Introduction
Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE), part of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), is designing a new interchange at Sand Lake Road (SR 482) and Florida’s Turnpike (SR 91) in Orange County. Design is the third phase of the FDOT project development process. Construction plans, specifications and final estimates to build a project are developed during this phase.
The interchange will provide full access to/from the northbound and southbound directions along Florida’s Turnpike.
This new interchange will:
- Enhance connectivity
- Provide long-term mobility options
- Address existing and future traffic needs
- Enhance access for emergency responders and during hurricane evacuations
Project improvements include the reconstruction of the Sand Lake Road bridges spanning over Florida’s Turnpike to accommodate the new ramps, turn lane improvements at the Presidents Drive and Sand Lake Road intersection, and new sidewalks along both sides of Sand Lake Road from John Young Parkway to Presidents Drive.
Noise Studies are performed in the PD&E phase and the Design phase, and re-evaluated if there is a major change in design to the roadway.
The new ramp connections from Florida’s Turnpike to Sand Lake Road will be signalized. The southbound off-ramp will tie into Sand Lake Road where the existing median opening into the Sand Lake Corners shopping center is located today. This median opening will be converted into a signalized intersection. The other ramp connections will be made closer to the Sand Lake Road bridges. See the study area map below.
Tolls will be collected on both the southbound off-ramp and northbound on-ramp using SunPass (or another interoperable transponder) or TOLL-BY-PLATE. This toll collection system is known as All-Electronic Tolling (AET) and does not provide cash lanes for toll collection. No tolls will be collected on the southbound on-ramp and northbound off-ramp. Highway lighting will be added to the interchange.
Project Background
FDOT District Five previously conducted the Sand Lake Road Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study that evaluated various alternatives and made a final recommendation for advancement into the design phase. The PD&E study was completed in 2006 and evaluated the widening of Sand Lake Road from west of Turkey Lake Road to Presidents Drive, and a new interchange at Sand Lake Road and Florida’s Turnpike. The limits of this project extend from John Young Parkway to Presidents Drive and include the new interchange ramps at Sand Lake Road with Florida’s Turnpike.
Study Area
Environment
As part of the PD&E study conducted in 2006, potential impacts to the environment were considered and measures to minimize and mitigate for these impacts were incorporated into the project. Based on the recommended design, it was determined that there are no significant impacts associated with the project. As the design phase continues, any new impacts associated with the project will be identified and addressed through the permitting process with the appropriate resource agency.
Innovation
FTE is at the forefront of planning for a safer, more efficient, and technologically advanced transportation system for the future. FTE continually seeks opportunities to integrate emerging transportation technologies that can help reduce congestion, create mobility choices, minimize environmental impacts and improve safety. FTE also recognizes that connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technologies hold unprecedented opportunities for enhancing mobility and increasing safety on our roadways.
If you have an idea for a technology or innovation that you would like to be considered as part of this study, please reach out to one of the contacts in the Stay Connected section below.
Schedule
Documents
A copy of the Sand Lake Road Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study, prepared by FDOT District Five, is available for download. Click here to download the document.
Stay Connected
Project inquires, comments, innovation/technology ideas, or requests to be added to the project mailing list, can be mailed or emailed to:
Jason Christopher, P.E.
Project Manager for Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (HNTB team)
For information in Spanish, please contact:
Para information en espańol por favor contacte:
Juliette Valencia
Community Outreach Manager
Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (WSP USA)
Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (WSP USA)
Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, Public Information Office using the contact information below:
Tom Alexander
Community Outreach Specialist
Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (WSP USA)
Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (WSP USA)
If you choose to provide feedback on this site or in an email, such information is a public record under Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Laws and available for public inspection upon demand. Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status.
If you need special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or require translation services (free of charge), please contact the Project Manager using the contact information listed on this page. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1 (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or 955-8770 (voice).