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Project Initiation Presentation to the Polk Transportation Planning Organization August 9, 2012. To improve regional freight and highway mobility while enhancing safety and minimizing impacts to urban areas and the environment. Project History. Planned Integrated Logistics Center
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Project Initiation Presentationto the Polk Transportation Planning OrganizationAugust 9, 2012 To improve regional freight and highway mobility while enhancing safety and minimizing impacts to urban areas and the environment
Project History • Planned Integrated Logistics Center • Shifting Rail Traffic from “A” Line to “S” Line • Rail Traffic Evaluation Study (2009) INTEGRATED LOGISTICS CENTER
Initial Study Rail Relocation • 8 Alternatives
Initial Study Conclusions Common Issues for All Relocation Alternatives • Freight continues to operate through urban areas • Local trains continue to operate on the “A” and “S” lines • Through trains would divert to an alternate route • CSX would have to agree to move operations to any new route • Infrastructure improvements still required on “S” line to serve the ILC • Lakeland area track sidings • Numerous rail signal upgrades • Pollard Road construction to the ILC
ProjectArea Project Area Includes Six Counties • Polk • Pasco • Hillsborough • Lake • Hernando • Sumter INTEGRATED LOGISTICS CENTER
Project Phases Phase 3 Phase 1 Phase 2 STEP4 STEP2 STEP1 STEP3 STEP5 Viable Relocation Alternatives Scenario Development Refine Solutions Chartering and Coordination Recommendations Long Term Federal Action (EA/EIS) • Alternatives to advance to PD&E • Funding Plan • Preferred Package • Implementation Plan • Short Term Solutions • Funding and Finance • Background work for Long Term Solutions • Data Collection • Traffic • Freight Demand • Corridor safety • Rail Clearance • Noise and Vibration • PMP, Sched. • Vision & Goals • Issues • Purpose & Need • PMT, FAST • Mayors Council • Reg. Agency Phase II Alt. Analysis • Criteria and Methodology • Rail Operations • Community Issues • Agency Issues • Evaluation of alternatives • Cost/Benefit Short Term (SEIR/Cat Ex) 3 1 2 NTP 15 MONTHS 12 MONTHS 9 MONTHS 6 MONTHS 18 MONTHS
Short Term Solutions Quiet zones • FRA program • CSX supports their use • Grade crossings may need to be closed
Short Term Solutions Geometric Improvements • CSX land ownership • Increase speed • Less “gate down” time • Air quality improvements • Sidings Existing Rail Realignment Option
Short Term Solutions Grade Separations • Roadway Over Railroad N Wilson Ave
Short Term Solutions Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations
Short Term Solutions Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS) • AVL – Automatic vehicle location • VMS – Variable message signs • Railroad crossing monitoring • Pre and post signal coordination
Long Term Solutions Rail Relocation • 10 Alternatives
Long Term Solutions Trenching
Public Outreach Opportunities • Freight and Stakeholders Taskforce (FAST) • Comprised of government staff and project stakeholders • Meet regularly • Develop and refine short term and long term projects • Mayors Council • Comprised of study area mayors • Predominantly meet via webinars • Identify community concerns
Public Outreach Opportunities • Public Meetings • Three public meetings scheduled • September 10th The Lakeland Center (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) • September 11th Fantasy of Flight (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) • September 13th Bartow Civic Center (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) • Electronic Media • Website (www.polkrail.com) • Social Media
Summary • Project will evaluate short and long term solutions • Project will involve extensive public outreach • Project will also evaluate funding and finance opportunities for short term projects.
Project Contact InformationMs. Gwen G. PipkinGwen.Pipkin@dot.state.fl.us(863) 519-2375Florida Department of TransportationP.O. Box 1249Bartow, FL 33831