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FDOT's Decision: No Elevated Skyway
Posted 9.24.07 @
9:32 p.m.
 According
to both the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the Miami
Herald, the Florida Department of Transportation announced
Monday afternoon it has eliminated long standing plans for
elevated reversible toll lanes as high as 50 feet above existing
Interstate 595. The planned skyway was designed to be up to 6 or
7 miles in length.
The
much anticipated announcement was made in a statement issued by
FDOT District 4 Secretary James Wolfe. According to both media
outlets, Mr. Wolfe is quoted as saying, "At the urging of many
communities and with additional engineering, we have developed a
ground level alternative." Transportation officials have said
the new plan saves about $200 million initially, before any mass
transit solutions are constructed.
With construction set to begin in 2009 and scheduled to be done
in 2014, preliminary plans call for a hybrid-electric bus
service to utilize the reversible express lanes, which will be
in the median of the interstate.
The
Federal Highway Administration must still approve the plan.
595Alert.org has learned that FDOT has already submitted the "at
grade" plan to Washington for ratification.
Concerned citizens from central Broward, the non-profit group
Broward Citizens for a Better 595, Inc. and 595Alert.org worked
tirelessly with municipal, county, state and federal officials
to deter the building of the elevated bridge based upon safety,
design, health, environmental and financial concerns. The grass
roots effort, which has been on-going since May, 2007, also
reached out to FDOT officials for a dialogue. We are grateful
for the support of elected officials in securing a far superior
solution to moving people and goods across Broward County.
This web site also applauds the creative and flexible solution
now embraced by FDOT. We look forward to a continuing dialogue
with Department officials and all levels of government to ensure
the success of the new plan and for smart solutions to make
I-595 as safe as possible, environmentally innovative and a
model for smart mass transit solutions. We all wait for the
thumbs up sign from Washington.
This is a case where government officials listened to the public
and responded in a major way. All engaged in an on-going
dialogue about concerns, consequences and solutions. Many
thought the odds were against those who advocated against the
elevated lanes. We have reached this point, however, by
maintaining a constructive and analytical approach, and by
FDOT's willingness to hear, and serve, the public.
The
challenge ahead is for citizens to continue voicing their
thoughts and to keep the line of communication open to District
4 and the entire state Department of Transportation.
As
further details are released by FDOT, we will post them on this
site.
The
content which appears below and on the linked pages explains
some of the arguments against the now discarded plan.
E-mail 595Alert.org by clicking
here. Please send us your
comments. |
Broward County
Commission Votes Unanimously To Oppose An Elevated I-595
Posted 9/11/07 @9:15 p.m.
Updated 9/13/07 @9:50 a. m.
 The
Broward County Commission voted late Tuesday afternoon in favor of a
resolution opposing elevated lanes on I-595. The resolution, sponsored by
Vice Mayor Lois Wexler and co-sponsored by Commissioner John E. Rodstrom,
Jr., was passed without a dissenting vote.
Of significance is the Commission's statement
that it "supports reversible lanes at grade level, and within the center of
the I-595 corridor."
There was strong support for the initiative by
all Commissioners. Broward County joins the Town of Davie and the City of
Plantation in passing unanimous resolutions opposing an elevated 595.
Also, at the Commission meeting, Mayor Josephus
Eggelletion announced the County will be conducting public hearings in the
next 18-24 months regarding transit in Broward County.
See full text of Broward County Resolution No.
2007-647
here. The resolution will be
forwarded by the Commission to the Florida Department of Transportation, to
each member of the Broward County Legislative Delegation and to any other
interested person or agency.
FDOT Considering Plan
to Eliminate Elevated Toll Road...Final Decision Expected Late This Month
Posted 9/6/07 @7:59 p.m.
Click to
see Google Video of FDOT presentation to Davie Town Council, September 5,
2007. 17min. 3sec.
See 9/9/07
Editorial. Click
here.
FDOT District Four Secretary Jim Wolfe addressed
the Davie Town Council Wednesday evening, September 5 and announced his
Department is
considering an option to scrap the elevated toll road design which is
opposed by the Town of Davie, the City of Plantation, local elected
officials and the public. Instead, I-595 would be expanded to
accommodate three express lanes at "grade" level.
According to Mr. Wolfe, a decision to build the
elevated structure will be made by the end September. He addressed the
ramifications of expanding I-595 on the ground and the need for a mass
transit route on SR 84 at some point in the future.
Should plans for the elevated reversible lanes
be discarded, the new design would have to go back to the Federal Highway
Administration, which has approved the expenditure of federal funds based
upon the controversial elevated design.
The benefits of eliminating the elevated highway
were discussed in the brief, but revealing presentation. The new design, for
example, would enhance motorist safety.
Mr. Wolfe stated he
wanted to respond to the resolution passed by the Town Council on June 6,
2007, which is highly critical of current FDOT plans to run a highway above
the existing I-595.
Many observers feel FDOT's reconsideration of a
high rise 595 is proof that the Department is listening to opponents and
seeking a practical solution.
Please watch for further updates as this story develops.
Sun-Sentinel
Worries About New Florida Law Allowing Public-Private Partnerships To Run
Toll Roads
Posted 7/8/07
The Editorial Board of the
South Florida Sun-Sentinel, in an editorial
dated July 8, sharply criticized the bill
signed by Governor Crist allowing the Florida Department
of Transportation to enter into a contract with a
private firm to build, operate and maintain new toll
roads, such as an elevated I-595.
According to the editorial,
the private market "has shown a willingness to fork over
millions to build and maintain public roads-for a
price." That price is a long-term lease which produces
toll profits potentially for decades, to a corporation,
instead of the State of Florida.
The Editors point out House
Bill 985, which went into effect on July 1, attempts to
limit excess profits from private toll operators.
According to the editorial, however, legitimate concerns
remain that any long term contract would limit the State
government's ability to provide "oversight and influence
on the new roadway." Since tolls will not be set by
"State officials susceptible to public backlash," the
paper expressed additional concerns.
Miami Herald
Reports on State's Plans
Posted 7/1/07
In an article entitled "State
hunts cash for I-595 in sky," this website's opposition to the project is
noted.
Quoting Plantation resident Mark
Grand, "Anybody should come to expect that they are going to improve the
road, but not elevate it into the sky."
Opposition by the Town of Davie
and the City of Plantation is also reported.
The report also notes a decision
to use public or private dollars to fund a skyway above grade level 595 will
be made by the end of the year. The Herald reports nearly 100
companies, "from Doral to London" have expressed interest in building and
leasing the elevated, reversible toll-way, for up to 75 years or more.
According to the article, "FDOT
will be setting up a public hearing to seek input on putting tolls on the
elevated lanes."
The entire Miami Herald article
may be viewed
here.
FDOT Schedules
Conference With Contractors
Posted 7/1/07
The Florida Department of
Transportation has scheduled a forum with contractors who have expressed
interest in forming a public-private partnership with the State of Florida
in building, operating and leasing an elevated portion of I-595 for decades
to come.
According to
i-595.com, an industry forum is scheduled
for July 25, 2007. While contractors are the focus of the meeting, the
public is welcome. The event will be held at the Coral Springs Marriott
Hotel, Golf Club & Convention Center, located at 11775 Heron Bay Blvd., in
Coral Springs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
FDOT plans to make a
presentation about the current status of the project and its plans at the
forum. View the public notice for the meeting
here.
According to the Miami Herald,
in an article printed on 7/1/07, "nearly 100 companies," some
internationally based, are interested in the controversial project.
Those who oppose the project are
urged to attend to learn of the latest plans FDOT has for the freeway.
Governor Crist Signs
Flawed Transportation Bill
Commentary posted 6/20/07at
6:20 p.m.
 According
to the Associated Press, Governor Charlie Crist signed H.B. 985 on Tuesday,
June 19. The new law, which goes into effect on July 1, further enhances the
ability of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to enter into
long-term leases with a corporation to build and maintain control over
Florida toll roads.
According to the report, the law
will allow the state to lease existing toll roads, except for Florida's
Turnpike, to private companies. FDOT plans to use the new law to build and
lease an elevated reversible toll skyway on Interstate 595, through the Town
of Davie and the City of Plantation.
FDOT has reportedly been meeting
with private business interests to discuss financing for the mega-project,
and is expected to hold a conference in July to further advance its plans
with potential builders. Some of the companies may be controlled from
outside the U.S.
H.B. 985 also allows tolls to be
raised to keep pace with inflation. That means toll increases can occur
easier and more frequently than in the past for roads in operation.
According to various media reports, commuters are faced with the prospect of
toll roads on I-95 and I-595 in the coming years. For those that use the
elevated portion of the road, the FDOT plans variable tolls based upon
"congestion pricing." Thus, at peak hours, the rates will vary and the
expense of driving will increase substantially on a daily basis depending
upon one's destination and frequency of travel.
For those that use the grade
level (non-toll roads), there is no guarantee congestion will be eased even
with the proposed elevated highway. Given the design of the 7 to 8 mile
bridge over grade level, there is concern that two new "Golden Glades"
interchanges will result at each end of the elevated highway when it reaches
grade level and meets existing lanes.
There are safety concerns
associated with the toll road as well. Tanker and large trucks will have
access to the elevated portion of the highway. The potential for
catastrophic accidents is enormous. H.B. 985 appears to issue an "unfunded
mandate" to the Town of Davie to provide Fire Rescue services without
compensation, while not providing an easy or efficient path for first
responders to reach accident scenes which could be 30-50 feet over the
existing road. Such a transportation formula will cost lives.
H.B. 985 does not stress the
building of smart, environmentally friendly, mass transit solutions. It sets
the stage for a repeat of what we have seen in South Florida decade after
decade...more lanes for more cars, but a failure to stress light rail and
other solutions to meet the demands of this new century. Public policy is
not well served with the construction of more and more lanes of travel as
opposed to real mass transit solutions for east-west commuters in a county
that is projected to house 400,000 more residents in the coming decades.
While FDOT is expressing ideas for a "transit envelope" under the skyway,
its plans are vague and ambiguous at best. No passenger stations have been
shown and there does not appear to be any connection to north/south mass
transportation systems.
Just because the Governor has
made the bill law does not mean public opposition to corporate control and
design of 595 is fruitless. Now, more than ever, those in opposition to the
current expansion plans for the interstate need to engage in a constructive
discussion with governmental officials and local leaders and oppose the
project. The purpose is a constructive alteration in FDOT's plans to serve
the interests of Broward County.
Rational alternatives do exist
for easing congestion on I-595 that do not require the construction of a
billion dollar corporate highway. One idea that originated with FDOT itself
was adding lanes at grade level with mass transit along the State Road 84
corridor. Connecting State Road 84 east and west without merging it onto 595
is another excellent idea.
The media, local governments and
the public need to exercise immediate and careful scrutiny over FDOT's
plans, and oppose designs and a lease that do not make sense from an
economic, safety, environmental or design perspective. This fight has just
begun.
E-mail 595Alert.org by clicking
here. Please send us your
comments and thoughts.
Audubon
Society urges veto of H.B. 985. Click
here for details.
St. Petersburg Times
Editorial urges Gov. Crist to Veto Transportation Bill
Posted 6/18/07
In a May 16, 2007 editorial, the
newspaper states, "A transportation bill on Gov. Charlie Crist's desk could
lock in Florida's worst planning mistakes well into the next century. HB 985
would allow investor-owned companies to lease existing toll roads and build
new ones. It's bad enough to pawn public assets to raise immediate cash..."
The Editorial asserts the
Governor's veto "would tell lawmakers to get serious about transportation
and growth management."
Pointing out that road building
is a "public responsibility," and should not be a "private enterprise for
private profit," the Editorial expresses concern that there has not been
"serious discussion about mass transit" in Florida.
Plantation City
Council Unanimously Passes Resolution Opposing Elevated Roadway
Design
Posted 6/13/07
The Plantation City Council
prepared Wednesday evening to send a resolution to Governor Charlie Crist
and the Broward County Legislative Delegation opposing plans by the Florida
Department of Transportation to construct an elevated reversible toll road
over Interstate 595. The resolution supports, however, reversible lanes at
grade level and within the center of the I-595 corridor.
The resolution also urges the
Governor to veto H.B. 985, which would provide for private control over the
overhead toll lanes. The Governor has until June 20 to veto the bill, or it
will become a law, effective July 1, 2007.
Plantation is the second
municipality to publicly and officially oppose FDOT's 595 reconstruction
plans. The Town of Davie passed its own resolution on June 6, 2007. (See
story below).
The Plantation resolution was
offered by Councilman Rico Petrocelli. The entire City Council voted in
favor of the measure.
To see video of Plantation's
discussion about its resolution, click
here. To read
the City of Plantation Resolution No. 9981, dated June 13, 2007, click
here.
Plantation Forum
reports On 595 Concerns
Posted 6/16/07
The June 13 article quotes Sarff
Kelleher, Public Information Director for District 4 of the Florida
Department of Transportation as stating, "There are a number of
neighborhoods along the corridor that would be impacted, and they have valid
aesthetic and noise related concerns."
Also quoted was Plantation
Councilman Rich Petrocelli, who stated, "It really is a quality of life
issue, and we have to consider whether or not this is in the best interests
of Plantation residents."
Sun-Sentinel
Urges Governor Crist to Veto H.B. 985
Posted 6/10/07
The Editorial Board of the paper
Sunday calls for rejection of leasing highways "to private companies for
decades on end."
On Tuesday, June 5, the Florida
Legislature sent House Bill 985 to the Governor's desk to sign. If not
vetoed, the bill, which provides for long-term leasing of public highways,
would be effective July 1, 2007. Governor Christ has until June 20 to decide
if he will reject the bill.
The Sun-Sentinel comments
there is "a provision that would lease highways to private firms for up to
75 years. Critics are right to worry that doing so lessens governmental
oversight of operations, management and planning on roadways." See the
Editorial
here. For 595Alert.org analysis of problems
associated with H.B. 985, click
here. See
separate article from the Sun-Sentinel, entitled, "State considers
putting toll roads in private hands," published June 10, 2007.
Click
here.
Town of Davie
Passes Resolution Against FDOT 595 Plans
Posted 6/10/07
On Wednesday, June 6, 2007, the
Town of Davie Council passed a resolution opposing plans by the Florida
Department of Transportation to re-design Interstate 595 by including
elevated reversible lanes.
This is the first municipality
to officially oppose the elevated reversible toll-road. The resolution also
announced opposition to future transit in the center of the I-595 corridor. A copy of the resolution
can be
seen here.
Plantation
Councilman Appears on Comcast To Express Concerns About FDOT's
Re-Design Plan
Posted 6/10/07
Councilman Rico Petrocelli
appeared with Plantation resident David Weiss on Thursday, June 7, 2007, to
tape a session of Comcast's Newsmaker's program with host Spiro
Canton. The program is expected to air on the Headline News channel in the
coming days.
Following the interview,
Councilman Petrocelli and Mr. Weiss gave an interview to 595Alert.org, which
can be seen here.
CBS-4 Airs
Story About 595Alert.org's Efforts
Posted 6/10/07
On Tuesday, June 5, 2007, the
station aired a story by Ted Scoten highlighting citizen concerns about the
595 project. The video piece and corresponding web article discussed design
and noise problems, as well as concerns about why the 595 corridor needs to
bear the brunt of Broward County's east-west transportation burden.
Sun-Sentinel
Publishes Article about 595 Controversy
Posted 6/10/07
The article, published on
Monday, June 4 in the newspaper, appeared on-line that day and was
re-published on-line on Sunday, June 10. See Sun-Sentinel.com report
here.
City of Plantation Council
Expresses Serious Concerns About FDOT's 595 Corridor Project
Posted 5/29/07
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Members of the
Plantation City Council discussed the Florida
Department of Transportation's I-595 corridor project during the
public comments section of its May 16, 2007 meeting.
Responding to public
comments, Mayor Rae Carole Armstrong said she intends to ask FDOT to
make a presentation to the City about its plans for the interstate.
The mayor expressed reservations that the State's plans have moved
forward without a "clear discussion" about the elevated lanes and
transit components of the current design. She said the
project is "very problematic to Plantation" and vowed to "look at
it very carefully."
Councilwoman Diane
Veltri Bendekovic noted there are no plans for transit drop off points at the Gateway sector of Plantation, which borders I-595
and Pine Island Road.
She expressed concern FDOT's plans "could create havoc through our
City" and that the project is "barreling ahead."
Council President Dr.
Robert Levy expressed similar concerns. He worried the present
design does not help the economy of Plantation and worried about
the noise level an expanded and elevated 595 will visit upon the City.
He urged a close look at how the interstate is designed to carry
traffic loads from the north and south ends of Broward County. He
also worried about the private funding method that may be
used to finance construction of the mega highway. According to Dr. Levy, there is
opposition to the plan.
Councilman Rico
Petrocelli noted there is a "lack of respect" of the City of
Plantation when it comes to transportation projects, and noted that
quality of life issues associated with the project will depreciate
the value of residential and business properties.
No vote was held on a
formal resolution opposing the plan, but additional attention to the
595 redesign is planned by the City Council in the coming months.
Hear comments by
members of the Plantation City Council during the public discussion
section of its May 16, 2007 meeting. Click picture in the upper
right to play. Requires Windows Media Player™.
If you do not have Windows Media
Player installed, click
here.
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