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 1. What is taking place for Interstates 10 and 110?
I-10 is being widened to six lanes from east of Old Palafox Highway to east of Davis Highway, while I-110 is being widened to six lanes from the I-10 interchange to Maxwell Street. Interchange improvements are also underway at I-10/I-110, I-10/Davis Highway, and I-110/Fairfield Drive. New overpasses have been constructed on I-110 at Creighton Road and Hyatt Street to accommodate the widening of the interstate. The I-10/I-110 interchange work is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2008, while the work on I-110 is slated for completion in mid-late 2008.
2. Why can’t the traffic signal on Davis Highway southbound to the Interstate 10 westbound on-ramp be programmed to allow a free-flow of traffic?
The traffic signal (and the associated “stop condition”) is needed to allow pedestrian traffic to safely cross Davis Highway. There are also businesses on the west side of Davis Highway that require access to Davis Highway southbound. Without the signal safety would be severely compromised.
The stop condition is also needed to accommodate large trucks turning left from the I-10 westbound off-ramp to Davis Highway southbound. Currently large trucks cannot make this turn without encroaching into the lane leading to the off-ramp. Wide turns could create a safety hazard if traffic was allowed to free-flow from Davis Highway southbound to the I-10 westbound on-ramp.
The changes at the interchange will include two left turn lanes, versus the current single lane, from the I-10 westbound off-ramp to Davis Highway southbound. This will reduce the signal time needed for traffic turning left from the off-ramp to Davis Highway. In addition, there will be an additional lane from Davis Highway southbound to the I-10 westbound on-ramp. The increased capacity should reduce the wait times for drivers destined for I-10 westbound.
3. 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 spring 2009.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. How can motorists stay updated on traffic conditions during the construction projects?
Motorists can consult this web site, as it is regularly updated to carry the latest traffic advisories. Traffic advisories are also publicized in the local media (radio, television, newspapers). In the construction zone motorists can stay informed of traffic conditions by referring to the Variable Message Signs (VMS) and Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) network that has been established along I-10 and I-110. Finally, citizens with questions or comments can contact the Pensacola Public Information Office at 477-7485. The office is located at 651 Burgess Road, Suite 52, in the Tradewinds Shopping Center. The office hours are 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The email address is tradewinds@volkert.com.
8. What is the Service Patrol?
The FDOT Service Patrol is a free service provided to keep the I-10 and I-110 construction zones clear of disabled or abandoned vehicles.
9. 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. The office is located at 651 E. Burgess Road, Suite 52 in the Tradewinds Shopping Center. The telephone number is 477-7485. E-mail can be sent to tradewinds@volkert.com.
10. 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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