- May 4, 2024
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A hearing was held Nov. 29 to present I-95 interchange plans at Matanzas.
Following an Aug. 11 public hearing, which presented alternatives for a possible highway interchange at Matanzas Woods Parkway, Flagler County, in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation and HDR Engineering Inc., held a second hearing Tuesday, Nov. 29, to present its preferred project plans.
Based on feedback from residents and local agencies, HDR Engineering Inc. presented its preferred interstate shape (diamond, instead of partial clover), timeline (construction to begin in 2015), pond locations and more.
The total cost of the project is projected at $35.6 million. Unlike the first forum, though, money was hardly the issue of the night.
Residents Dennis and Janet McDonald each decried the potential “security breach” involved in the three-mile project.
“There are absolutely no services (in the area of the interchange) at all,” Dennis McDonald said. “People will be getting off and wandering around the neighborhood.”
He also cited property detriments, likening the construction of an interchange in Matanzas to a resident buying a cul-de-sac lot, only to have it later be opened up into a thorough-fare.
“You’re going to take what everybody bought in this area,” he said, “and drive a four-lane highway down the middle of it … I can’t think of a more ill-conceived project.”
Janet McDonald, along with another resident, Dawn Lopes, focused more on noise.
“Significant changes and buffers should be included,” Janet McDonald said. “I think (the plan) is irresponsible and unethical.”
According to the report, 13.8 acres of wetland will be impacted by construction of the interchange, and 1.8 by road widening. A total of 49 homes are listed as “impacted noise-sensitive.”
Of the four residents who spoke, though — the rest turned in comment cards — there was one supporter.
“This interchange is long overdue,” said Dave Preat, of the B-section. “It’s about time we look at a new alternative, a new means for us residents … to get to the interstate.”
Both Preat and the McDonalds received applause from the crowd.
The Project Development and Environmental study for the interchange/road widening plan, funded by FDOT, based its findings off the projected traffic conditions in 2035.
According to Brian Ribaric, FDOT consultant, the interchange will be necessary for supporting traffic flow by 2015.
The widening of Matanzas Woods to four lanes, however, would be necessary later. Completed in three segments — from U.S. 1 to the southbound interchange ramps, from the southbound ramps over I-95 to the northbound ramps, and the northbound ramps to Old Kings Road — each would include new curbs and gutters, sidewalks, bicycle lanes and medians.
Segment 1 would be necessary by 2019, Ribaric said. Segment 2 (the bridge over I-95) and 3 (the northbound ramps to Old Kings) would be necessary by 2027.
PUBLIC COMMENT
If you missed the hearing but wish to provide input, send comments to HDR Engineering Inc., 315 E. Robinson St., Suite 400; Orlando, FL 32801.
Or submit online, to [email protected].
Comments will be accepted until Dec. 9.
