, including tolled facilities.  Guidelines on addressing congestion and design criteria.

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

7. POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF SEVERE CONGESTION Traffic analysis shows I-4 does not meet the level of service standards and most of it fails by 2035 from Seminole County line to SR 472

8. POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF SEVERE CONGESTION  Economic Impacts: Reduced mobility creating unfavorable climate for commuters, shippers, and business development; Decreased property values (loss of tax revenues).  Safety Impacts: Congested mainline increases hazardous driving conditions on I-4 as well as on surrounding roadway network (such as US 17/92, Saxon Blvd, and SR 472).  Emergency Services Impact: Reduced capacity increases response times for emergency services as well as hinders emergency evacuations.  Environmental Impacts: Increased idling time creates additional vehicle emissions and water quality degradation.