Main Streets working with the Florida Department of ......The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) defines a multi-use trail as a paved, shared use path, which is typically

Main Streets Working with the FDOT

2016 FLORIDA MAIN STREET ANNUAL CONFERENCE

August 9, 2016

DeLand, Florida

Main Streets working with the

Florida Department of Transportation



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FLORIDA MAIN STREET COMMUNITIES

It is likely that every FLMS Community has FDOT corridors used as a

form of access to their Main Street district.



TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED

History of Street Design

A Changing FDOT for the Better!

Understanding & Working with FDOT

FDOT Districts Information

SUN Trail Network Program

Community Aesthetic Features

Complete Streets

Beautification Programs

Additional FDOT Programs

Note: Case study images from projects and locations from

around the world are used throughout this presentation for

educational purposes only and will not be reproduced. They are

not intended to necessarily represent the work of the presenter.

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Intersection of Highway 17 (Woodland Blvd) and

Highway 44 (New York Ave) in downtown DeLand, FL



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HISTORY OF STREET DESIGN

“For decades, the purpose and goal of street design in the United

States was to move as much motorized traffic as expeditiously as

possible from point A to point B, regardless of whether the traffic was

moving along a major freeway or commercial arterial, or through a

city center, village main street, or even a residential neighborhood.”

– Federal Highway Administration

The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1944 aimed to connect 90% of cities

with a population of 50,000 or more.



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HISTORY OF STREET DESIGN

As vehicle quantity grew, so did the amount and size of roads to

handle the increased traffic.

Design has been basically vehicle-centric with lack of

accommodations for alternate transportation options.



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A Changing FDOT for the Better

• The Department is now looking at more than moving cars. They

consider the communities through which their corridors run.

• Transportation Design for Livable Communities is part of their

Plans Preparation Manual

• The Department considers both Urban and Rural “contexts”

• As of July 6, 2016, AARP recognized FDOT for Implementation of

Complete Streets

• The Department incorporates local input (like Main Streets!)



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FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

As of September 17,

2014, FDOT has

now incorporated

the Complete

Streets policy.



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A Changing FDOT for the Better

Public Engagement / Early Scoping

“TDLC features are to be considered when they are desired, appropriate

and feasible.”

“…contingent upon involvement of the local stakeholders in the planning

and project development processes.”

“…essential that all stakeholders are included from the initial planning

phase of the project through design, construction and maintenance.”

“…assess …willingness of the community or stakeholder to accept all of

the ramifications of TDLC, including funding allocations and maintenance

agreements…” IMP

OR

TA

NT

!!!



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Understanding FDOT

• Research and understand FDOT Policies, Organization and Protocol

• Contact FDOT representatives in your District to learn about their

organization and what opportunities may exist. They are there to

help!

• Communicate clearly and share information on FDOT with your local

City Council, County Commission and/or Metropolitan Planning

Organization (MPO).

• Many times lack of understanding and communication leads to the

failure of opportunities



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How to Work with FDOT

• Your City Council, County Commission and/or MPO are the ones who

will enter into formal agreements.

• If you gain the support of your local government leaders, you will win

the first step of the battle.

• Many times, a local government must provide some form of matching

funds to obtain funding and/or support from FDOT. Clearly

communicate this to your local government and look for projects

already planned which could be used as leverage to obtain FDOT

support. An example could be a road resurfacing project which could

have medians and landscape added to the design.



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How to Work with FDOT

MAIN STREET PROGRAMS CAN BE THE

CHEERLEADER AND DRIVING FORCE

BEHIND DECISIONS MADE BY THE LOCAL

GOVERNMENT TO WORK WITH FDOT TO

BETTER THEIR COMMUNITY



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Seven Districts of FDOT

District Headquarters

District 1: Bartow

District 2: Lake City / Jacksonville

District 3: Chipley

District 4: Ft. Lauderdale

District 5: DeLand

District 6: Miami

District 7: Tampa

Central Office: Tallahassee

District Contacts Website:

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/publicinformationoffice/moreDOT/districts/district.shtm



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FDOT District ContactsDistrict One SecretaryBilly Hattaway801 N. Broadway Ave.Bartow, Florida 33830-3809(863) 519-2300

District Two SecretaryGreg Evans1109 South Marion Avenue, Lake City, Florida 32025-5874(386) 961-7800

District Three SecretaryTommy BarfieldHighway 90 East, Chipley, Florida 32428-0607(850) 330-1250, Toll Free 1-888-638-0250

District Four SecretaryGerry O'Reilly3400 West Commercial Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309(954) 777-4100

District Five SecretaryNoranne Downs719 South Woodland Boulevard, DeLand, Florida 32720386-943-5000

District Six SecretaryJim Wolfe1000 N.W. 111 Avenue, Miami, Florida 33172(305) 470-5197

District Seven SecretaryPaul Steinman11201 N. Malcolm McKinley Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612-6403(813) 975-6000



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Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trails Program

What is the SUN Trail program? The SUN Trail program funds the development of a statewide, paved,

multi-use trail network for bicyclists and pedestrians. It is the paved

component of the Florida Greenways and Trails System (FGTS). For

additional information visit www.FloridaSunTrail.com

What is the definition of a multi-use trail? The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) defines a multi-use

trail as a paved, shared use path, which is typically 12 feet wide, but

may commonly vary from 10 feet to 14 or more feet depending upon

constraints or volume of use. In some areas of extreme constraints

such as at bridges or in environmentally sensitive areas, a trail may be

as narrow as eight feet. The goal is to construct 12-foot-wide trails.



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Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trails Program

How can I verify if my trail is

within the SUN Trail Network?

Visit www.FloridaSunTrail.com and select

“Florida Greenway and Trails System Plan”



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Community Aesthetic Feature (CAF)

What is a Community Aesthetic Feature?

• Enhancements installed on the State Highway

System or Interstate ROW

• Any feature that a community, city, district, or

municipality wants to place in FDOT’s ROW to

reflect themselves and enhance a sense of

place

How do Construction and Maintenance Work?

• Designed, Maintained and paid for by the

local governmental entity.

• May be constructed by the local

governmental entity or as part of a

Department project.



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WHAT ARE COMPLETE STREETS?

Complete streets….

- are for everyone, no matter who

they are or how they travel

- are Safe, Comfortable and

Convenient

- benefit all users

- ensure that the entire right-of-way is

planned, designed, constructed,

operated, and maintained to provide

safe access for all users

Complete streets can include….

- Sidewalks

- Bike lanes

- Crosswalks

- Medians

- Street Plantings

- Public Transportation

- Vehicles



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ANALYSE YOUR COMMUNITY

Consider your community base. Who is it you are serving?

How can you increase access for them?

Analyze your physical Main Street District and surrounding access to it.

Are there gaps in the sidewalk?

Are there intersections in need of crosswalks?

Are there gaps in bike lanes?

Are there bus stops that should be added?

Is the speed limit too high?



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WHO IS BEHIND COMPLETE STREETS?

The National Complete Streets Coalition, launched in 2004, is a part

of Smart Growth America.

Their goal is to integrate “people and place in the planning, design,

construction, operation, and maintenance of our transportation

networks. The Coalition promotes the development and

implementation of policies and professional practices that ensure

streets are safe for people of all ages and abilities, balance the needs

of different modes, and support local land uses, economies, cultures,

and natural environments.”



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CONCERNS OF TODAY

- Aging Population

- Improving Public Health and Fitness

- Minimizing Transportation Costs

- Creating and Maintaining Vibrant Neighborhoods

- Reducing Fossil Fuel Emissions

- Adopting Greener and More Sustainable Lifestyles



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COMPLETE STREETS BENEFITS

- Elderly: In 10 years, 20% of Americans will be 65 or older. Many

of those will not be drivers, and would benefit from alternate

modes of transportation. Complete streets allow older adults to

stay active and connected to their community, i.e. Main Street

- People with Disabilities: 1 in 5 Americans has some form of

disability. Due to lack of complete streets, many are isolated and

dependent on others

- Youth: Over 33% of youth under 20 years of age are obese. 13% of

children ages 5 to 14 walk to school today. However, in 1968, 48%

of children walked to school. Connectivity allows kids to be more

active, gain independence and improve mental health.



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COMPLETE STREETS BENEFITS

- Safety: Over 40% of pedestrian fatalities occurred where there is

no available crosswalk

- Economy: Savings on transportation costs. Businesses’ employees

stuck in traffic for less time. Increased forms of transportation

traffic to local businesses.

- Environment: Reduced CO2 emissions from vehicles by reduced

trips when using alternate modes of transportation.

- Aesthetics: Complete Streets just look better and create an

inviting environment to all users.



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Sidewalk leading to

nowhere or complete

lack of sidewalks

No bike lanes

No medians

No On-Street Parking

Overall lack of

transportation

alternatives to the vehicle

No community access



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Trail Connectivity

Trail Crossing in Crystal River, FL



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Before

After



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5 minute walk

radius



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Breaks in

Pedestrian Path



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Existing



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Proposed



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Highway Beautification ProgramsFlorida Scenic HighwaysA program designed to enhance travelers’ experience. Benefits of program include:

Resource ProtectionPreserve, enhance and maintain corridor resources

Community RecognitionInclusion of scenic highways on statewide maps and promotional materials such as

brochures and travel guides

Economic DevelopmentOpportunity for economic development/tourism. Currently, millions of tourists vacation in

Florida each year, many arriving by car. Scenic highways offer these visitors alternative,

out-of-the-way routes to travel throughout the state

Website: http://floridascenichighways.com/



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Highway Beautification Programs

Wildflower ProgramImproves aesthetics and driver safety while lowering maintenance costs.

Preserves naturally occurring stands of wildflowers and remnants of native plant

communities on Florida's more than 12,000 miles of state-maintained roads.

Facilitates the development of

roadsides into biological corridors

comprised of a diverse mix of

planted and naturally occurring

native flora that will increase

habitat for pollinator species while

safely reducing the cost of

managing roadside vegetation.

Website: http://www.dot.state.fl.us/projectmanagementoffice/wildflowers/default.shtm



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Highway Beautification Programs

Highway Beautification GrantsBefore preparing a grant application, contact the District Grant Coordinator no later than

September 1

Deadline to Submit Applications is October 3

Communities that fall within the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Areas are

encouraged to apply. REDI communities do not need to provide matching funds to be

considered.

Website: http://myfloridabeautiful.com/Council/Grants.shtm



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Small County Outreach ProgramAssists small county governments in repairing or rehabilitating county bridges, paving

unpaved roads, addressing road-related drainage improvements, resurfacing or

reconstructing county roads, or constructing capacity or safety improvements to county

roads.

Website: http://www.dot.state.fl.us/programmanagement/LP/SCOP/Default.shtm



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State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)The State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) is a federally mandated document

which must include a listing of projects planned with federal participation in the next four

fiscal years. Although the STIP is approved annually by FHWA at the beginning of each

federal fiscal year (October 1st), FHWA allows FDOT to report these four years on a state

fiscal year basis (July 1st thru June 30th)

Monies can become available each year if certain projects do not come to fruition. This

opens up monies to projects your community may have that are “shovel ready”.

Website: http://www.dot.state.fl.us/OWPB/Federal/stip.shtm



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National Complete Streets Coalition (Part of Smart Growth America)

Website: http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/complete-streets

Florida Department of Transportation Complete Streets Implementation

Website: http://www.dot.state.fl.us/rddesign/CSI/Default.shtm

Small County Outreach Program

Website: http://www.dot.state.fl.us/programmanagement/LP/SCOP/Default.shtm

Safe Routes to School (Grants Available)

Website: http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/

Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI)

http://www.floridajobs.org/business-growth-and-partnerships/rural-and-economic-

development-initiative/redi-message-from-the-governor/we-are-redi

Informational Resources


Main Streets Working with the FDOT 41

Intersection of Highway 17 (Woodland Blvd) and Highway 44 (New York Ave) in downtown DeLand, FL

Downtown DeLand



Google Maps View of Woodland Blvd & New York Ave (North is to the left)

Downtown DeLand



Sidewalk View along Woodland Boulevard

Downtown DeLand



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QUESTIONS?

Charlie Johnson

[email protected]

� Tallahassee, FL Office: 850-391-0360

� Hilton Head Island, SC Office: 843-681-6618

Wood + Partners, Inc.To Contact Us…

Wood + Partners Office in Tallahassee



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Wood + Partners, Inc.

OFFICE LOCATIONS:� Tallahassee, FL Office: 850-391-0360� Hilton Head Island, SC Office: 843-681-6618

Website: http://www.woodandpartners.com/services/

Markets We Serve

WPi's planners and designers are skilled in leading complex public and private sector projects, building

consensus, and conducting community input sessions in settings with wide-ranging interests. We

specialize in serving the following market segments:

• Civic + Government

• Community + Estate

• Education + Institution

• Hospitality + Resort

• Parks + Recreation

• Workplace + Commercial

Presenter:Charlie Johnson, Senior Project Manager

Email: [email protected]

Documents

Main Streets working with the Florida Department of ......The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) defines a multi-use trail as a paved, shared use path, which is typically