1

Project Initiation Presentationto the

Polk Transportation Planning OrganizationAugust 9, 2012

To improve regional freight and highway mobility while enhancing safety and minimizing impacts to urban

areas and the environment

2

Project History

Planned Integrated Logistics Center

Shifting Rail Traffic from “A” Line to “S” Line

Rail Traffic Evaluation Study (2009)

INTEGRATED LOGISTICS CENTER

3

Initial Study

Rail Relocation 8 Alternatives

4

Initial Study Conclusions

Common Issues for All Relocation Alternatives Freight continues to operate through urban areas

Local trains continue to operate on the “A” and “S” lines Through trains would divert to an alternate route

CSX would have to agree to move operations to any new route

Infrastructure improvements still required on “S” line to serve the ILC Lakeland area track sidings Numerous rail signal upgrades Pollard Road construction to the ILC

5

ProjectArea

Project Area Includes Six Counties Polk Pasco Hillsborough Lake Hernando Sumter

INTEGRATED LOGISTICS CENTER

6

Project Phases

Phase 1 Phase 2

18MONTHS

15MONTHS

12MONTHS

9MONTHS

6MONTHS

NTP

STEP 1Chartering and Coordination

• PMP, Sched. • Vision & Goals• Issues• Purpose & Need• PMT, FAST• Mayors Council• Reg. Agency

STEP 2Scenario

Development

• Data Collection• Traffic• Freight Demand• Corridor safety• Rail Clearance• Noise and

Vibration

STEP 3Refine Solutions

• Short Term Solutions

• Funding and Finance

• Background work for Long Term Solutions

STEP 4Viable Relocation

Alternatives

Phase II Alt. Analysis• Criteria and

Methodology• Rail Operations• Community

Issues• Agency Issues• Evaluation of

alternatives• Cost/Benefit

STEP 5Recommendations

• Alternatives to advance to PD&E

• Funding Plan• Preferred Package• Implementation

Plan

1 2 3

Short Term (SEIR/Cat Ex)

Long Term Federal Action (EA/EIS)

Phase 3

7

Quiet zones FRA program CSX supports their use Grade crossings may need to be closed

Short Term Solutions

8

Short Term Solutions

Geometric Improvements CSX land

ownership Increase speed Less “gate

down” time Air quality

improvements Sidings

Realignment Option

Existing Rail

9

Short Term Solutions

Grade Separations

N

Roadway Over Railroad

Wils

on A

ve

10

Short Term Solutions

Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations

11

Short Term Solutions

Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS) AVL – Automatic vehicle location VMS – Variable message signs Railroad crossing monitoring

Pre and post signal coordination

12

Long Term Solutions

Rail Relocation 10 Alternatives

13

Long Term Solutions

Trenching

14

Public Outreach Opportunities

Freight and Stakeholders Taskforce (FAST) Comprised of government staff and project stakeholders Meet regularly Develop and refine short term and long term projects

Mayors Council Comprised of study area mayors Predominantly meet via webinars Identify community concerns

15

Public Outreach Opportunities

Public Meetings Three public meetings scheduled

September 10th The Lakeland Center (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) September 11th Fantasy of Flight (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) September 13th Bartow Civic Center (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.)

Electronic Media Website (www.polkrail.com) Social Media

16

Schedule

17

Summary

Project will evaluate short and long term solutions

Project will involve extensive public outreach Project will also evaluate funding and finance

opportunities for short term projects.

18

Project Contact InformationMs. Gwen G. Pipkin

Gwen.Pipkin@dot.state.fl.us(863) 519-2375

Florida Department of TransportationP.O. Box 1249

Bartow, FL 33831