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| With tremendous growth occurring along and all around both Frank Reeder Road and Devine Farm Road--and with two interchange projects being planned in the area--is now the right time to discuss an overpass between these two county roads to provide another east-west artery for NFCU, OLF 8, and this growing area of the county? |
At last night's FDOT meeting regarding I-10 widening and interchange reconfigurations, an interesting side-bar conversation happened between several folks in attendance regarding Devine Farm Road and Frank Reeder Road. Currently, as shown in the map above--both of these roads dead-end right into the Interstate just southeast of the I-10 Weigh Station complex.
With explosive growth all around both of these roads, with a tremendous need for more east-west connectivity in this area of the county, with NFCU expanding, with OLF 8 set for development, and with two separate FDOT studies underway currently for three area interchanges--is now the right time to discuss an overpass connectiong Devine Farm Road in District 5 with Frank Reeder Road in District 1?
This is just a rhetorical question at the moment--and a lot of upgrades would have to be made to both roads before such an idea could be seriously considered. Also, Commissioner Barry in D5 would certainly have a big say in this--as would I as the D1 commissioner. Residents, I am sure, would also have a lot to say about this and I am certain there would be significant push back from some.
But I do think it is worth having a discussion--given all the growth that is not only out there now, but coming in the years ahead. It's certainly something to consider if all concerns can be addressed and it could be done cost-effectively.
That was quite a public forum. 2/6/2020
ReplyDeleteThe connection of the roads would benefit the whole county and the surrounding area. With Navy Federal Credit Union having so many employees this would lessen traffic on nine mile road, Pine Cone, and Pineforest. Soon enough Pineforest and 297A will be like Davis Highway/Olive Road/University Blvd with all homes coming to area, if there is not another east and west corridor. The only east and west would be Kingsfield. OLF-8 is bigger than downtown Pensacola so it has the potential to be the next best place for everyone. So as OLF-8 develops there will be a huge need to across the interstate for everyone living off of 297A/97 and Cantonment area, Nine Mile Road cant be the only east west road. This completely makes since to connect the two roads. Why do it later after they are done 6 laning the interstate?
ReplyDeleteConstruction crews will all ready be there and now the study is underway. If its not done now then it will be separate PD&E study and could cost more because the 6 lanes wasn't designed correctly to include a overpass. Let's not wait like we do for most things. Let's plan ahead
https://weartv.com/news/local/interstate-overpass-connecting-beulah-and-cantonment-under-discussion
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