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 1. What is taking place on Interstates 10 and 110?
Improvements totaling nearly $180 million are underway on Interstates 10 and 110. The first of three major projects, the I-10/110 interchange upgrade was completed in September 2008. The project widened I-10 to six lanes between Davis Highway (Exit 13) and U.S. 29 (Exit 10) and I-110 to six lanes between the I-10/110 interchange and the Airport Boulevard overpass. In addition, major improvements were made to the I-10/110 and I-10/Davis Highway interchanges.
Construction crews are currently widening I-110 to six lanes from the I-10 interchange southward to Maxwell Street. Interchange upgrades are being made at Fairfield Drive and Davis Highway. This $58 million project is slated for completion in mid-to-late 2009.
Also on Interstate 110, work is underway to construct the new split diamond interchange at Airport Boulevard. The interchange will feature an on off-ramp to Airport Boulevard and Brent Lane from I-110 southbound, and an off-ramp to Brent Lane and Airport Boulevard from I-110 northbound. Brent Lane and Airport Boulevard will be connected by a system of service roads. This $47 million project is scheduled for completion in the mid-to-late of 2009.
2. Are there plans for a new I-110 interchange at Airport Boulevard?
Yes. Work began in February 2007 to construct a new Interstate 110/Airport Boulevard-Brent Lane split diamond interchange. The term, "split diamond," refers to the design developed by transportation engineers to comply with the federally mandated criteria governing the minimum distance between interchanges. Airport Boulevard is too close to the current Brent Lane interchange to allow for construction of a new and separate interchange. The split diamond design calls for construction of new on- and off-ramps at Airport Boulevard, along with a system of service roads connecting to Brent Lane. When the project is complete, Interstate 110 southbound traffic will be able to exit at Airport Boulevard via a new ramp. Northbound traffic will exit at Brent Lane and connect to Airport Boulevard using a service road. Airport Boulevard drivers will have access to I-110 using the service roads. Access between Brent Lane and Interstate 110 will not be changed. The $46.8 million construction project is slated for completion in mid-to-late 2009.
3. What about a new I-10 interchange at Ninth Avenue?
The idea of an interchange at Ninth Avenue has been studied in the past but such a project is not currently in the FDOT five-year work plan.
4. Will I-110 be extended northward across I-10 and onto I-65 in Alabama?
Nothing being done under the current program of construction precludes the eventual extension of I-110 northward. However, such an extension is not currently a part of the FDOT five-year work plan.
5. Why do some projects on divided highways now feature raised medians that limit the ability to turn left?
These projects, such as the six laning of Davis Highway near University Mall, are designed and constructed in accordance with FDOT standards for “access management.” Access management is a comprehensive approach to the management and regulation of driveways, medians, median openings, traffic signals, and freeway interchanges. The goal of access management is to limit and separate traffic conflict points. Access management has been shown to increase safety and improve traffic flow on Florida highways.
More information on the FDOT access management standards and regulations is available at http://www.dot.state.fl.us/planning/systems/sm/accman.
6. Where can I get information on the major FDOT construction projects planned for Escambia County?
You may consult this web site or the FDOT District Three web site. You may also contact the Pensacola Public Information Office, hosted by Volkert Construction Services.
7. How can I contact the Florida Department of Transportation?
The Florida Department of Transportation, District Three Public Information Office can be contacted at:
Florida Department of Transportation, District Three
Public Information Office
Attn: Mr. Tommie Speights
P.O. Box 607
Chipley , Florida 32428
(888) 638-0250, ext 208 (toll free)
e-mail: tommie.speights@dot.state.fl.us
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