December 2004 Update

Since the May 2004 update, we have been working on the tasks described below: 

Future Traffic Forecasts for the year 2030 were developed for the study corridor.  The future traffic forecasts were used to identify additional travel lanes along the corridor.  During the project, coordination meetings were held and consensus was reached with staff from the stakeholder agencies.  A staged implementation plan of roadway improvements for the next 25 years is being developed.

The future traffic forecasts and preliminary implementation plan for Jones Loop Road, Burnt Store Road, and Veterans Parkway can be found under Task Force Meetings.

Task Force Meetings have been held with elected officials from each jurisdiction. 

           3rd Task Force Meeting

City of Fort Myers Council Chambers

June 16, 2004

·        Project Status

·        Future Travel Demand

·        Corridor Analysis

·        Existing Right-of-Way

·        Environmental Features

·        Proposed Typical Sections

To download the presentation, click here.

4th Task Force Meeting (Briefing)

City of Cape Coral – July 29, 2004

Lee County – September 14, 2004 

·        Informal discussion of Burnt Store Road 4-lane widening & berm options

Charlotte County – October 18, 2004

City of Punta Gorda – October 18, 2004

·        Future Traffic Forecasts

·        Future Needs

·        Proposed Right-of-Way

To download the presentation, click here.

Focus Group Meetings were held during November 2004 to obtain public opinion on congestion alternatives along Veterans Parkway and along Colonial Boulevard.  Three small groups were recruited randomly and consisted of the following composition:

·        Cape Coral Full-Time Residents

·        Fort Myers Full-Time Residents

·        Business Representatives in Lee County

Participants completed a short survey prior to the focus group discussion.  The survey was intended to provide the project team with a better understanding of the participants’ point of view.  Furthermore, the survey was used to test that the participants were screened appropriately to participate in the focus group.

            To download the combine responses of the short survey, click here.

            Discussion Topics:

·        Project Overview

·        Express Lane Concept

·        Project Funding

·        Pricing

          

            Express Lane Concept Opinions

The three focus groups viewed the express lane concept as a favorable transportation concept.  The express lane concept is a separate continuous facility that bypasses a series of congested intersections.  Most participants believed that a project, such as this, is urgently needed. 

            Suggested Project Areas

·        Colonial Boulevard from the Midpoint Memorial Bridge to Metro Parkway

·        Veterans Parkway in the vicinity of Santa Barbara Boulevard

·        The entire Veterans – Colonial corridor

Project Funding Opinions

The three focus groups provided opinions on how the County should fund congestion improvements.  Most participants favored tolls as the preferred method to pay for the express lanes, as long as the toll was reasonable.  Furthermore, the participants suggested that a free route be provided if the express route was tolled.

            Suggested Funding Options

·        Impact Fees

·        Existing Government Funds

·        Gas Taxes

·        Tolls (with a sunset date)

·        Federal Funds

·        Privatize the Project

The focus groups opinion was that a tolled express lane facility would provide a savings in travel time and   a reliable travel route.  Furthermore, the focus groups preferred to have improvements done sooner if they were funded by tolls, than have improvements done later if funded by existing revenue sources.

            Pricing Opinions

Some focus group participants preferred to pay a proportional toll based on distance traveled, instead of a flat rate regardless of distance traveled.  Variable toll pricing received mixed responses.  The electronic toll collection system was viewed as an easy way to pay for tolls on an express lane facility.

            Suggested Pricing Options (Four Mile Express Segment)

·        $0.05 to $0.06 per Mile per Trip

·        $0.25 to $2.00 Flat Rate per Trip

·        $400.00 to $450.00 Unlimited Trips per Year

            To download the findings from the focus groups, click here.

To download the complete Focus Group Meetings Technical Report, click here.

Thank you to all residents and business representatives who participated in the focus groups!  Your input will be considered when developing alternatives during the study. 

Business Owner/Tenant Meetings were held

in December 2004 with business owners and tenants

having property or businesses along

Colonial Boulevard.  Corridor concepts and

proposed right-of-way were presented. 

For more information on these meetings,

go to Community Involvement.

Ongoing Work Effort

We are continuing our development of conceptual design plans for the corridor.  An evaluation is being performed for these recommended roadway improvements.  Tasks included in this effort are listed below.

·        Development of access and circulation options at intersections and overpasses/interchanges

·        Environmental screening including cultural, archeological and historical, wetland, wildlife and habitat, and potential contamination

·        Right-of-way needs and cost estimates

·    Construction costs estimates

Please look to this page for future project updates.  Please visit the Talk to Us page to share your ideas and ask questions!



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