11/26/1991 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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1"F)1991 F'AUE jJ1 do have a new engineer there now. If we do get a letter from them, it might address crossings in Gifford or wherever. Mr. Godfrey continued to discuss the possibility of further negotiation on railroad crossings, and Director Davis advised that we did not get into multiple scenarios with them. We did manage to go from giving up 4 crossings down to 2 and felt that was making some headway. He further pointed out that when you do widen the existing crossing to accommodate more lanes, you get into what is known as a cantilevered signal mast arm similar to the one at the crossing on 16th Street in Vero Beach, which cost us over $200,000. The Chairman adjourned the meeting for a brief rest period and reconvened at 4:00 P.M. with the same officials present. Director Davis explained to those present that basically when we projected traffic volume increases, we looked at the last 4/5 years, and we are seeing about 1,000 cars a day in addition, to the previous counts, and there are things happening right now that could elevate that traffic count very quickly. The Chesser Gap project could attract a great volume of traffic; in fact, it has been projected that as many as 15/16,000 trips a day could be attracted to that development which is proposed for 100,000 sq. ft. commercial, as well as 77,000 sq. ft. office space and a good bit of industrial space. The Food Lion is already under construction; the Elks Club will come along soon and possibly a bank. In addition, there is talk of a new development north of City Hall. All of this could have a very dramatic impact on traffic counts on the roadway, and before building permits are issued, we need to make sure there is capacity available. We feel our traffic projections have been very conservative and we have not included large developments. The traffic capacity of CR 512 is actually at a critical point right now. Chairman Bird asked about our projected timing if we get the go-ahead to do something. Director Davis advised that now that we have a draft stipu- lation of agreement with the railroad, taking into consideration completing design, obtaining DOT permits, stormwater permits, etc., he believed we could be ready to bid the project by mid 1992. He felt construction would go fairly quickly if we are working outside of an existing roadway and would take about a year. Commissioner Scurlock believed he is saying that it is not a difficult project as proposed, and Director Davis agreed. He noted that when you widen and go to curb and gutter, you have to 16