Q:

When and where will the construction take place?

A:

Construction for this project is programmed to begin in the Fall of 2006 and is planned to be completed in two phases. The first phase of the project will be to construct the raised median. The second phase of the project will include the construction of the multi-use paths, milling and resurfacing of the pavement, and traffic signal upgrades.

Q:
 Is there a plan in the future to add a median to US 19 north of this project?
A:
 Adding a median to US 19 north of this project has been studied by FDOT. Design and construction of the raised median is not currently within the FDOT's 5 year work program.
Q:
 Wy are separate multi-use paths being provided along US 19?
A:
 Twelve foot wide multi-use paths are beign provided on both sides of the roadway to provide continuity with the existing bike paths in the area.
Q:
 Is there a plan to widen US 19 south of this project?
A:
 The Department is planning on widening US 19 from four to six lanes south of this project. Design is scheduled to begin in summer 2006. The widening is currently not funded for construction.
Q:
 How were the median openings determined?
A:
 US 19 is classified as Access Management Class 3. An earlier Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study was prepared by the FDOT and approved by the Federal Highway Administration in 2004. This PD&E Study recommended adding a raised median to this segment (and other segments) of US 19. Median openings were designed to accordance with the approved PD&E Study and following guidelines established by the "State Highway System Access Management Act", Chapter 335.18, F.S. According to the criteria, directional median openings may be placed every 1,320 feet (quarter-mile) and full median openings every 2,640 feet (half-mile).
Q:
 Where will the median openings be located?
A:
 The current two-way left turn lane will be replaced with full median openings at West Fort Island Trail and Kings Bay Boulevard. Directional median openings will be provided in the vicinity of H&H Motors/SouthTrust Bank and at Crystal Square.
Q:
 How wide will the median be?
A:
 The sodded median will range in width between 15.5 feet and 18 feet.
Q:
 Will drainage improvements be made?
A:
 Minor modifications will be made to the existing swales to accommodate the construction of the multi-use paths.
Q:
 Will roadway lighting be upgraded?
A:
 There will be no changes to the existing lighting.
Q:
 Will the project limits be landscaped?
A:
 Unpaved areas will be sodded as part of this project. FDOT plans to provide funding under this contract for the construction cost for plant materials should the local agency (City or County) desire to install and maintain the installation.
Q:
 Will access to my business or home be blocked at any time?
A:
 The contractor will be required to maintain access to homes and businesses at all times.
Q:
 Will there be any lane closures during construction?
A:
 There will be temporary lane closures on US 19 during the construction of the median and during paving operations.
Q:
 Will there be new traffic signals at any of the intersections?
A:
 No new traffic signals will be provided; however the existing span wire traffic signal at Kings Bay Boulevard will be upgraded to a mast arm traffic signal.
Q:
 Will encroachments in the US 19 right-of-way be allowed to remain?
A:
 FDOT will be sending letters to property owners and tenants that have permanent or temporary encroachments within the right-of-way requesting their removal. The removal of privately owned features within the right-of-way is necessary where construction will occur.
Q:
 Whom do I contact during the design process of this project?
A:
 Ms Amy Neidringhaus, FDOT Project Manager, at 813-975-6169 or 1-800-226-7220, or by email amy.neidringhausz@dot.state.fl.us.
 
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