The question comes from everywhere – via telephone, email, Facebook, Twitter and even the occasional post on my blog: “What’s going on with the construction along Alafaya Trail?”
As a resident of East Orange County and a daily driver of the road, I understand and appreciate your input and concerns because, frankly, I share many of the same thoughts you do. Below is a compiled list of our most common inquiries and a brief description detailing what has been done about them.
-Stoneybrook Reserve residents who travel south on Alafaya Trail must turn left to enter their subdivision while cars traveling north tend to drift into the turning lane just as the curve begins. Citizens stated they have witnessed near collisions and it becomes particularly dangerous when trucks and buses pass. Both the Orange County Traffic Engineering and Highway Construction Divisions have reviewed the traffic layout and stated there is currently only enough room for a south bound through lane, south bound left turn lane, north bound through lane, barrier wall and a sidewalk.
-The curve at the intersection of Broadhaven Boulevard and Alafaya Trail was lengthened and widened, thus improving the transition flow. Warning barrels must remain since their purpose is to prevent a head-on collision with cars in the left turn lane.
-Complaints of a jagged asphalt area causing flat tires near the fire station at Stoneybrook's main entrance have been answered by the contractor widening this area. No further problems have been cited.
-The speed limit has been lowered and the fines are now doubled. Additionally, the Orange County Sheriff's Office has increased patrols in an attempt to reduce speeds.
-The traffic lane switches are now complete and subsequent switches will not occur for another 12 -18 months.
-There were delays due to traffic signals being placed on standard timing rather than a detection system. Traffic Engineering has since corrected this matter and vehicular flow should improve.
-Reflective pavement markers (RPMs) missing mainly along the transition/curved areas are likely due to the heavy equipment and normal construction activities. These RPMs have been replaced.
-The contractor will install "speed limit advisory" and "speeding fines doubled" signs through the temporary transition/curved areas.
Other updates
In addition to the major road construction occurring along Alafaya Trail, road improvements are scheduled for S.R 50/Colonial Drive between Dean Road and Old Cheney Highway. With changes in recent funding to the Florida Department of Transportation, I am closely monitoring the timeline for construction. If you’re interested in learning more about the plans for improvement along S.R 50/Colonial Drive, a public information meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Spirit of Joy Church, 1801 Rouse Road, Orlando.
Throughout the New Year and into the next few months, my office will begin wrapping up the policy improvements to the Narcoossee Corridor with the help of the residents living within the rural settlement communities. Our Parks & Recreation Committee continues to work to identify available lands for future recreational facilities. Also, I will continue to press to identify a location for the East Orange Homeless Drop-in Shelter to provide assistance to the over 700+ homeless individuals living in our community.
If you have any questions please email me at Jennifer.Thompson@ocfl.net or call 407-836-5881.
Regards,
Jennifer Thompson
Orange County Commissioner, District 4
201 S. Rosalind Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
407-836-7350
www.jenniferthompson.net