Article by Marty Proctor, South Lake Tablet
On August 31, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) held a public meeting regarding the plans for repaving a 12-mile segment of SR19. The project will be completed starting in early 2024. The meeting was well attended by local residents and the attendees were afforded the opportunity to provide input and feedback. The presenters were also available for discussion before, during, and after the initial presentation.
The primary intent of the project is to rehabilitate SR19 by repaving the 12 mile section from Groveland north to Howey-In-The-Hills (shown in the included maps). As well as repaving and rehabilitation of the roadway, associated roadway improvements are included.
Bicycles will be able to use the 5 foot wide paved shoulders and 5 foot wide unmarked keyholes at right turn lanes. Eric Wolley, design consultant added, “the undesignated bike lanes on the shoulders will be nominally 5 feet.” Mr. Wolley continued that “ Kevin Powell Project Manager said, “this is a mill and resurface project. They will dress up the shoulders.” He confirmed that the project is funded and all within the existing right of way.
Specific enhancements:
Lake Emma Road: The FDOT has granted a permit to a private developer to add a traffic signal and turn lanes at the intersection of Lake Emma Road and SR19.
CR478, Cherry Lake Road: FDOT is providing a new left turn lane from southbound SR19 to CR478.
US27 and Turnpike overpasses: Bridge safety improvements will be made to harden the bridges. Senior Project Manager Beata Stys-Palasz clarified, “we will be providing protection for the bridge piers so that if somebody has an accident, the bridge will not be impacted.”
Howey-In-The-Hills section: The north end of the project ends at Oleander Avenue in Howey. Sidewalk improvements (image included) are planned from Florida Avenue to East Laurel Avenue.
Overall: Roadside improvements such as reducing side slopes, drainage adjustments, ADA enhancements and adjusting driveway connections are also planned.
Resident comments were generally favorable as this is a funded project with a relatively short time line and enhancements for existing and new residents.
One specific resident request was repeated concerning the interchange between US27 and SR19. The local residents feel that this intersection is outdated in both design and capacity. Dangerous driving conditions and interactions were cited as a frequent (daily) occurrence at that intersection.
There are also comments from a County Commissioner and local residents requesting further enhancement and widening of the bicycle lanes. Other comments were asking why the undesignated parkways were not being included. These parkways are trails included on both city and county master plans. These added trails are not within the scope of this resurfacing project.
The bridge at the Palatalakaha is “excepted from the project. We are not doing anything to the bridge except attaching new guard rails,” added Mr. Powell.
This 12-mile resurfacing project is on State Road 19 from State Road 50 in Groveland to West Oleander Avenue in Howey-In-The-Hills in Lake County. The purpose of the project is to enhance safety and operations for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists by rehabilitating the asphalt pavement to extend the service life of the existing roadway and making roadside and safety improvements.
The FDOT states that they are currently in the design phase of the project schedule. Final design is anticipated to be completed in 2022. All work will be done within the existing right
of way. Construction is funded and expected to start in early 2024 and be finished within about 6 months.
The public is encouraged to provide input and feedback about this project. Any comments received before Wednesday September 14 by email, mail, phone or during a public meeting will be included in the public record. All comments and questions will be responded to in writing.
You may direct comments to the project manager directly by email: Kevin.Powell@dot.state.fl.us Or by U.S. Mail: Florida Department of Transportation, 719 S. Woodland Boulevard, Mail Station 542, DeLand, FL 32720 Or by calling the project manager at 386-943-5425 to provide verbal comments during normal business hours.
