FDOT Misguiding Public on Fuller Warren Bridge Project?
FDOT to unveil plans for improving traffic through the I-10 and I-95 interchange area in Jacksonville. In preparation of FDOT's presentation, Metro Jacksonville highlights a situation where FDOT may be misguiding the public in building their case to widen the Fuller Warren Bridge.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 2 is proposing modifications to the Interstate 10 and 95 interchange area that should improve traffic flow and will unveil the latest at a public meeting scheduled for this Monday.
Unfortunately, despite being a major reason for the city being one of the country's deadliest for cyclist and pedestrians, FDOT has been telling anyone that will listen that they can't legally improve bicycle and pedestrian connectivity with this project.
Now they've gone as far as creating a website that explains why they can't legally include bike LANES as a part of the expansion project.
According to them, the addition of bikes lanes cannot be considered for inclusion on this project as per Florida Statutes. It also cannot be considered as a pilot project because the requirements for selecting and implementing have already passed. Also, nor would the Fuller Warren Bridge have qualified as a pilot project due to the close proximity of the Acosta Bridge.
While it is true that they can not include bike LANES on a limited access highway or bridge, the FDOT may be misguiding city officials and the general public on its true ability to address alternative forms of mobility with this project.
I-195 in Miami. An FDOT pilot project allows cyclists to ride bikes on the shoulder of the highway. The shoulder is the pavement to the right of red jeep in image. Florida Statute 316.091 prohibits this from taking place on the Fuller Warren Bridge.
The problem here is that FDOT specifically uses Florida Statute 316.091 as the primary reason why they can't include bike and pedestrian improvements as a part of their Fuller Warren Bridge plan. This statute prohibits bikes on the roadway or along the shoulder, including bridges, on limited access facilities; interstate highways. There are a few pilot projects in the state where this is allowed, such as I-195 in Miami. However, the Fuller Warren Bridge isn't eligible for this program because pilot projects had to be selected by October 1, 2012 and the Acosta Bridge, which does have sidewalks, is roughly a mile north of the Fuller Warren Bridge.
Understanding the statute - two different animals: On the left, a bike lane or shoulder. These are prohibited by Florida Statute 316.091. On the right, a physically separated multi-use path. Florida Statute 316.091 is not applicable for physically separated multi-use paths. Images courtesy of https://ladyfleur.wordpress.com/category/backroads/
For those interested in improving all forms of mobility in Jacksonville's urban core, don't ask for bike LANES, ask for a physically separated multi-use PATH. Florida Statute 316.091, its pilot project program and the location of the Acosta Bridge, have nothing to do with physically separated multi-use PATHS. In fact, there is no statute prohibiting the inclusion of a physically separated multi-use path on the Fuller Warren Bridge or adjacent to any other limited access highway in Jacksonville and the State of Florida. As the images illustrate above, they are two different types of facilities.
If this isn't enough, Florida is home to several examples of physically separated multi-use PATHS adjacent to limited access facilities. If FDOT District 2's claim that they can't legally enhance bicycle and pedestrian modes as a part of this project is true, then FDOT Districts 4 (Fort Lauderdale/West Palm Beach), 6 (Miami), 7 (Tampa Bay), and 8 (Floridas Turnpike Enterprise) are all openly breaking the law.
NEXT PAGE: Examples of existing FDOT funded Multi-Use Paths
Examples of existing FDOT funded Multi-Use Paths
A physically separated multi-use path, connecting San Marco and Riverside would not be revolutionary in Florida or with FDOT. Here are a few examples of FDOT maintained limited access highways and bridges in Florida that include physically separated multi-use paths.
Suncoast Parkway - Tampa
As part of the Suncoast Parkway project, a 41-mile multi-use paved recreational trail called the Suncoast Trail was constructed parallel to the western side of the limited access toll road in 2001. Where the limited access highway crosses waterways, the multi-use path is physically separated from the highway's shoulders via a concrete barrier and fence.
SR 60/Veterans Expressway - Tampa
A 1.30 mile multi-use path parallels the southwest side of SR 60/Veterans Expressway between West Cypress Street and the Courtney Campbell Parkway in Tampa. Fencing physically separates the multi-use path from the limited access highway. The path was a part of a $202 million interchange reconstruction project at Tampa International Airport that was completed in 2010.
I-595 Express Lanes - Fort Lauderdale
The I-595 Express Corridor Improvements Project consists of the reconstruction of the I-595 mainline and all associated improvements to frontage roads and ramps from the I-75/Sawgrass Expressway interchange to the I-595/I-95 interchange , for a total length along I-595 of approximately 10.5 miles, and approximately 2.5 miles on Florida’s Turnpike from Peters Road to Griffin Road. Along with the implementation of express bus service, the FDOT District 4 project also includes the construction of the New River Greenway, a parallel multi-use path. In this case, the path is physically separated from I-595 by a small canal that runs parallel to the limited access highway. Construction started in June 2009 and the estimated completion date is Summer 2014.
Interstate 395/SR A1A - Miami
The MacArthur Causeway connects downtown Miami with Miami Beach. Between the mainland and Watson Island, the Causeway is a limited access highway that crosses Biscayne Bay. This limited access stretch of the Causeway includes physically separated facilities for non motorized traffic between Biscayne Boulevard and a new interchange on Watson Island being constructed as a part of the Port of Miami Tunnel project.
Obviously, if Tampa, Miami and Fort Lauderdale can have physically separated multi-use paths along limited access highways, Jacksonville can as well. If a multi-use path isn't included as a part of this $70 million highway widening, it won't be because it's against the law, not a part of a bike lane pilot program or proximity to the Acosta Bridge. It will be because FDOT District 2 and Jacksonville's residents don't care enough about improving bicycle and pedestrian safety and connectivity. Considering our bicycle and pedestrian death rates, this explanation may have more merit than a Florida Statute that isn't applicable to physically separated multi-use PATHs.
FDOT's informal “open house” for the unveiling of their new improvement plan will be between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. This will be followed by a presentation at 6:30 p.m. and public comments. The location is the Riverside Park United Methodist Church at 819 Park Street.
For more information on this project or to ask FDOT to consider a physically separated multi-use PATH instead of bike LANES, contact the FDOT project manager Jim Knight via e-mail at james.knight@dot.state.fl.us or call 800-749-2967, extension 7707.
Article by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com
Unfortunately, despite being a major reason for the city being one of the country's deadliest for cyclist and pedestrians, FDOT has been telling anyone that will listen that they can't legally improve bicycle and pedestrian connectivity with this project.
Now they've gone as far as creating a website that explains why they can't legally include bike LANES as a part of the expansion project.
According to them, the addition of bikes lanes cannot be considered for inclusion on this project as per Florida Statutes. It also cannot be considered as a pilot project because the requirements for selecting and implementing have already passed. Also, nor would the Fuller Warren Bridge have qualified as a pilot project due to the close proximity of the Acosta Bridge.
While it is true that they can not include bike LANES on a limited access highway or bridge, the FDOT may be misguiding city officials and the general public on its true ability to address alternative forms of mobility with this project.
I-195 in Miami. An FDOT pilot project allows cyclists to ride bikes on the shoulder of the highway. The shoulder is the pavement to the right of red jeep in image. Florida Statute 316.091 prohibits this from taking place on the Fuller Warren Bridge.
The problem here is that FDOT specifically uses Florida Statute 316.091 as the primary reason why they can't include bike and pedestrian improvements as a part of their Fuller Warren Bridge plan. This statute prohibits bikes on the roadway or along the shoulder, including bridges, on limited access facilities; interstate highways. There are a few pilot projects in the state where this is allowed, such as I-195 in Miami. However, the Fuller Warren Bridge isn't eligible for this program because pilot projects had to be selected by October 1, 2012 and the Acosta Bridge, which does have sidewalks, is roughly a mile north of the Fuller Warren Bridge.
Understanding the statute - two different animals: On the left, a bike lane or shoulder. These are prohibited by Florida Statute 316.091. On the right, a physically separated multi-use path. Florida Statute 316.091 is not applicable for physically separated multi-use paths. Images courtesy of https://ladyfleur.wordpress.com/category/backroads/
For those interested in improving all forms of mobility in Jacksonville's urban core, don't ask for bike LANES, ask for a physically separated multi-use PATH. Florida Statute 316.091, its pilot project program and the location of the Acosta Bridge, have nothing to do with physically separated multi-use PATHS. In fact, there is no statute prohibiting the inclusion of a physically separated multi-use path on the Fuller Warren Bridge or adjacent to any other limited access highway in Jacksonville and the State of Florida. As the images illustrate above, they are two different types of facilities.
If this isn't enough, Florida is home to several examples of physically separated multi-use PATHS adjacent to limited access facilities. If FDOT District 2's claim that they can't legally enhance bicycle and pedestrian modes as a part of this project is true, then FDOT Districts 4 (Fort Lauderdale/West Palm Beach), 6 (Miami), 7 (Tampa Bay), and 8 (Floridas Turnpike Enterprise) are all openly breaking the law.
NEXT PAGE: Examples of existing FDOT funded Multi-Use Paths
Examples of existing FDOT funded Multi-Use Paths
A physically separated multi-use path, connecting San Marco and Riverside would not be revolutionary in Florida or with FDOT. Here are a few examples of FDOT maintained limited access highways and bridges in Florida that include physically separated multi-use paths.
Suncoast Parkway - Tampa
As part of the Suncoast Parkway project, a 41-mile multi-use paved recreational trail called the Suncoast Trail was constructed parallel to the western side of the limited access toll road in 2001. Where the limited access highway crosses waterways, the multi-use path is physically separated from the highway's shoulders via a concrete barrier and fence.
SR 60/Veterans Expressway - Tampa
A 1.30 mile multi-use path parallels the southwest side of SR 60/Veterans Expressway between West Cypress Street and the Courtney Campbell Parkway in Tampa. Fencing physically separates the multi-use path from the limited access highway. The path was a part of a $202 million interchange reconstruction project at Tampa International Airport that was completed in 2010.
I-595 Express Lanes - Fort Lauderdale
The I-595 Express Corridor Improvements Project consists of the reconstruction of the I-595 mainline and all associated improvements to frontage roads and ramps from the I-75/Sawgrass Expressway interchange to the I-595/I-95 interchange , for a total length along I-595 of approximately 10.5 miles, and approximately 2.5 miles on Florida’s Turnpike from Peters Road to Griffin Road. Along with the implementation of express bus service, the FDOT District 4 project also includes the construction of the New River Greenway, a parallel multi-use path. In this case, the path is physically separated from I-595 by a small canal that runs parallel to the limited access highway. Construction started in June 2009 and the estimated completion date is Summer 2014.
Interstate 395/SR A1A - Miami
The MacArthur Causeway connects downtown Miami with Miami Beach. Between the mainland and Watson Island, the Causeway is a limited access highway that crosses Biscayne Bay. This limited access stretch of the Causeway includes physically separated facilities for non motorized traffic between Biscayne Boulevard and a new interchange on Watson Island being constructed as a part of the Port of Miami Tunnel project.
Obviously, if Tampa, Miami and Fort Lauderdale can have physically separated multi-use paths along limited access highways, Jacksonville can as well. If a multi-use path isn't included as a part of this $70 million highway widening, it won't be because it's against the law, not a part of a bike lane pilot program or proximity to the Acosta Bridge. It will be because FDOT District 2 and Jacksonville's residents don't care enough about improving bicycle and pedestrian safety and connectivity. Considering our bicycle and pedestrian death rates, this explanation may have more merit than a Florida Statute that isn't applicable to physically separated multi-use PATHs.
FDOT's informal “open house” for the unveiling of their new improvement plan will be between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. This will be followed by a presentation at 6:30 p.m. and public comments. The location is the Riverside Park United Methodist Church at 819 Park Street.
For more information on this project or to ask FDOT to consider a physically separated multi-use PATH instead of bike LANES, contact the FDOT project manager Jim Knight via e-mail at james.knight@dot.state.fl.us or call 800-749-2967, extension 7707.
Article by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com