MEETING NOTICE POLK TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION (TPO) BOARD DATE: Thursday, February 12, 2015 TIME: LOCATION: 9:00 a.m. Polk County Commission Boardroom Neil Combee Administration Building 330 West Church Street Bartow, Florida 33830 Commissioner George Lindsey, III, Board Chairman, Presiding 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. CHAIRMAN S ANNOUNCEMENTS Chairman Lindsey 3. CONFIRMATION OF QUORUM Ms. Simmons 4. AGENDA REVIEW Mr. Deardorff 5. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
6. CONSENT AGENDA (Tab 1) These action items are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items. A Board member may request an item be moved to the regular agenda for discussion. As applicable, consent agenda items have been recommended by the Technical Advisory Committees for approval. A. Approve Minutes December 11, 2014 7. OTHER ACTION ITEMS A. Proposed Performance Targets for the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan (Tab 2) Staff will request the Board to approve the Draft Goal, Performance Objectives, Targets and Policies for the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan. The performance targets will guide the development of the 2040 Plan. The TAC recommends approval. B. Staff Appointment to Polk County Sidewalk Advisory Committee (Tab 3) Staff will request the Board to appoint the TPO Executive Director, or his designee, as the TPO staff representative to the Polk County Sidewalk Advisory Committee. A copy of the Polk County BoCC resolution forming said committee is attached. 8. PRESENTATIONS A. Proposed Master Planning for Shared Use Trail Corridors (Tab 4) Staff will outline a proposed strategy to prepare trail master plans for the identified candidate shared use trail corridors. This item will include a presentation on the recently completed Tenoroc Trail Master Plan. B. Demonstration of Community Remarks Public Involvement Tool 9. Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman The Chairman and Vice-Chairman may serve up to two consecutive one-year terms. Both are eligible to serve a second term. Polk TPO February 12, 2015 Page 2
10. Board Appointments Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board West Central Florida Chairs Coordinating Committee Ridge Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity Central Florida MPO Alliance 11. AGENCY REPORTS A. Florida Department of Transportation Status Report on Central Polk Parkway SR 60 Railroad Overpass at CSX S Line B. Polk Transit 12. COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS SunRail Extension Study New Staff Member 13. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT 14. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS 15. ADJOURNMENT In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities needing special accommodations to participate in this proceeding should contact the Board of County Commissioners, Communications Office, at 330 W. Church Street, Bartow. Telephone (863) 534-6090,not later than four days prior to the proceeding. If hearing impaired call: (TDD) (863) 534-7777 or 1-800-955-8771, or Voice impaired call: 1-800-955-8770, via Florida Relay Service. The TPO planning process is conducted in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Related Statutes. Any person or beneficiary who believes they have been discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or familial status may file a complaint with the TPO s Title VI Specialist, Diane Slaybaugh at (863) 534-6486, or by writing Ms. Slaybaugh at Post Office Box 9005, Bartow, Florida 33831-9005. Polk TPO February 12, 2015 Page 3
Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Board Draft MEETING MINUTES Thursday, December 11, 2014 Neil Combee Administration Building, Commission Boardroom 330 West Church Street Bartow, FL 33830 Voting Members Present: Mayor Pat Huff Mayor Eugene Fultz Commissioner Jim Malless Commissioner Don Salvage Commissioner Phillip Walker Mayor Nat Birdsong Commissioner Pete Chichetto (late) Commissioner Melony Bell Commissioner Todd Dantzler Commissioner John Hall Commissioner George Lindsey, Chairman Commissioner Ed Smith East County Block Voting Members: Mayor Joe LaCascia South County Block Voting Members: Commissioner Barbara Manley (late) East County Block Alternate Members: Vice Mayor Charles Lake South County Block Alternate Members: None Advisory Members Present: Secretary Billy Hattaway Tom Deardorff Randy Mink Others Present: Sharon Garett Sidney Rosenburg Chuck Barmby Beth Evans Lori Carlton Christopher Hatton William Roll Phil Menke Amee Bailey Ronnie Blackshear Ryan Kordek Xiomara Meeks Cherie Simmons Representing: City of Bartow City of Lake Wales City of Lakeland City of Lakeland City of Lakeland City of Winter Haven City of Winter Haven Polk County BoCC Polk County BoCC Polk County BoCC Polk County BoCC Polk County BoCC Representing: City of Polk City Representing: City of Fort Meade Representing: City of Lake Alfred Representing: Representing: FDOT, District One Polk County TPO TPO Legal Advisor Representing: Citizen Citizen City of Lakeland Envisors Florida Department of Transportation Kimley-Horn and Associates Kimley-Horn and Associates Parsons Brinckerhoff Polk County Natural Resources Polk County TPO Polk County TPO Polk County TPO Polk County TPO Page 1 of 5
Diane Slaybaugh RJ Walters Jay Jarvis Richard Dryer Polk County TPO Polk County TPO Polk County Transportation Tindal Oliver & Associates 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairman George Lindsey called the TPO Board meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. 2. CHAIRMAN S ANNOUNCEMENTS Chairman Lindsey had no announcements 3. CONFIRMATION OF QUORUM TPO Office Manager Cherie Simmons confirmed a quorum with 13 voting members and 1 alternate in attendance. Commissioner Barbara Manley represented the South County Block. Mayor Joe LaCascia represented the East County Block. 4. AGENDA REVIEW Tom Deardorff, TPO Executive Director briefly reviewed Agenda. 5. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT No comment was heard from the public. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion: Commissioner Todd Dantzler motioned to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Phillip Walker seconded the motion. Motion carried without dissent. 7. OTHER ACTION ITEMS A. Public Hearing on Draft Amendments to Adopted 2035 Mobility Vision Plan for Interstate 4 project Xiomara Meeks, TPO staff presented two draft amendments. These amendments ensure consistency between FDOT s Work Program, SIS Cost-Feasible Plan and the MPV. FDOT is requesting the Polk TPO to amend the 2035 MVP to include the widening of I-4 in NE Polk County. The widening of I-4 is currently reflected as an unfunded need in the 2035 MVP. The PD&E is currently underway. FDOT is requesting the TPO to include the PD&E and subsequent phases of the project in the 2035 MVP. A short video on the Express Lanes project was shown. Questions: Who are the partners on the Express lanes project? Secretary Hattaway answered the Mobility partners Will the project impact the Central Polk Parkway project? No impact. What happened to the High Speed Rail project going down I-4? Project is still being discussed. Page 2 of 5
Public hearing opened. No comments heard. Public hearing closed. Motion: Commissioner Don Selvage motioned to approve the amendments to the MVP as presented. Commissioner Phillip Walker seconded the motion. Motion carried without dissent. Roll Call Vote was unanimous. B. Public Hearing on Draft Amendments to the FY 2014/15-2018/19 Transportation Improvement Program Xiomara Meeks, TPO staff presented draft amendments to the FY 2014/15 2018/19 TIP. Federal legislation requires the TPO to prepare and adopt a TIP annually. The TIP identifies how all federal and state transportation money is anticipated to be spent in Polk County. The TIP includes highway, public transit, rail, aviation, bicycle, pedestrian, safety, and freight-related projects. The TPO s TIP must be consistent with its Long Range Transportation Plan. Projects must be listed in the TIP with the current phasing and funding in the year of expenditure in order to receive federal funds. This TIP includes FDOT s FY 2014 2019 Five Year Work Program, and transportation projects in local government Capital Improvement (CIP) Plans. Four amendments were presented and project specifications were reviewed. Public hearing opened. No comments heard. Public hearing closed. Motion: Commissioner Don Selvage motioned to approve the amendments to the TIP as presented. Mayor Nat Birdsong seconded the motion. Motion carried without dissent. Roll Call Vote was unanimous. C. Review/Comment of FDOT and Florida s Turnpike Enterprise FY 2015/16-2019/20 Draft Tentative Work Program Ryan Kordek, TPO staff presented FDOT and the Turnpike Enterprise s Draft Tentative Work Programs. The new work program contains priority road projects, congestion management projects, transit, transportation alternatives and multi-use trail projects. Several projects were highlighted by staff. TAC recommended the Board request FDOT to program a PD& E Study to evaluate alternatives that are recommended in FDOT s Polk Rail Study. Motion: Commissioner Melony Bell motioned to endorse the Work Program as being consistent with TPO s Priority Projects to include the TAC s recommendation. Commissioner Don Selvage seconded the motion. Motion carried without dissent. Roll Call Vote was unanimous. D. Approve Consultant Services Agreement for Complete Street Corridor Feasibility Study at Various locations Tom Deardorff, TPO staff presented a Consultant Service Agreement (CSA) for the Complete Street Corridor Feasibility Study. Short term improvements and the Complete Street Action Plan were reviewed. Staff asked the Board to approve the selection committee s recommendation and authorize the TPO Chairman to enter into a CSA with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Motion: Commissioner Don Selvage motioned to approve the CSA as presented. Commissioner Melony Bell seconded the motion. Motion carried without dissent. Page 3 of 5
E. Approve Consultant Services Agreement for High Crash Corridors Bike/Pedestrian Study at Various locations Tom Deardorff, TPO staff presented a Consultant Service Agreement (CSA) for the High Crash Corridors Bike/Pedestrian Study. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Action Plans were reviewed. Staff asked the Board to approve the selection committee s recommendation and authorize the TPO Chairman to enter into a CSA with Sprinkle Consulting, Inc. Motion: Commissioner Phillip Walker motioned to approve the CSA as presented. Commissioner Don Selvage seconded the motion. Motion carried without dissent. F. Adopt Draft TPO Resolution 2014-05 Supporting Polk County participation in the Tampa Bay Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) and the Addition of Polk County as a Member of TBARTA Tom Deardorff, TPO staff presented Draft Resolution 2014-05. This resolution supports Polk County s support TBARTA and becoming a member. The presented resolution is identical to the 2013 resolution that was presented to the Board. It supports a leadership role in regional transportation alliances and membership in TBARTA. TBARTA does not have any taxing authority and membership does not infringe on local government taxing authority or autonomy. Motion: Mayor Nat Birdsong motioned to adopt Resolution 2014-05 as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Melony Bell. Motion carried without dissent. 8. PRESENTATIONS A. Secretary Billy Hatttaway Update on State Efforts to improve Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Billy Hattaway, FDOT Secretary, provided a status report on the safety initiative. The focus is on the top 15 regions with fatalities. Complete Street Policy was adopted in August. The coalition is in the process of rewriting laws to plain language so that everyone can understand them. Chairman Lindsey thanked Secretary Hattaway for his work on this initiative. B. Report from Shared Corridor Trail Committee Ryan Kordek, TPO staff provided an update of the progress of the Shared Corridor Trail Committee. He gave reports on the Northern Bartow Loop, Tenoroc Connector Trail, North Ridge to Van Fleet Trail and the Lakeland Highlands Trail. The next step is to add corridors to the TPO Trail Master Plan. Projects which may be pursued by Polk County or the City of Lakeland, such as the North Bartow Loo and Tenoroc Connector Trail should be supported by the TPO. The Lakeland Highlands and North Van Fleet Trail Corridors needs further study. Staff asked to add a new study for a trail between Bartow and Fort Meade. Questions: Status for Lake Alfred 17/92 Trail Overpass?. Project funded for next year. 9. AGENCY REPORTS Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Lori Carlton Update: City of Mulberry Detour o All concerns addressed Page 4 of 5
Thanked Board for Work Program endorsement o Copies of Work programs available on table Bryant Stadium o New pedestrian o Commissioner Walker thanked FDOT for their efforts Mulberry Lighting Outage on SR 37 o Due to machine failure o Will be fixed Polk Transit No Report 10. COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS A. TPO Transportation School RJ Walters Held during the day 29 participants Learned about Complete Street Design B. MPOAC Institute Board members were invited to attend C. Community Remarks Demonstration Will be reviewed next meeting 11. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Sharon Garrett, 4810 Carl Boozer road stated concerns about there being no sidewalks from a school to Hinson on 30 th street in Haines City. She ststed many other issues. Chairman Lindsey requested Ms. Garrett get with TPO staff about her concerns. Secretary Hattaway suggested FDOT staff will meet with Ms. Garrett after the meeting. 12. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Chairman Lindsey thanked members of Leadership Lakeland for attending the meeting. Commissioner Bell congratulated FDOT on the US 98 Corridor completion in Bartow. Vice Mayor Charles Lake thanked FDOT for the new signage and markings in Lake Alfred. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, meeting adjourned at 11:10 Respectfully transcribed by Cherie Simmons, TPO Office Manager I. Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, states that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. Page 5 of 5
Goal, Performance Objectives, Targets and Policies Goal Performance Objectives Targets Policies Broad purpose statement Desired outcomes Measurable progress Program strategies Goal: Develop and maintain an integrated multi modal transportation system to provide safe travel for all users, the efficient movement of goods and services, and to promote livable communities and economic activity. Safety Performance Objectives, Targets and Policies S1 Safe and fatality free travel conditions on Polk County roads. Target By 2040, eliminate traffic fatalities on Polk County roads. Annually reduce traffic fatalities and severe injuries. Target Measure by three year rolling average: Average traffic fatalities 2011 13 = 57 Average severe injuries 2011 13 = 1,676 Draft 1 2/4/15
Target Target Annually reduce traffic fatalities and severe injuries from crashes involving heavy vehicles. Measure by three year rolling average: Average traffic fatalities 2011 13 = 12 Average severe injuries 2011 13 = 291 Annually reduce pedestrian fatalities and severe injuries Measure by three year rolling average: Average traffic fatalities 2011 13 = 14 Average severe injuries 2011 13 = 107 Annually reduce bicycle fatalities and severe injuries Target Measure by three year rolling average: Average traffic fatalities 2011 13 = 4 Average severe injuries 2011 13 = 69 Implement the Complete Street Policy adopted in 2012 to provide safe travel for all users regardless of their age or abilities; support all modes of travel and Policy S1.1 travel choices; provide convenient access to community land uses; and help create a sense of place and livable communities. Analyze high crash corridors to identify and implement operational and Policy S1.2 design improvements to reduce traffic crashes. Policy S1.3 Develop, maintain and implement pedestrian and bicycle safety action plans. Support implementation of non engineering solutions to improve travel safety, Policy S1.4 e.g., community education and law enforcement. Participate in the implementation of the Florida Department of Policy S1.5 Transportation s Strategic Highway Safety Plan. Educate the traveling public regarding the safe practices, rights and Policy S1.6 responsibilities of motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. S2 Safe and secure travel conditions on public transportation. Target Maintain zero traffic related fatalities on public transportation system. Target Policy S2.1 Annually reduce injuries and accidents/incidents on public transportation system. Measure by three year rolling average: Average injuries 2011 13 = 5 Average accidents/incidents 2011 13 = 2 Coordinate with transit providers to identify, prioritize and fund measures to enhance safety and security of transit vehicles, transit stops and inter modal passenger facilities. Policy S2.2 Implement a funding set aside for transit safety and security measures. Mobility M1 Performance Objectives, Targets and Policies Maintain stable flow of traffic on major roads roads that serve intercity travel and the movement of freight (arterial roads) Draft 2 2/4/15
Target Target Policy M1.1 Policy M1.2 M2 Target Policy M2.1 Policy M2.2 Policy M2.3 M3 Target Target Policy M3.1 Policy M3.2 Average peak hour travel conditions on arterial roads less than 0.75 volumeto capacity (v/c) ratio. Note: 0.75 v/c ratio is a rough equivalent for the lower threshold of LOS C 2015 Estimate: Average v/c ratio on arterial roads = 0.55 Less than 10% centerline miles congested (LOS D ) or severely congested (LOS E or below) during peak hour of travel 2015 Estimate: % miles congested = 3% % miles severely congested = 1.5% Implement a congestion management process that meets federal and state requirements and maximizes the safety and efficiency of the existing transportation system. Identify and fund complete street projects to increase mobility and improve safety to include intersection, intelligent transportation system, supplemental resurfacing features, transit, bicycle and pedestrian improvements. Maintain stable flow of traffic on the Freight Network Less than 10% centerline miles congested (LOS D ) or severely congested (LOS E or below) during peak hour of travel 2015 Estimate: % miles congested = 6% % miles severely congested = 1% Identify significant freight corridors, to include the Florida Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) highways and major distribution centers in Polk County, as the TPO Freight Network. Identify freight hot spots discrete areas on the transportation network where the movement of freight is impeded by physical or operational deficiencies. Program improvements to correct these deficiencies. Identify long term network improvements to enhance the efficient movement of freight and intermodal connectivity. Provide transportation options for intercity and local travel. Provide fixed route transit service to all municipalities in Polk County. 2015: 14 of the 17 cities are currently served by fixed route transit. Provide regional multi use trail connections to all municipalities in Polk County. 2015: 6 of the 17 cities are currently connected to a regional multi use trail. Provide more frequent and convenient transit services that extend to both urban and rural areas of the county. Promote increased commuter participation in ride sharing, carpooling, and vanpooling programs. Draft 3 2/4/15
Policy M3.3 Policy M3.4 Policy M3.5 M4 Target Target Policy M4.1 Policy M4.2 Policy M4.3 Policy M4.4 Sustainable Resources R1 Target Target Policy R1.1 Conduct mobility audits to ensure public transportation services are accessible to all users, including young, elderly, disabled, transportation disadvantaged, and traditionally underserved populations. Prioritize and fund transportation improvements that promote a seamless transportation network, e.g., intermodal centers, sidewalk connections, traveler amenities and way finding materials. Maintain a component of the long range transportation plan that identifies proposed improvements to the regional transportation system in Polk County and coordinate with regional transportation partners on the implementation of these projects. Provide access to the Regional Multi Use Trails Network 90% of Polk County population within five miles of the Regional Multi Use Trails Network 2015 Estimate: % population within five miles of regional multi use trail = 73% 40 continuous miles on the Regional Multi Use Trails Network 2015 Estimate: 23 continuous miles on the Regional Multi Use Trails Network Define a Regional Multi Use Trails Network to include paved, multi use trails serving more than one community and connecting to statewide trails. Identify and prioritize gaps in the Multi Use Trails Network to increase community and resident access to the network. Include funding for multi use trails as part of the TPO Complete Streets Program. Conduct multi use trail feasibility studies to support the expansion of the Multi Use Trails Network and to maximize local, state and federal investments in trail improvements. Performance Objectives, Targets and Policies Maintain highway infrastructure in a state of good repair. Maintain an average pavement condition rating of 6 or better on arterial and collector roads. 2015 Estimate: State Highway System Ratings: Cracking = 9; Ride = 8; and Rutting = 9 County Road System: Pavement Condition Index = 6.55 Maintain a public bridge network with less than 1% of bridges classified as structurally deficient. 2015 Estimate: 0% of bridges are currently classified as structurally deficient. Ensure the financial element of the long range transportation plan includes sufficient funding for the maintenance of the existing transportation system. Draft 4 2/4/15
Policy R1.2 Policy R2.1 R2 As necessary, prioritize bridge rehabilitation and replacement projects as part of the TPO s annual priority setting process. Coordinate with freight stakeholders to identify and prioritize bridge improvement projects. Minimize environmental impacts from transportation projects. Limit impacts to jurisdictional wetlands or critical habitat to less than 5% of the total footprint or acreage for transportation projects. Target 2015 Estimate: In previous five years, the Florida Department of Transportation and Polk County has impacted 149 acres of wetland and critical habitat. This represents 13% of the total acreage or footprint for capacity road projects during that period. Target Meet or exceed National Ambient Air Quality Standards in Polk County. Employ the Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) process to screen Policy R2.1 for and avoid natural, physical, cultural, and community impacts. Coordinate with Polk County and participate in the development of a countywide Habitat Conservation Plan to protect and enhance threatened and Policy R2.2 endangered species habitat and to provide an opportunity for successful mitigation strategies where environmental impacts are unavoidable. Use the redevelopment of existing transportation infrastructure as Policy R2.3 opportunities to restore or improve the function of natural systems where practical. Avoid transportation corridor alignments that fragment environmentally Policy R2.4 sensitive features such as wildlife corridors, parks, trails, marshes or wetlands. Livability Performance Objectives, Targets and Policies L1 Provide travel options for persons of all ages and abilities. 50% of Complete Street Network with bicycle facilities Target 2015 Estimate: 36% of the Complete Street Network has bicycle facilities 50% of Complete Street Network with sidewalks Target 2015 Estimate: 28% of the Complete Street Network has sidewalks (at least one side of road) Overall average Transit Connectivity Index (TCI) score of 175 for Polk County Census block groups. Target 2015 Estimate: The current countywide average is 137. The average for Census block groups with at least minimal fixed route coverage is 178. Target 75% of senior residents (age 65+) with high or moderate access to fixed route transit services based on the Transit Connectivity Index 2015 Estimate: 45% of seniors have a high (16%) or moderate (29%) level of access to fixed route transit services Draft 5 2/4/15
Policy L1.1 Policy L1.2 Policy L1.3 Policy L1.4 Policy L1.5 L2 Target Target Policy L2.1 Policy L2.2 Policy L2.3 Policy L2.4 Policy L2.5 Policy L2.6 Coordinate with member local governments to identify complete street coverage, i.e., percent network with sidewalks and bicycle facilities, at a community level. Use the set aside of funding for complete streets to leverage local government investment in complete street projects. Prepare recommended traffic study requirements for new development that place an emphasis on the provision of complete streets, connectivity and access to transit. Participate in the development of community strategies to support aging in place and senior mobility. Partner with Polk Vision and other stakeholders to identify and implement transportation projects that support the Building a Healthier Polk Initiative. Provide transportation infrastructure and services that support livable communities and ensure mobility for all residents. 100% sidewalk coverage within one mile of elementary, middle and high schools (sidewalk on at least one side of collector or arterial roads) 2015 Estimate: Pilot project is underway to measure sidewalk coverage in vicinity to schools. Mobility Index score of 10 or greater in neighborhoods with a concentration of traditionally underserved populations 2015 Estimate: Neighborhood mobility audits are currently being performed. Evaluate sidewalk coverage within one mile of schools and identify priority candidate projects to eliminate sidewalk gaps. Conduct mobility audits to assess transit access, walking and bicycling conditions in traditionally underserved neighborhoods. Ensure the long range transportation plan is consistent with government comprehensive plans to the maximum extent feasible. Support the implementation of Polk Vision and other community strategies to enhance livability. Seek to preserve and enhance cultural, social, recreational and aesthetic features that exist along transportation corridors. Recommend as appropriate, context sensitive design solutions such as landscaping, shade treatments, lighting, signage and crosswalk treatments as supported by the community in the development of transportation projects. Draft 6 2/4/15
Policy L2.7 Policy L2.8 Economy E1 Target Identify and adopt constrained corridors as part of the long range transportation plan where the addition of two or more through lanes is not practical due to physical, environmental or policy constraints. Pursue appropriate complete street projects to maintain and improve mobility in these corridors. In evaluating consistency with the long range transportation plan, the TPO shall consider the project description termini, project features and number of lanes as well as the goal and objectives of the long range plan. Performance Objectives, Targets and Policies Provide transportation infrastructure and services that support economic vitality and job creation. Annually secure at least one grant or special funding allotment for transportation projects that support the expansion of an existing business or the location of a new business. 2015 Estimate: Two such grants were awarded in 2014. Policy E1.1 Policy E1.2 Policy E1.3 Strengthen partnerships with economic development agencies, industry representatives and businesses to gain a better understanding of existing and future transportation needs. Prioritize transportation investments that support economic development and job creation. Maintain a component of the long range transportation plan that identifies future road improvements to improve land access, especially for planned employment centers. Draft 7 2/4/15
Shared Corridor Trails February 12, 2015
Shared Corridor Trail Committee
Trail Details Shared Corridor Trail Committee North Ridge to Van Fleet Trail Trail Length: 13 Miles Existing Trail: 6.5 mi Trail Gap: 6.5 mi Utility Portion: 6.5 mi Utility: Florida Power Corridor Owner(s): Private TPO Trail Plan: No North Ridge to the Van Fleet Trail Trail Highlights Connects the Ridge to a vast conservation area with numerous trails. Connects the Ridge with the Regional Trail Network. Trail Users -
Shared Corridor Trail Committee North Ridge to Van Fleet Trail Trail Highlights Connects the Ridge to a vast conservation area with numerous trails. Connects the Ridge with the Regional Trail Network.
Shared Corridor Trail Committee
Shared Corridor Trail Committee
Shared Corridor Trail Committee
Trail Details Shared Corridor Trail Committee Lakeland Highlands Trail Trail Length: 4.8 Miles Existing Trail: 0 mi Trail Gap: 4.8 mi Utility Portion: 4.8 mi Utility: Lakeland Electric/TECO Corridor Owner(s): Private/Utility TPO Trail Plan: No Lakeland Highlands Scrub to Fort Fraser Trail Trail Highlights Opportunity to connect several conservation areas to the Fort Fraser Trail via the Lakeland Highlands, as well as Lakeland s Laketo-Lake Bikeway. Trail Users -
Shared Corridor Trail Committee
Shared Corridor Trail Committee Bartow to Fort Meade and Beyond
Tenoroc Trail Master Plan Executive Summary In 2013, the City of Lakeland commissioned Littlejohn Engineering Associates (LEA) to prepare a master plan for a regional multi-use trail connection between its Lake-to- Lake Bikeway Network and the TECO-Auburndale/General Van Fleet State Trails in the vicinity of Auburndale and Polk City. The trail that is incorporated into the Braddock Road bridge crossing of SR 570/Polk Parkway was identified as the Tenoroc Trail s eastern terminus. The Tenoroc Trail is a Priority Pathway Corridor identified in the Citywide Pathways Plan portion of the Lakeland Comprehensive Plan and is a highpriority multi-use trail contained in the Polk Transportation Planning Organization s 2035 Mobility Vision Plan. It is also a component of a Priority Land Trail in the Florida Office of Greenways and Trails Systems Plan. In addition to connecting Polk County s urbanized areas with the larger regional trail network, the Tenoroc Trail will provide needed connectivity to premier area recreation facilities such as the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex and Lakeland s Lake Crago Park. The Tenoroc Trail is an important component of an overall trail network that will ultimately connect to Florida Polytechnic University, the Williams Development of Regional Impact, Polk County s Saddle Creek Park and the planned Coast-to-Coast Connector extending from Pinellas County to Brevard County. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) maintains a network of unpaved hiking and equestrian trails throughout the Tenoroc Fish Management Area and provides a direct trail connection to Saddle Creek Park. The trail network is maintained by dedicated volunteers generally referred to as the Friends of Tenoroc. To the north of the master plan area, multi-use trails have been constructed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Polk County as part of the recentlycompleted University Boulevard, Research Way, Pace Road and Polk Parkway/Pace Road interchange improvement projects. FDOT is incorporating a 12-foot wide pathway in the future four-lane cross-section for State Road 33 improvements between Old Combee/Deeson Pointe Boulevard and University Boulevard through the Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) Study that was completed in 2014. The Master Plan effort included close coordination with Tenoroc FMA and Polk TPO staff. The centerpiece of the planning process was a two-day planning charrette and field visit involving numerous public agency, private property and non-profit organization stakeholders who provided crucial input into the alignment and amenity alternatives that were evaluated and ultimately identified as feasible. Segments of the overall 14-plus mile trail corridor will be the subject of future funding requests through State, Federal and regional partner agencies.
The entire Master Plan document can be viewed on the City of Lakeland s Bicycling Web page at: http://www.lakelandgov.net/portals/root/bicyclewalk/final%20tenoroc%20trail%20master%20plan.pdf
SunRail Extension Study Summary Polk TPO February 12, 2015 The Polk TPO is conducting a study (Phase II) to determine the feasibility of extending SunRail service into Polk County. This effort builds on previous work (Phase I) that assessed a number of viable concepts for regional transit which would connect Polk County to the Orlando region. The findings of Phase I demonstrated that extending SunRail to Polk County was the best opportunity to create regional transit service that would serve Polk commuters and visitors traveling to and from Orlando. Phase II includes a planning-level operational analysis, station area feasibility assessment, cost analysis and bus feeder service concept. The consultant for Phase II is Renaissance Planning. The first portion of this project is now complete: 1. Identifying potential station locations in Haines City, Auburndale and Lakeland; 2. Establishing an understanding of operating characteristics for the rail service; and 3. Identifying the need for feeder bus service. The consultant has completed a ridership analysis based on station locations and anticipated growth in the area. The next step in the project is to create station area plans that show the opportunity for new development and document the multimodal transportation network issues which would affect local access to the stations. This portion of the project also includes interagency coordination meetings to identify issues that affect the design, operation, cost, timing and administration of the service. These meetings will be held over the next four weeks and include conversations with transit and transportation agencies in the region, including but not limited to FDOT, SunRail, Polk Transit and CSX. These findings of the study will be presented to the TAC in March after the station area plans have been completed in draft form. Local government coordination on the project will be conducted at that time. The findings of the study will be brought to the TPO Board in April. In addition, an update on the SunRail commuter rail service will be scheduled for the April TPO meeting.