2/23/1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

i • 7 Despite there being no level of service or accident problems on I-95 in Indian River County at the present time, there are reasons to initiate a study to six lane the highway. Among the reasons ar,- those cited by the Brevard MPO, including the economic development and hurricane evacuation benefits associated with six-laning. Another reason is that future demand may lead to congestion in the long term. Although the Indian River County MPO's current long range transportation plan does not indicate a need to widen I-95 by the 2020 time horizon of the plan, the MPO's 2025 long range plan update, which must be completed by January 1, 2001, may show such a need. Because most trips on I-95 in Indian River County are external trips, there would not be a feasible alternative to accommodate additional demand without widening I-95. Finally, it should be noted that FDOT has not prepared an interstate master plan for the referenced segment of I-95. If such a plan had been prepared, that may have indicated a long term need to six - lane the road. For that reason and for those stated above, the Indian River County MPO concured with the Brevard MPO that FDOT should initiate action to widen I-95 to six lanes in St. Lucie, Indian River, Brevard, and Volusia Counties. Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners review the attached correspondence and proposed resolution, make any necessary changes to the resolution, and approve the resolution. 1. January 25, 1999 letter from Brevard MPO Chairman Larry Schultz to Indian River County MPO Chairman John Tippin 2. Proposed Resolution Regarding Six Laning of I-95 in St. Lucie, Indian River, Brevard, and Volusia Counties ON MOTION by Commissioner Adams, SECONDED BY Commissioner Ginn, the Board unanimously adopted Resolution No. 99-017 requesting the Florida Department of Transportation to initiate appropriate actions leading to the widening of Interstate 95 to six lanes in St. Lucie, Indian River, Brevard, and Volusia Counties. RESOLUTION NO. 9 9 -17 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY REQUESTING THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO INITIATE APPROPRIATE ACTIONS LEADING TO THE WIDENING OF INTERSTATE 95 TO SIX LANES IN ST. LUCIE, INDIAN RIVER, BREVARD, AND VOLUSIA COUNTIES. WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Transportation is responsible for programming improvements to the Interstate Highway System within the State of Florida; and WHEREAS, Interstate 95 currently has six or more lanes south of Ft. Pierce; and WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Transportation's current interstate improvement plans include the widening of Interstate 95 to six or more lanes north of Interstate 4 in Volusia County; and FEBRUARY 23, 1999 17 BOOK 108 FADE 3