JTA's plans for I-95/JTB Interchange Shortsighted

[SightseerLounge]

Where is the first picture in the article located?

[thelakelander]

It's a wikipedia image of the Suncoast Parkway & Trail.

[SightseerLounge]

Thanks!

[thelakelander]

I guess they just don't get it.  Here is a response I just received today regarding the questions raised back in June about this project being shortsighted in regards to bicycles and pedestrians in the area.

Good Morning -- thank you for your time and consideration in providing comments as part of the public hearing for the project on SR 202 (JTB) from SR 5/US-1 (Philips Highway) to Belfort Road.  Your comments, the graphic and these responses have been recorded within the documentation of the public hearing.
 
The project considered the potential for a commuter rail station to be located at the park and ride lot north of the intersection of JTB on Philips Highway.  Queue jump lanes (or lane that will allow buses to bypass vehicles that are stopped at the intersection of JTB and Philips Highway) were considered to enhance the quality of traffic flow and access to the park-and-ride lot and future commuter rail station location.  
 
(1.) Sidewalks and bike lanes will be provided within the project area in accordance with FDOT standards which is limited to the segment west of I-95.  On Philips Highway, sidewalks and bike lanes will be constructed within the limits of the project.  On JTB, bike lanes and sidewalks will be constructed between Philips Highway and Bonneval Road.  (2.) Florida Statutes Section 316.091, (2) and (4) prohibits bicyclists and pedestrians from using the shoulder or roadway of limited access roadways (freeways) or interstate highways.  The limited-access portion of JTB begins just west of the intersection with the southbound exit ramp.  Therefore, additional bicycle and pedestrian connections to the east are not permitted.

1. New federal policy encourages pedestrian and bicycle accommodations that go above the required minimum. I guess at this point, the designers of this project have no desire to do this.  See federal policy here:

On Monday, March 15th, US DOT Secretary Ray LaHood announced a new "complete streets" policy that would put planning for bicycling and pedestrians on equal footing with highways and transit. In his blog, Secretary LaHood states that "this is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized."

He goes on to say:

“We are integrating the needs of bicyclists in federally-funded road projects. We are discouraging transportation investments that negatively affect cyclists and pedestrians. And we are encouraging investments that go beyond the minimum requirements and provide facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

To set this approach in motion, we have formulated key recommendations for state DOTs and communities:

• Treat walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation modes.

• Ensure convenient access for people of all ages and abilities.

• Go beyond minimum design standards.

• Collect data on walking and biking trips.

• Set a mode share target for walking and bicycling.

• Protect sidewalks and shared-use paths the same way roadways are protected (for example, snow removal)

• Improve nonmotorized facilities during maintenance projects.

The new US DOT Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation Regulations and Recommendations are posted on FHWA’s website.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/policy_accom.htm

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2. No one has stated adding sidewalks or bicycle lanes on JTB or it's shoulders.  That would be a disaster.  However, as proven by the images in this article limited access facilities in Florida have been designed to also accommodate pedestrian and bicycle movement.



As you can see, those of us who want Jacksonville to become a better place have our work cut for us.

[stjr]

Just another example of the rigid, uncreative, and disconnected thinking for FDOT engineers.  Just do everything by the book and don't stress yourself to think outside the box. 

FDOT and JTA should be subsidiary agencies to city planning units.  That might fix many of their issues with pedestrians, bicyclists, mass transit, neighborhood impacts, and urban sprawl creation.  Clearly, they can't figure it out for themselves.

[tufsu1]

FDOT and JTA should be subsidiary agencies to city planning units.

Good luck with that....MPOs and local governments have been calling for more autonomy from state DOTs for over 30 years....but lobbying groups like AASHTO have a much stronger voice

[Ocklawaha]

Sun Coast, Space Coast, Treasure Coast, Gold Coast... just call it the TOURIST COAST + ORLANDO are going to get all of the people friendly amenities at the expense of what is perceived as the "Newark of the South".

If everyone in Tallahassee see's us as an endless line of containers, freight cars and ocean going ships, they have no reason to push betterment's. Containers don't use beach umbrella's or wear mouse ears so who cares?


OCKLAWAHA

[fsujax]

so ture Ock. Our delegation who is suppose to represent us in Tallahassee continously lets jax take a back seat to the rest of that state.

[CS Foltz]

so ture Ock. Our delegation who is suppose to represent us in Tallahassee continously lets jax take a back seat to the rest of that state.

Therein lies part of the proble..........consulting agencies and psuedo professional organizations, such as CUTTR, supposedly know what they are talking about! Not in all situations, since their viewpoints are somewhat biased! The public, mostly either does not know or give a darn, which leaves the balance to places like the MJ Forum which shows no mercy for stupidity, incompetance and waste!

[JSquared]

Wasn't this attempted in some form with the Wonderwood Expressway between Girvin and Mayport?  It's been a while since I've driven it, but isn't there a dedicated path to the side for bikes/pedestrians?  Or am I remembering incorrectly?

[thelakelander]

Wonderwood between Girvin and Mayport does have a sidewalk on the northside of the bridge.

[stjr]

FDOT and JTA should be subsidiary agencies to city planning units.

Good luck with that....MPOs and local governments have been calling for more autonomy from state DOTs for over 30 years....but lobbying groups like AASHTO have a much stronger voice

Tufsu, I recall posting on a thread awhile back an article about, I believe San Francisco, regarding unification of these functions under a central City planner.  It shows it can be done.  Let's start with is anyone locally asking for it?  How about one of our mayoral candidates?  This would sure be a standout position for one of them to take!

[tufsu1]

stjr....you can combine any and all local functions....but belive me, CalTrans does not report to a central city planner (or even the Mayor) of San Fran!

[CS Foltz]

tufsu............then who do they report to? Current system we have here is not showing much in the way of success!

[tufsu1]

well FDOT staff reports to the Secretary of DOT...who reports to the Governor