Orlando International Airport (OIA) Connector Refresh Alternatives Analysis

Transcription

1 EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT Orlando International Airport (OIA) Connector Refresh Alternatives Analysis Financial Project No.s: , , , , April 2013 Prepared for: Florida Department of Transportation, District Five 719 South Woodland Boulevard Deland, Florida

2 Table of Contents Table of Contents... 1 Index of Tables... 2 Index of Figures Introduction Report Purpose Project History and Study Purpose Project Description Transportation Systems Baseline Conditions Existing Transit Conditions Overview LYNX Fixed Route Service SunRail Commuter Rail Service I Ride Trolleys Private Transportation Services Roadway Characteristics Capacity Deficiencies Safety Orlando International Airport Rail Freight and Intercity Passenger Service Baseline SunRail Station Rail Spur Orlando Central Park Industrial Track AMTRAK Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Socioeconomic Baseline Land Use Existing Land Use Conservation Areas

3 3.1.3 Future Land Use Developments of Regional Impact (DRI) Environmental Baseline Cultural Resources Parklands Air Quality Noise and Vibration Noise Ground borne Vibration Ecosystems Wetlands Water Quality Floodplains Wildlife and Habitat Appendix LYNX Route Ridership, Timetables, and Maps Index of Tables Table 1 LYNX FY 2011 Total Ridership... 9 Table 2 LYNX Route Summary Table 3 LYNX Superstops Table 4 Roadway Characteristics Table 5 Existing Annual Average Daily Traffic and LOS Table 6 Roadway Segment Crash Data ( ) Summary Table 7 Summary of DRIs within Study Area Table 7 Summary of DRIs within Study Area (Cont d) Table 8 Parks and Recreation Facilities Table 9 National Ambient Air Quality Standards Table 10 Land Use Categories and Metrics for Noise Criteria

4 Index of Figures Figure 1 Study Area Map... 5 Figure 2 OIA Connector Existing Transportation Network... 7 Figure 3 Existing Roadway Network Figure 4 Existing Level of Service (LOS) Figure 5 Bike Lanes and Trails Figure 6 Conservation Areas Figure 7 Future Land Use Figure 8 Southeast Orlando Sector Plan (Medical City) Figure 9 Study Area DRI s Figure 10 Parks and Recreation Facilities Figure 11 NWI Wetlands Figure 12 FEMA Floodplains

5 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Report Purpose This report provides a summary of the existing conditions of the transportation network, socioeconomic, and environmental conditions within the Orlando International Airport (OIA) Connector study area. It documents the factors that will be considered in determining impacts or changes to the existing conditions as a result of the implementation of a transit project in the OIA Connector study area. 1.2 Project History and Study Purpose The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is conducting this Alternatives Analysis study in consultation with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (CFRTA, locally known as LYNX). The purpose of this study is to provide the analysis and documentation necessary prior to the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in compliance with all FDOT and FTA requirements and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential of a premium transit system to provide system linkage in the Central Florida area and serve as an alternative mode to highway travel. This project is expected to identify transportation solutions by evaluating several alternative transit alternatives, which would ultimately identify a recommended alternative for this proposed transit system. By integrating a premium transit system into the transportation network within the study area, the integrity of the highway system is maintained, while improving local access to the surrounding community. This study is being conducted to re evaluate the transit options within the study area, building on a previous Alternatives Analysis study completed in This refresh analysis accounts for changes within the study area since the time of the initial analysis, including, but not limited to, new transit modes and service, amended land uses / new development, roadway improvement projects and changes to the natural and physical environment. The regional transportation system consists of an extensive roadway network, railroad lines with freight and passenger rail service, and a system of public and private transit services. 1.3 Project Description The study area for the OIA Connector is generally bordered by Hoffner Avenue/Oak Ridge Road on the north, Osceola Parkway (C.R. 522) on the south, Narcoossee Road (S.R. 15) on the east, and Interstate 4 on the west. The OIA Connector is planned to link the Orlando International Airport with other transportation projects and major activity centers within the study area such as the SunRail commuter rail system, other public and private transit services, Orange County Convention Center, International Drive, Florida Mall and the emerging Medical City area. The project traverses the southern portion of unincorporated Orange County, the northern portion of unincorporated Osceola County, and encompasses the cities of Orlando and Belle Isle. Figure 1 presents the project study area. 4 4

6 Figure 1 Study Area Map 5

7 This study will be coordinated with other transit and transportation initiatives that are planned or currently underway. These initiatives include: I Drive Transit Master Plan (1994, 1996) Airport Corridor Major Investment Study (1997) I 4 Light Rail Transit (LRT) Environmental Impact Statement and Conceptual Drawings (1998) Orange County Convention Center Master Plan (2001) Regional LRT Alternatives Analysis/Supplemental DEIS (2002) OIA Connector Alternatives Analysis (2005) MetroPlan Orlando s Year 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan Central Florida Commuter Rail Transit (CFCRT, also known as SunRail), Phase 1 (DeBary to Sand Lake Road), under construction SunRail Phase 2 South (Sand Lake Road to Poinciana) and Phase 2 North (DeBary to DeLand), in advanced planning and design LYNX Comprehensive Operations Analysis Lymmo Extensions (Parramore and East/West) American Maglev All Aboard Florida US 441 / Orange Blossom Trail Alternatives Analysis US 192 Alternatives Analysis S.R. 50 / Colonial Drive Alternatives Analysis Although the above mentioned projects have independent utility, all activities associated with these projects will continue to be closely monitored to ensure project consistency. 6 6

8 Figure 2 OIA Connector Existing Transportation Network 7

9 2.0 Transportation Systems Baseline Conditions 2.1 Existing Transit Conditions Overview This section presents an overview of existing transit conditions for the Orlando region and study area. Existing transit services are operated in the OIA Connector study area by the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (CFRTA, d.b.a. LYNX), the International Drive Resort Area (I Ride), and a number of private transportation operators. LYNX provides local and express bus services throughout the Orlando metropolitan area. In order to ensure efficient, safe and responsive transit services, LYNX continually reviews and updates service plans to reflect the changing nature of development and travel in the metro area. In addition to these reviews, more comprehensive and broad based transit studies and analyses are undertaken periodically. The International Drive Area operates two bus trolley routes, Red and Green, in the International Drive area. Each trolley routes operates daily from 8:00 a.m. 10:30 p.m., with service frequencies approximately every 20 minutes. In addition to LYNX s and I Ride s public transit services, a large number of private transportation operators provide a range of transportation services in the OIA Connector study area. These services include taxicabs, limousines, shuttle vans and buses that operate between the Orlando International Airport, hotels in downtown Orlando and Central Florida Resorts, theme parks and other attractions. Improvement and expansion of the public transit system is the backbone of the LYNX Transit Development Plan (TDP), a five year strategic plan to accommodate the population and employment growth forecast for the metropolitan Orlando region. The TDP calls for expansion of the transit coach and van fleet; development of multiple intermodal centers; building new operating facilities; and advancing a number of major transit investment studies. In addition, LYNX has recently begun a Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA) that is intended to evaluate its current bus operations and recommend service improvements. The Central Florida Commuter Rail Transit (SunRail) is a planned commuter rail system currently under construction, with Phase 1 (DeBary to Sand Lake Road) scheduled to open in spring The OIA Connector study area contains one SunRail station (Sand Lake Road) as part of Phase 1, with two additional stations in the study area coming in Phase 2 (Meadow Woods and Osceola Parkway). Figure 2 displays the existing LYNX fixed route bus service in addition to the SunRail commuter rail service. 8 8

10 2.1.1 LYNX Fixed Route Service LYNX provides local and express bus services throughout the Orlando metropolitan area. LYNX operates a fleet of 265 buses on 61 local bus routes (Links), delivering more than 28.1 million passenger trips and serving area of approximately 2,500 square miles in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. Other LYNX services include LYMMO, a free downtown Orlando circulator; a commuter assistance Vanpool program; ACCESS LYNX paratransit service; nine NeighborLink (formerly called PickUpLine) community circulators; and Xpress service from Lake and Volusia counties. Table 1 provides total ridership by LYNX service for fiscal year (FY) Table 1 LYNX FY 2011 Total Ridership Service Total Ridership LYMMO 1,014,521 Fixed Route 25,944,401 Pick Up Line 144,256 SUBTOTAL FIXED ROUTE 27,103,178 Special Shuttles 37,236 ACCESS LYNX 676,913 Van Pool 205,859 SUBOTOTAL OTHER SERVICES 920,008 TOTAL ALL SERVICES 28,023,186 Source: LYNX FY 2011 Annual Ridership Report LYNX service in the OIA Connector study area, shown in Table 2 and on Figure 1, is provided on weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The span of service varies by route, beginning as early as 4:00 a.m. and ending as late as 3:00 a.m., with service frequencies ranging between every 15 minutes to 60 minutes. A more detailed listing of the LYNX routes and individual route maps are included in Appendix A. Within the OIA Connector study area, LYNX has constructed three superstops, shown in Table 3 and on Figure 1, that provide bus bays, passenger shelters, benches, and other passenger amenities. Passengers can transfer among LYNX Links to access other locations in the study area, including the Orlando International Airport and Universal Studios. 9 9

11 Link Main Corridor(s) Within Study Area Table 2 LYNX Route Summary Airport Connection 4 US 441 No 7 Orange Ave No International Drive Orange Blossom Trail Orange Ave Sand Lake Road Orange Ave Osceola Parkway No Yes No 21 Kirkman Road No 24 Vineland Road No Kirkman Road Universal Boulevard International Drive Sand Lake Road I 4 International Drive Orange Ave Kirkman Road No No No Span of Service Service Frequency 4:15 a.m. 1:10 a.m. M F 30 min 4:34 a.m. 11:35 p.m. Saturday 30 min 4:31 a.m. 10:05 p.m. Sunday 30 min 4:15 a.m. 12:50 a.m. M F, Saturday 60 min 5:15 a.m. 8:35 p.m. Sunday 60 min 4:45 a.m. 3:10 a.m. M F 15 min 4:45 a.m. 1:10 a.m. Saturday 15 min 4:45 a.m. 10:05 p.m. Sunday 30 min 5:00 a.m. 12:35 a.m. M F 30 min 5:00 a.m. 10:35 p.m. Saturday 30 min 5:45 a.m. 9:05 p.m. Sunday 60 min 4:52 a.m. 11:30 p.m. M F, Saturday 60 min No service Sunday 4:11 a.m. 1:50 a.m. M F, Saturday 30 min 4:11 a.m. 1:50 a.m. M F, Saturday 30 min 4:41 a.m. 9:50 p.m. Sunday 60 min 6:05 a.m. 6:26 p.m. M F, Saturday 60 min 6:35 a.m. 6:20 p.m. Sunday 60 min 4:45 a.m. 11:29 p.m. M F 4:50 a.m. 10:25 p.m. Saturday 4:50 a.m. 10:25 p.m. Sunday 30 min 30 min 60 min 6:00 a.m. 5:55 p.m. M F, Saturday 15 min 6:15 a.m. 5:40 p.m. Sunday 30 min 4:00 a.m. 12:40 a.m. M F, Saturday 60 min 4:45 a.m. 7:37 p.m. Sunday 60 min 4:15 a.m. 12:59 a.m. M F, Saturday 30 min Main Street Yes S.R :58 a.m. 11:21 p.m. Sunday 60 min Average Weekday Ridership 5,939 1,036 7,303 1,120 1,595 3, , ,524 5,

12 Link 42 Main Corridor(s) Within Study Area International Drive Oak Ridge Road Sand Lake Road McCoy Road Table 2 LYNX Route Summary (Cont d) Airport Connection Yes Span of Service 4:44 a.m. 12:30 a.m. M F, Saturday 4:59 a.m. 11:20 p.m. Sunday Service Frequency 30 min 60 min Average Weekday Ridership 2, I 4 No 5:15 a.m. 1:05 a.m. every day 30 min 2, Orange Ave Hoffner Ave Yes 57 John Young Parkway No Universal Boulevard Pointe Plaza Ave International Drive S.R. 528 Orange Blossom Trail Sand Lake Road I 4 Kirkman Road Osceola Parkway I 4 Kirkman Road No Yes No No 5:15a.m. 10:20p.m. M F, Sat. 60 min 5:15a 9:05p Sunday 60 min 5:00 a.m. 9:11 p.m. M F, Saturday 60 min No service Sunday 6:29 a.m. 11:43 p.m. every day 5:30 a.m. 11:17 p.m. every day 6:05 a.m. 7:05 a.m. every day 2:20 p.m. 3:20 p.m. every day 4:30 p.m. 6:20 p.m. every day min min 1,607 one run one run one run 5:55 a.m. 7:51 a.m. every day one run 2:10 p.m. 4:06 p.m. every day one run 4:27 p.m. 6:26 p.m. every day one run John Young Parkway Vineland Road Kirkman Road I 4 No 6:15 a.m. 7:20 a.m. every day 2:30 p.m. 3:45 p.m. every day 4:40 p.m. 6:00 p.m. every day one run one run one run Oak Ridge Road Sand Lake Road I 4 No 6:11 a.m. 7:40 a.m. every day one run 2:20 p.m. 3:50 p.m. every day one run 4:35 p.m. 6:25 p.m. every day one run 441* US 441 No 5:25 a.m. 6:50 p.m. M F 30 min 41 6:05 a.m. 7:15 p.m. M F, Central Florida Pkwy 60 min 641** No Saturday n/a S.R. 528 No service Sunday -- *This is a FastLink route with Peak-Hour service in AM & PM Peak only. Departures occur from 5:25 AM - 7:00 AM as well as 4:00 PM - 5:55 PM. **Passengers must call at least 2 hours in advance of travel to schedule a trip on Neighborlink

13 Table 3 LYNX Superstops Superstop Location Links Supported within Study Area Destination Parkway 42, 58 Florida Mall 4, 7, 37, 42, 111, FastLink 441 Orlando International Airport 11, 41, 42, 51, SunRail Commuter Rail Service The Central Florida Commuter Rail Transit (SunRail) is a regional commuter rail system currently under construction that will operate along the existing CSXT railroad tracks through four Central Florida counties: Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola, shown on Figure 2. The project is being constructed in two phases: Phase 1 DeBary in Volusia County to Sand Lake Road in unincorporated Orange County, a distance of 32 miles and 12 stations. Operations are scheduled to begin in the spring of Phase 2 Sand Lake Road in unincorporated Orange County to Poinciana in Osceola County and from DeBary to DeLand in Volusia County. This phase will include an additional 30 miles and 5 stations and is anticipated to begin service in SunRail is planned to provide 30 minute peak service from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays. Midday and early evening service will be provided, with trains running every 120 to 150 minutes. Weekend service will not be provided for initial startup. The Florida Department of Transportation has collaborated with LYNX in the development of a SunRail Feeder Plan that will include some modifications of existing LYNX fixed bus routes to directly serve SunRail stations I Ride Trolleys The International Drive Master Transit and Improvement District sponsors the I Ride Trolley Service. I Ride trolleys travel exclusively throughout the International Drive resort area. The Red Line route operates every 20 minutes on International Drive from the Orlando Premium Outlets on Vineland Avenue to the Orlando Premium Outlets on Oak Ridge Road. The Green Line route operates every 30 minutes on International Drive and Universal Boulevard from the Orlando Premium Outlets on Vineland Avenue. to the Major Boulevard hotel area. I Ride Trolleys operate seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 12 12

14 10:30 p.m. The service is available to the general public for a fare of $1.50. Reduced ($0.25) and free fares are available to senior citizens and children under 12 years, respectively. Daily, multi day, weekly, and biweekly passes are also available. The I Ride Trolley totaled 2.1 million riders in Private Transportation Services The operating environment of the OIA Connector study area is unique in that the tourist attractions within the Central Florida region make it one of the largest private sector transportation markets in the country. There are several private companies that offer transportation options that include charter bus service, tour bus service, and other for hire car service (e.g. taxis, limousines). Seven rental car companies are located at Orlando International Airport, with three additional companies located on airport property and several others within close proximity. 2.2 Roadway Characteristics The roadway network within the project study area consists of principal and minor arterials and major and minor collectors. Eleven principal arterials have been identified within the OIA Connector study area: Beach Line Expressway (S.R. 528); Central Florida GreeneWay (S.R. 417); Florida s Turnpike (S.R. 91), I 4 (S.R. 400); John Young Parkway (S.R. 423/C.R. 423); Kirkman Road (S.R. 435); Narcoossee Road (S.R. 15/C.R. 15); Orange Avenue (C.R. 527); Orange Blossom Trail (US 441/17/92/S.R. 500/600); Semoran Boulevard (S.R. 436); and Osceola Parkway (C.R. 522). Of these, four are toll roadways within the OIA Connector study area: S.R. 528, S.R. 417, Florida s Turnpike, and Osceola Parkway. The principal and minor arterials are connected to commercial and residential areas by collectors and local streets. The characteristics of 27 roadway segments within the study area are briefly summarized in Table 4, shown below. Figure 3 shows the number of lanes in each segment

15 Roadway S.R. or C.R. No. Table 4 Roadway Characteristics Orientation Beach Line Expwy. S.R. 528 East West Functional Classification Toll Rd Urban Principal Arterial Freeways and Expressway No. of Lanes Median Posted Speed 4/6 Yes 55 Boggy Creek Rd. C.R. 530 North South Urban Minor Arterial 2 No 45 Central Florida GreeneWay S.R. 417 East West Toll Rd Urban Principal Arterial Freeways and Expressway 4 Yes 65 Central Florida Pkwy. East West Urban Minor Arterial 4 Yes Conway Rd. C.R. 506 North South Urban Minor Arterial 4 Yes 45 Daetwyler Rd. North South Minor Collector 2 No 35 World Center Dr. S.R. 536 East West Urban Minor Arterial 6 Yes 55 Florida s Turnpike S.R. 91 North South Toll Rd Urban Principal Arterial Freeways and Expressway 4/8 Yes 70 Goldenrod Rd. S.R. 551 North South Urban Minor Arterial 4 Yes 45 Hoffner Ave. C.R. 15 East West Urban Minor Arterial 2 No I 4 S.R. 400 North South Urban Principal Arterial Interstate 6/8 Yes 55 International Dr. North South Urban Minor Arterial 4/6 Yes 45 John Young Pkwy. S.R. 423/C.R. 423 North South Urban Principal Arterial 4/6 Yes 45/50 Kirkman Rd. S.R. 435 North South Urban Principal Arterial 6 Yes 45 McCoy Rd. East West Urban Minor Arterial 4 Yes 45 Narcoossee Rd. S.R. 15/C.R. 15 North South Urban Principal Arterial 2/4/6 No/Yes 45 Oak Ridge Rd. East West Urban Collector 5 Yes 40/45 Orange Ave. C.R. 527 North South Urban Principal Arterial / Urban Minor Arterial 4/6 Yes 45 Orange Blossom Tr. US 17/92/S.R. 500 North South Urban Principal Arterial 6 Yes 45/50 Sand Lake Rd. S.R. 482 East West Urban Minor Arterial 4/6 Yes 40/45/55 Semoran Blvd. S.R. 436 North South Urban Principal Arterial 6 Yes Universal Blvd. North South Major Collector 4/6 Yes 45 Osceola Pkwy. C.R. 522 East West Urban Principal Arterial / Toll Rd Freeways and Expressway 2/4/6 No/Yes 45/55 Taft Vineland Rd. East West Urban Minor Arterial 2/4 No/Yes 40/45 Tradeport Dr. North South Urban Collector 4 Yes 40 Wetherbee Rd. East West Urban Collector 2/4 Yes 40/45 Landstar Blvd. North South Urban Minor Arterial 2/4 No/Yes 40/

16 Figure 3 Existing Roadway Network 15

17 2.2.1 Capacity Deficiencies Existing 2011 traffic counts were obtained from the FDOT Annual Count Program, the Orange County Annual Count Program and the Osceola County Annual Count Program. The traffic count data was gathered for the following major roadways identified within the study area: Beach Line Expressway (S.R. 528) Boggy Creek Road Central Florida GreeneWay (S.R. 417) Central Florida Parkway Conway Road World Center Drive (S.R. 536) Florida's Turnpike (S.R. 91) Goldenrod Road Hoffner Avenue International Drive John Young Parkway Kirkman Road Narcoossee Road Oak Ridge Road Orange Blossom Trail (US 441/17/92/S.R. 500) Orange Avenue Sand Lake Road (S.R. 482) McCoy Road Semoran Boulevard (S.R. 436) Taft Vineland Road Tradeport Drive Wetherbee Road Universal Boulevard Osceola Parkway (C.R. 522) Table 5 summarizes the 2011 Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT), Level of Service (LOS), Peak Hour Capacity, number of lanes and functional classification for each segment of roadway identified within the project limits. The LOS are based on the 2012 FDOT Draft Generalized LOS Tables for Orange County and 2009 FDOT Generalized LOS Tables for Osceola County

18 Table 5 Existing Annual Average Daily Traffic and LOS Roadway Name # of Lanes Beach Line Expressway (S.R. 528) 2011 AADT Peak Hour / Direction Capacity Count Source From Narcoossee Rd. to Semoran Blvd. 6 45,773 5,500 FDOT B From Semoran Blvd. to McCoy Road / Boggy Creek Rd. 6 87,067 5,500 FDOT D From McCoy Road / Boggy Creek Rd to Orange Blossom Tr. / Florida's Turnpike LOS 6 68,500 5,500 FDOT C From Orange Blossom Tr. / Florida's Turnpike to Interstate ,200 3,660 FDOT F Boggy Creek Road From Jetport Drive to 4th Ave. 2 10, FDOT D From 4th Ave. to Tradeport Dr. 2 6, County C From Tradeport Dr. to Wetherbee Rd. 2 13, FDOT C From Wetherbee Rd. to S. Access Rd. 2 23, County F From S. Access Rd. to Central Florida GreeneWay 4 9,450 2,000 FDOT C From Central Florida GreeneWay to Osceola County Line 2 20, FDOT C Central Florida GreeneWay (S.R. 417) From Osceola County Line to S.R ,000 3,660 FDOT B From S.R. 536 to John Young Pkwy. 4 34,611 3,660 FDOT B From John Young Pkwy to Landstar Blvd. 4 27,451 3,660 FDOT B From Landstar Blvd. to Boggy Creek Rd. 4 24,812 3,660 FDOT B From Boggy Creek Rd. to Narcoossee Rd. 4 28,421 3,660 FDOT B From Narcoossee Rd. to Beachline Expy. 4 22,813 2,200 FDOT B Central Florida Parkway From Turkey Lake Rd. to International Dr. 4 22,111 2,000 County C From International Dr. to John Young Pkwy. 4 27,783 2,000 County C From John Young Pkwy. to Orange Blossom Tr. 4 20,247 2,000 County C Conway Road From McCoy Rd. to Judge Rd. 4 22,088 2,000 County C From Judge Rd. to Hoffner Rd. 4 25,105 2,000 FDOT C From Interstate 4 to Winter Garden Vineland Rd. / Kissimmee Vineland / S.R. 535 World Center Drive (S.R. 536) Florida's Turnpike (S.R. 91) 6 33,178 3,020 FDOT C From Osceola County Line to Beachline Expy. 4 56,000 3,660 FDOT D From Beachline Expy. to East West Expy. 8 71,000 5,500 FDOT C 17 17

19 Table 5 Existing Annual Average Daily Traffic and LOS (Cont d) Roadway Name Goldenrod Road # of Lanes 2011 AADT Peak Hour / Direction Capacity Count Source From Beachline Expy. to Narcoossee Rd. 4 7,200 2,000 FDOT C Hoffner Avenue From Orange Ave. to Oak Island Rd. 2 15, FDOT F From Oak Island Rd. to Conway Rd. 2 15, FDOT F From Conway Rd. to Semoran Blvd. 2 21, FDOT D From Semoran Blvd. to Goldenrod Rd. 2 17, FDOT C International Drive From Central Florida Pkwy. to N. Westwood Blvd. 6 23,411 3,020 FDOT C From N. Westwood Blvd. to Pointe Plaza Avenue 4 21,600 2,000 County C From Pointe Plaza Avenue to Sand Lake Rd. 4 24,112 2,000 County C From Sand Lake Rd. to Kirkman Rd. 4 18,818 1,700 County C From Kirkman Rd. to Oak Ridge Rd. 4 16,685 1,700 County D John Young Parkway From Deerfield Blvd. to Whisper Lakes Blvd. 6 56,062 3,020 County C From Whisper Lakes Blvd. to Central Florida Pkwy. 6 61,219 3,020 County F From Central Florida Pkwy. to Beachline Expy. 6 54,520 3,020 County C From Beachline Expy. to South Park Circle (S) 6 51,953 3,020 County C From South Park Circle (S) to Sand Lake Rd. 6 49,733 3,020 County C From Sand Lake Rd. to President's Dr. 6 46,284 3,020 County C From President's D.r to Oak Ridge Rd. 6 45,330 3,020 County C Kirkman Road From Sand Lake Rd. to International Dr. 6 29,298 3,020 FDOT C From International Dr. to Major Blvd. 6 46,554 3,020 FDOT C From Major Blvd. to Conroy Windermere Rd. 6 56,397 3,020 FDOT C Narcoossee Road From Osceola County Line to Tyson Rd. 6 17,471 3,020 County C From Tyson Rd. to Central Florida GreeneWay 6 19,451 3,020 County C From Central Florida GreeneWay to Lake Nona Dr. 4 20,451 2,000 County C From Lake Nona Dr. to Beachline Expy. 4 27,360 2,000 County C From Beachline Expy. to Lee Vista Blvd. 4 22,259 2,000 County C From Lee Vista Blvd. to Goldenrod Rd. 2 13, FDOT C LOS 18 18

20 Table 5 Existing Annual Average Daily Traffic and LOS (Cont d) Roadway Name Oak Ridge Road # of Lanes 2011 AADT Peak Hour / Direction Capacity Count Source From International Dr. to Harcourt Ave. 4 22,345 2,000 County C From Harcourt Ave. to John Young Pkwy. 4 23,335 2,000 County C From John Young Pkwy. to Orange Blossom Tr. 4 29,832 2,000 County C From Orange Blossom Tr. to Orange Ave. 4 25,734 2,000 County C Orange Blossom Trail (US 441/17/92/S.R. 500) From Osceola County Line to Central Florida GreeneWay 6 38,926 3,020 FDOT C From Central Florida GreeneWay to Wetherbee Rd. 6 51,919 3,020 County C From Wetherbee Rd. / Ginger Mill Blvd. to Central Florida Pkwy. 6 51,919 3,020 County C From Central Florida Pkwy. to Taft Vineland Rd. 6 44,270 3,020 FDOT C From Taft Vineland Rd. to Landstreet Rd. 6 44,270 3,020 FDOT C From Landstreet Rd. to Sand Lake Rd. 6 60,883 3,020 FDOT C From Sand Lake Rd. to Orlando Central Pkwy. 6 53,209 3,020 FDOT C From Orlando Central Pkwy. to Oak Ridge Rd. 6 53,209 3,020 FDOT C Orange Avenue From Osceola County Line to Town Center Blvd. 2 22, County F From Town Center Blvd. to Fairway Woods Blvd. 6 22,268 3,020 County C From Fairway Woods Blvd. to E. Wetherbee Rd. 6 29,963 3,020 County C From E. Wetherbee Rd. to Taft Vineland Rd. 6 29,963 3,020 County C From Taft Vineland Rd. to Landstreet Rd. 5 29,495 2,000 County C From Landstreet Rd. to Sand Lake Rd. 5 29,495 2,000 County C From Sand Lake Rd. to Hansel Ave. (S) 5 39,172 2,000 FDOT C From Hansel Ave. (N) to Holden Ave. 5 39,438 2,000 FDOT C Sand Lake Road (S.R. 482) From Turkey Lake Rd. to International Dr. 6 60,350 3,020 County C From International Dr. to Kirkman Rd. 4 37,602 2,000 County C From Kirkman Rd. to John Young Pkwy. 4 45,231 2,000 County D From John Young Pkwy. to President's Dr. 4 41,095 2,000 County C From President's Dr. to Chancellor Dr. 6 37,681 3,020 County C From Chancellor Dr. to Orange Blossom Tr. 6 41,597 3,020 County C From Orange Blossom Tr. to Winegard Rd. 6 37,396 3,020 County C From Winegard Rd. to Orange Ave. 6 37,246 3,020 County C LOS 19 19

21 Table 5 Existing Annual Average Daily Traffic and LOS (Cont d) Roadway Name McCoy Road # of Lanes 2011 AADT Peak Hour / Direction Capacity Count Source From Orange Ave. to Beachline Expy. 4 40,466 2,000 County C Semoran Boulevard (S.R. 436) From Beachline Expy. to Hoffner Rd ,924 3,020 FDOT C Taft Vineland Road From Central Florida Pkwy. to John Young Pkwy ,000 FDOT C From John Young Pkwy. to Orange Blossom Tr. 4 13,682 2,000 FDOT C From Orange Blossom Tr. to General Blvd. 2 18, County C From General Dr. to Orange Ave. 2 16, FDOT C Tradeport Drive From Orange Ave. to Ringhaver Dr. 4 12,674 1,700 County C From Ringhaver Dr. to Boggy Creek Rd. 4 13,021 2,000 County C From Boggy Creek Rd. to Express St. 4 8,082 2,000 County C From Express Rd. to 4th St. 4 7,680 2,000 County C From 4th St. to Jetport Dr. 4 18,423 2,000 County C Wetherbee Road From Orange Blossom Tr. to Florida's Turnpike 4 19,936 2,000 County C From Florida's Turnpike to Orange Ave. 4 17,533 2,000 County C From Orange Ave. to Landstar Blvd. 4 6,618 2,000 County C From Landstar Blvd. to Boggy Creek Rd. 4 10,468 1,700 County C Universal Boulevard From Interstate 4 to Sand Lake Rd. 4 11,480 1,700 County C From Sand Lake Rd. to Pointe Plaza Ave. 4 9,276 2,000 County C From Pointe Plaza Ave. to Beachline Expy. 6 13,693 3,020 County C Osceola Parkway (C.R. 522) From I 4 to S.R ,657 1,760 County B From SR 417 to Vineland Rd (S.R. 535) 4 14,025 1,760 County B From Vineland Rd. (S.R. 535) to Dyer Blvd. 4 17,730 1,960 County B From Dyer Blvd. to John Young Pkwy. 4 25,455 1,680 County C From John Young Pkwy. to US ,934 1,680 County D From US to Florida's Turnpike 6 47,999 2,550 County D From Florida's Turnpike to Buenaventura Blvd. 6 42,096 2,550 County D From Buenaventura Blvd. to Boggy Creek Rd. 2 20, County F LOS 20 20

22 LOS is defined as a qualitative measure that describes traffic in terms of speed, travel time, freedom to maneuver, comfort, convenience, traffic interruptions and safety. Six classifications are used to define LOS, designated by the letters A through F. LOS A represents the best conditions, while LOS F represents heavily congested flow with traffic volume exceeding the roadway capacity. The AADT within the segments identified in Table 5 range between a low of 6,618 vehicles along Wetherbee Road, from Orange Avenue to Landstar Boulevard, to a high of 87,067 vehicles along the Beach Line Expressway (S.R. 528) from Semoran Boulevard (S.R. 436) to McCoy Road / Boggy Creek Road. Figure 4 shows the existing LOS for the roadway segments identified within the project study area Safety Crash data was obtained from the FDOT Unified Basemap Repository Website a GIS comprehensive dataset of roadway geometry and attributes accessible over the internet, managed and maintained through documented procedures, standards, partnerships and cooperative agreements. A three year period, from 2008 to 2010, was evaluated for this study. The crash data for the following state roadways and limits were obtained: Beach Line Expressway (S.R. 528) from I 4 (S.R. 400) to Semoran Boulevard (S.R. 436) Florida s Turnpike (S.R. 91) from Osceola Parkway (C.R. 522) to I 4 (S.R. 400) Central Florida GreeneWay (S.R. 417) from Osceola County line to Narcoossee Road (SR 15) Narcoossee Road (S.R. 15) from the Beach Line Expressway (S.R. 528) to Semoran Boulevard (S.R. 436) Sand Lake Road (S.R. 482) from I 4 (S.R. 400) to the Beach Line Expressway (S.R. 528) Semoran Boulevard (S.R. 436) from the Beach Line Expressway (S.R. 528) to Hoffner Avenue (C.R. 15) Orange Blossom Trail (US 441/17/92/S.R. 500) from Osceola Parkway (C.R. 522) to Oak Ridge Road Table 6 shows a summary of number of total crashes, total vehicles involved in crashes, total facilities, total injuries and the accident rate for each segment. During the three year period, there were 3,428 crashes involving 7,507 vehicles, resulting in 2,661 injuries and 24 fatalities. Table 6 also provides an assessment of the relative accident frequencies, by segment. This is summarized by the determination of crash rates for each segment based on crash records for years 2008 through The crash rates are based on calculation procedures documented in the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Traffic Engineering Handbook. It describes a segment crash rate based on accidents per 100 million vehicle miles. The segment along Sand Lake Road (S.R. 482) from I 4 (S.R. 400) to International Drive has a crash rate of 991, the highest one found within the study area

23 Figure 4 Existing Level of Service (LOS) 22

24 Table 6 Roadway Segment Crash Data ( ) Summary Roadway Name Begin End Length Total Total Total Total Accident MP MP (miles) Crashes Vehicles Fatalities Injuries Rate Beach Line Expressway (S.R. 528) I 4 to International Dr International Dr. to Universal Blvd Orangewood Blvd. to John Young Pkwy John Young Pkwy. to Orange Blossom Tr Orange Blossom Tr. to McCoy Rd McCoy Rd. to Tradeport Dr Tradeport Dr. to SR TOTAL Florida s Turnpike (S.R. 91) Osceola Pkwy. to Osceola/ Orange County Line Osceola/ Orange County Line to SR SR 528 to I TOTAL Central Florida GreeneWay (S.R. 417) From Osceola County Line to SR From SR 536 to John Young Pkwy From John Young Pkwy to Landstar Blvd From Landstar Blvd. to Boggy Creek Rd From Boggy Creek Rd. to Narcoossee Rd. (SR 15) TOTAL Narcoossee Rd (S.R. 15) SR 528 to Lee Vista Blvd Lee Vista Blvd. to Goldenrod Rd Goldenrod Rd. to SR TOTAL Sand Lake Rd (S.R. 482) I 4 to International Dr International Dr. to Universal Blvd Universal Blvd. to Kirkman Rd Kirkman Rd. to John Young Pkwy John Young Pkwy. to US US 441 to Orange Ave Orange Ave. to SR TOTAL Semoran Blvd (S.R. 436) SR 528 to Hoffner Rd Orange Blossom Trail (US 441/17/92/S.R. 500) Orange/Osceola County Line to Osceola Pkwy Orange/Osceola County Line to SR SR 417 to Weatherbee Rd Weatherbee Rd. to Central Florida Pkwy Central Florida Pkwy. to Taft Vineland Rd Taft Vineland Rd. to FTP/SR 528/Land St FTP/SR 528/Land St. to Sand Lake Rd Sand Lake to Oakridge Rd TOTAL *The accident rate is calculated by ( Total Crashes * 100,000,000) / ( Average ADT x segment (on roadway) length x 365 x 3 years). From ITE Traffic Engineering Handbook (5 th Ed.), Example 7.2 Segment Crash Rate Calculation 23 23

25 2.3 Orlando International Airport Since its opening in 1970, and particularly since becoming an International Airport in 1976, Orlando International Airport has experienced steady growth. Currently, OIA is the third largest US airport in terms of land area, with approximately 13,000 acres. With 67 air carriers (including 45 scheduled, 11 chartered, and 11 cargo) over 3.5 million passengers utilized the airport in the past year (2011). Its four runways and all weather capability provide OIA with almost unmatched airfield capacity. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) is in the process of updating its Master Plan. The plan includes the expansion of the airport facilities to include an intermodal center, high speed rail access, and the OIA Connector project (which is the subject of this study), as well as a new south terminal which will double the current gate capacity. With adequate expressway access, OIA is actively integrating its ground access modes with its air transport system into a well coordinated transportation system. 2.4 Rail Freight and Intercity Passenger Service Baseline SunRail The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission, commonly known as SunRail, owns and operates the major north south rail corridor within the project study area. This corridor was formerly known as the CSXT A Line. The SunRail corridor consists of 61 miles of track running from DeLand in Volusia County to Poinciana in Osceola County. Phase I of SunRail is 32 miles, and it runs from DeBary in Volusia County to Sand Lake Road in Orange County. It is currently under construction with passenger rail service expected to begin in spring Phase I will double track approximately 12 miles of the corridor from Winter Park to Sand Lake Road in Orange County. Phase II consists of the North and the South Commuter Rail Extensions. The northern extension, generally referred to as Phase II North, will run from Deland to DeBary. The southern extension, generally referred to as Phase II South, will run from Sand Lake Road to Poinciana. Phase II construction is scheduled to begin in 2014 with passenger rail service expected to begin in Both phases have a considerable number of at grade roadway crossings. The major crossings in the study area are grade separated at Sand Lake Road, Orange Avenue, Beach Line Expressway and the Central Florida Greeneway. SunRail will also include stations in the study area at Sand Lake Road (Phase I), Meadow Woods and Osceola Parkway (Both in phase II). The section that operates through the study area will accommodate commuter trains at 30 minute intervals during peak service and at two hour intervals during off peak service. Currently up to nine CSXT freight trains four intermodal trains, two manifest trains and three bulk coal and rock trains utilize the SunRail corridor with plans to be re routed to CSXT s alternate S Line

26 2.4.2 Stanton Rail Spur The Stanton Energy Center spur line is owned by the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC). This active rail line is used for the delivery of coal to the Stanton Energy Center. The line is approximately 17.5 miles long. It begins at the Stanton Energy Center in southeast Orange County. It then heads south crossing under SR 528. It then turns southwest crossing under and paralleling S.R It then veers northwest crossing under Boggy Creek Road just south of Orlando International Airport. It then turns west between Wetherbee Road and Tradeport Drive connecting to SunRail near the Taft Yard Orlando Central Park Industrial Track The Orlando Central Park Industrial Track is an active rail line used for delivery to numerous businesses in the Orlando area. This spur extends east and west parallel to Landstreet Road and then extends north across Sand Lake Road. Businesses utilizing the spur include Florida Rock, National Freight, American Tire, CVS / Caremark, and UPS. There is one other service spur in the OIA Connector study area that extends west to parallel Central Florida Parkway underneath Florida s Turnpike AMTRAK In addition to SunRail, AMTRAK intercity passenger service operates along the SunRail corridor providing intercity passenger rail service between Orlando, Kissimmee and points beyond, with two routes operating in each direction once daily. There are no AMTRAK stations within the project study area; however, Orlando and Kissimmee stations are within two miles of the study area to the north and south, respectively. 2.5 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities There are relatively few existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the study area. However, several facilities are planned for the future, shown in Figure

27 Figure 5 Bike Lanes and Trails 26

28 3.0 Socioeconomic Baseline The primary factors contributing to increases in travel demand in Central Florida are growth in employment, resident and visitor population, and choices of where to live and work. This section provides an overview of development patterns of the project study area. 3.1 Land Use Existing Land Use Existing land use information was based on a review of current aerial photography and existing land use maps obtained from Orange County and the City of Orlando. Within such a large study area, the existing land uses represent nearly every land use category including office, commercial, public benefit, institutional, industrial, mixed use, residential (single family and multi family), agricultural, parks and open space, and conservation areas. A brief discussion of the notable existing land uses in terms of size and scale is provided below. The eastern end of the study area is dominated by Orlando International Airport and the uses associated with the airport. The existing land uses south of the airport include the developing Medical City, home to Nemours Children s Hospital and the Orlando VA medical center, with additional open space or undeveloped land and single family residential development. Some commercial development exists at the Narcoosee Road and S.R. 417 intersection, with agriculture and low density residential uses extending south and east from this interchange. North of the airport the existing land use is comprised of office and commercial uses along the S.R. 436 corridor, with some vacant land or open space just north of the airport with largely single family or low density residential adjacent to the more intense development along S.R To the west of airport there is more intense industrial and commercial development in the area immediately to the west of the Airport (Tradeport) as well as surrounding the S.R. 528, US and Turnpike intersections, including the Florida Mall. Continuing west, at the SR 528 and I 4 interchange there is significant commercial development including major shopping areas, Sea World and the Orange County Convention Center. Commercial uses exist along much of the I 4 corridor in the study area, including Universal Orlando in the northwest corner of the study area. Between I 4 and US the existing land use is largely residential with a large conservation area associated with Shingle Creek just north of Osceola Parkway between I 4 and US The International Drive Corridor is predominantly comprised of commercial and a mixture of professional office, and pockets of residential and agricultural areas. This area is characterized by tourist attractions, hotels, resorts, and other tourist related activities including amusement parks, restaurants, and retail stores. Large commercial shopping centers are located along the I Drive corridor. The International Drive Resort Area (IDRA) offers a host of hotels and resorts interspersed throughout the 27 27

29 corridor. Some of the larger hotels, such as the Peabody Orlando, Rosen Centre Hotel, and Rosen Plaza are directly adjacent to International Drive. The undeveloped parcels within this tourist area are classified as agricultural land uses. The major attractions in this area include Sea World, the Orange County Convention Center, Wet N Wild, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure. There are also substantial high density residential developments located south of Central Florida Parkway east of International Drive. Some of the larger communities include Williamsburg, Meadow Woods, Hunter s Creek, and Southchase. These residential areas are surrounded by rapidly developing commercial areas Conservation Areas Both the City of Orlando and Orange County have designated and mapped conservation areas. These areas are typically associated with environmentally sensitive features such as lakes, rivers and wetlands, but may also include associated parks and recreation features. Within the study area and as illustrated on Figure 6, there is a large conservation area north of S.R. 417 and west of John Young Parkway, and another area south of Boggy Creek Road, just south of the OIA. There are also several bald eagle nesting sites within the study area. These properties and features may require avoidance or additional mitigation or study in terms of potential impacts Future Land Use The study area contains properties within the jurisdictions of the City of Orlando, Orange County and Osceola County. Each of these jurisdictions has adopted a Comprehensive Plan and associated Future Land Use Map to guide the development and growth in this area. A map showing the adopted future land uses by jurisdiction is included as Figure 7. As illustrated on this map, there are several concentrations of land uses around major arterials. Medical City, OIA, Florida Mall, Universal Studios, the Convention Center, and the Seaworld / I Drive area east of I 4 are major land use concentrations in the study area. The OIA area, Universal Studios and the I Drive area just east of I 4 have all been designated as major activity centers. Activity center designations typically represent higher intensity or density of uses or mix of uses that have specific policies and requirements for development within those areas. Medical City is designated as an Urban Reserve on the future land use map, but similar to the activity center, a more specific map and set of policies have been developed for this area and the map is shown as Figure 8. Outside of these areas the future land use is largely Low and Low Medium Residential, with Commercial Land Uses located at the intersections of major roadways, or along the frontage of the US 441/17 92 corridor

30 Figure 6 Conservation Areas 29

31 Figure 7 Future Land Use 30

32 Figure 8 Southeast Orlando Sector Plan (Medical City) 31

33 3.2 Developments of Regional Impact (DRI) Information on Developments of Regional Impact (DRI) was collected using the East Central Florida s Regional Planning Council s (ECFRPC) Central Florida GIS website. A DRI is defined as any development that would have a substantial impact on the health, safety or welfare of citizens in more than one county, as defined by Chapter , Florida Statutes. A total of 38 DRIs are located in or adjacent to the study area. These DRI s, summarized in Table 7 and shown on Figure 9, are located within or adjacent to the project study area. The eastern end of the study area is dominated by Orlando International Airport (OIA) and the uses associated with the airport. The airport controls about 13,000 acres of land making it the single largest landholder in the study area. The airport area once included property within six separate DRIs, but has been consolidated into a single DRI with more than 10,000 acres. Also within the airport s acreage total but not within the OIA DRI is approximately 1,325 acres that the airport controls within its East Airfield property to the east of the 4th Runway, as well as approximately 1,860 acres within its Poitras Planned Development property located immediately south of the Lake Nona DRI and Medical City. At the western side of the study area, the International Drive Resort Area is comprised of a mixture of hotels, shopping centers, and area attractions. Due to the close proximity of IDRA to the Orange County Convention Center, Sea World, Universal Studios, Wet N Wild, and the Outlet Malls, much of this area is populated and visited by tourists and convention goers

34 Table 7 Summary of DRIs within or adjacent to the Study Area DRI Name Airport Industrial Park Orlando Airport Lakes Boggy Creek An industrial park near Boggy Creek Rd Synopsis An area near S.R. 436 that offers mixture of office, commercial, park n fly spaces and hotel land uses A mixed use residential / shopping development located in Orange County between S.R. 417 and the Osceola County line and west of Boggy Creek Road Bonnet Creek Resort A residential and hotel development located near the I 4 / S.R. 417 interchange Eagle Creek Florida Mall Flora Ridge Gateway Commons A large residential and office development located east of Narcossee Road in Orange County just north of the Osceola County Line Shopping mall near the intersection of Sand Lake Rd/Orange Blossom Tr; offers mixture of land use types including industrial, office, commercial, and hotel A mixed use residential / shopping development located in Osceola County south of Osceola Parkway and West of John Young Parkway A mixed use development in Kissimmee west of Florida s Turnpike and north of Osceola Parkway Granada A residential DRI located west of I 4 Greeneway Park / Ginn Property Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista Hunter s Creek ILH Interchange Interstate Plaza Lake Bryan Lake Nona An area near Boggy Creek Rd; it offers a mixture of land use types residential, industrial, office, commercial, and hotel A hotel facility near S.R. 535 A large residential community near John Young Pkwy; it offers a mixture of office, residential, commercial and hotel land use types A facility near Central Florida Pkwy, which offers retail, hotel/timeshare land use A facility near Westwood Blvd, which offers commercial, hotel/timeshare land use A large mixed use area near Apopka Vineland Rd, which serves retail, restaurants, and hotel land use types A large upscale community near Narcoossee Rd, which offers a mixture of industrial, office, residential, retail and hotel land use types. Lake Vista Village A hotel/timeshare facility near S.R. 535 Lee Vista Center An area near S.R. 436 that offers industrial, office, residential, commercial and hotel land uses 33 33

35 Legacy Park DRI Name Little England / Xenorida Little Lake Bryan Meadow Woods Moss Park fka Lake Hart and Campus Crusade for Christ Table 7 Summary of DRIs within Study Area (Cont d) Synopsis A mixed use hotel/attraction development located in Osceola County east of S.R. 535 and north and south of Osceola Parkway A residential and recreation development located in Osceola County along the Osceola Parkway east of S.R. 417 A community near Vineland Ave, which offers a mixture of residential, commercial and hotel land use types A community near Wetherbee Rd that offers office, residential, educational, commercial, recreational, and hotel land use types A retail and office development located east of Narcoossee Road and South of S.R. 417 Nadeen Tanmore II A retail/restaurant and hotel facility near S.R. 535 Orlando Corporate Centre OIA DRI Orlando Jetport Osceola Corporate Center The Parkway Rio Vista Mobile Home Villas Semoran Commercenter An area near S.R. 436 that offers a mixture of office, residential and commercial land use types Includes the airport, runways, offices and industrial development on property owned by Orlando International Airport, formerly Orlando International Airport Runway and Terminal, Orlando International Airport Improvements, Orlando International Airport 4 th Runway Development, Orlando Tradeport, and South Terminal Complex. An area near Wetherbee Rd that offers industrial, business park, residential and retail office land use types An office / retail development located north and south of Osceola Parkway between US and John Young Parkway A hotel and retail development located west of the I 4 corridor A residential development located in Osceola County along the Osceola Parkway east of C.R. 530 An area near Airport Lakes Blvd that offers office, retail and hotel land use types Sierra Land A convention and hotel facility near S.R. 535 Southchase Southland Executive Park Southmark Centre Vista Centre Windsong World Gateway A large community adjacent to Florida s Turnpike that offers church, industrial, office, single/multi family, commercial, mixed use and hotel land use types An area near Southland Blvd that offers warehouse, office, retail and hotel land uses An area near S.R. 528 that offers office, residential, retail and hotel land use types Tradeport A hotel and residential development located west of the I 4 corridor A residential development location north of World Center Drive and west of S.R. 535 A recreation development located in Orange County, north of S.R. 417 between I 4 and S.R

36 Figure 9 Study Area DRI s 35

37 4.0 Environmental Baseline This section provides an overview of the various cultural, recreational, and environmentally sensitive facilities within the OIA Connector study area. 4.1 Cultural Resources Reviews of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the digital database of the Florida Master Site File (FMSF) were conducted to determine the presence of archaeological and/or historic resources within the project study area. As a result of this review, no archaeological sites or historic resources which are listed, determined eligible, or considered potentially eligible for listing in the NRHP are located within the project study area. In general, the search of the FMSF indicated that approximately 40 Cultural Resource Assessment Surveys (CRAS) have been conducted within and proximate to the project corridor. These surveys were performed in association with proposed road, cell tower, gas pipeline, military facility, and commercial and residential development projects. The roadway projects include surveys of segments of the Florida s Turnpike and the Bee Line Expressway (S.R. 528), as located within the project study area. As a result, a total of 36 prehistoric and historic period archaeological sites, two historic cemeteries, and 134 historic structures have been recorded within the study area. Of these, two historic structures (8OR4886 and 8OR8115) are located in close proximity to the juncture of Sand Lake Road and the Bee Line Expressway (S.R. 528). However, neither resource is NRHP listed or eligible. In addition, eight historic structures (8OR7443, 8OR ) within the community of Taft are located in close proximity to the CSXT Railroad Corridor; however, none is NRHP listed or eligible. In this desktop review, no significant cultural resources, including archaeological sites and historic resources, have been identified in the study area. However, a more detailed analysis would be performed in the next phase of project development. 4.2 Parklands There are ten parks and/or recreational areas and eight golf courses identified within the OIA Connector study area. These parks and recreational areas are listed in Table 8 and seen on Figure 10. All ten parks are designated as community parks and are designed to serve the needs of the residents who live in the adjacent neighborhoods

38 Table 8 Parks and Recreation Facilities ID No. Name Location/Address Type of Facility Parks 1 Lake Ellenor Park Lancaster Rd/Lake Ellenor Community 2 Lake Whisperwood Park Woodway Dr/Lake Whisperwood Community 3 Little Lake Bryan Recreational Area (Private) Little Lake Bryan Private 4 Taft Park Dowden Rd and 3rd Ave Community 5 Plantation Park Millberry Park Dr Community 6 South Orange Youth Sports Complex S. Orange Ave. Orlando, Community 7 Shingle Creek Park Edgebrook/Shingle Creek Community 8 Warren Park 3406 Warren Park Dr Orlando, Community 9 Lagoon Park 1929 Wind Willow Rd Orlando, Community 10 Lester Mandell Park Central Florida Pkwy/John Young Pkwy Community Golf Courses 1 Grand Pines Golf Club 6351 International Golf Dr Orlando, Public 2 Lake Nona Golf Club 9100 Chiltern Dr Orlando, Public 3 Hawks Landing 8701 World Center Dr Orlando, Public 4 Shingle Creek Golf Club 9939 Universal Blvd Orlando, Public 5 Faldo Golf Institute Ave Verde Orlando, FL Public 6 Falcon's Fire Golf Club 3200 Seralago Road Kissimmee, FL Public 7 Eagle Creek Golf Club Emerson Lake Boulevard Orlando, FL Public 8 Hunters Creek Golf Club Sports Club Way Orlando, FL Public 37 37

39 Figure 10 Parks and Recreation Facilities 38

40 4.3 Air Quality The purpose of an air quality analysis is to evaluate the air quality effects that would be caused by the proposed improvements, and to determine whether project related motor vehicle emissions will cause or contribute to exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for carbon monoxide (CO). As required by the Clean Air Act, NAAQS have been established for seven criteria air pollutants. These standards, which are summarized in Table 9, also have been adopted as the ambient air quality standards for the State of Florida. The primary standards have been established to protect the public health. The secondary standards are intended to protect the nation s welfare and account for air pollutant effects on soil, water, visibility, materials, vegetation, and other aspects of the general welfare. The project study area has been designated as an attainment area for all the air quality standards under the criteria provided in the Clean Air Act Amendments of Noise and Vibration Noise Noise levels are measured in decibels. Since the human ear does not respond equally to all frequencies, measured sound levels are adjusted or weighted to correspond to the frequency response of human hearing and the human perception of volume. The weighted sound level is expressed in single number units called A weighted decibels (dba) and is measured with a calibrated noise meter. In order to measure noise accurately, it is common practice to average noise produced by different activities over a period of time in order to obtain a single number. This single number is defined as equivalent continuous noise level, or Leq. Another noise measure, the day night noise level (Ldn), takes into account the increased sensitivity of people to noise during sleeping hours. Both Leq and Ldn are used by FTA in evaluating transit noise impacts. For transit operations, Leq and Ldn are appropriate because these levels are sensitive to the frequency and duration of noise events. Table 10 presents the guidelines established by FTA for noise impacts. The criteria included in Table 10 do not typically apply to commercial or industrial land uses because these types are generally representative of higher noise levels. The criteria do not apply to business uses which depend on quiet activity as an important part of normal everyday operations (i.e., concert halls, recording studios, theaters, etc.)

41 Historically significant sites are treated as noise sensitive areas depending on the land use activities. While parks are considered in general to be noise sensitive sites, there are instances where actual sensitivity depends on the activity occurring at the park. Pollutant Table 9 National Ambient Air Quality Standards Averaging Period National Standards Primary Secondary Carbon 1 Hour 1 35 ppm (40 mg/m 3 ) None Monoxide 8 Hour 1 9 ppm (10 mg/m 3 ) None Lead Quarterly Average 1.5 µg/m 3 Same as Primary Nitrogen Dioxide Annual Arithmetic Mean ppm (100 Same as µg/m 3 ) Primary Ozone 1 Hour ppm (235 µg/m 3 Same as ) Primary 8 Hour ppm (157 µg/m 3 Same as ) Primary Particulate Matter (PM 10 ) Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) Sulfur Oxides 24 Hour µg/m 3 Annual Arithmetic Mean 2 50 µg/m 3 Same as Primary 24 Hour 4 65 µg/m 3 Annual Arithmetic Mean 3 15 µg/m 3 Same as Primary Annual Arithmetic Mean 0.03 ppm (80 µg/m 3 ) Source: US EPA, "National Ambient Air Quality Standards" (49 CFR 50) 24 Hour ppm (365 µg/m 3 ) Abbreviations: ppm parts per million; ug/m3 micrograms per cubic meter; mg/m3 micrograms per cubic meter General Notes: 1 Not to be exceeded more than once per year. 2 To attain this standard, the expected annual arithmetic mean PM10 concentration at each monitor within an area must not exceed 50 ug/m3. 3 To attain this standard, the 3 year average of the annual arithmetic mean PM2.5 concentrations from single or miltiple community oriented monitors must not exceed 15ug/m3. 4 To attain this standard, the 3 year average of the 98th percentile of 24 hour concentrations at each populationoriented monitor within an area must not exceed 65 ug/m3. 5 To attain this standard, the 3 year average of the fourth highest daily maximum 8 hour average ozone concentrations measured at each mnitor within an area over each year must not exceed 0.08 ppm. 6 (a) The standard is attained when the expected number of days per calendar year with maximum hourly average concentrations above 0.12 ppm is <=1. (b) The 1 hour standard is applicable to all areas notwithstanding the promulgation of 8 hour ozone standards under Sec On June 2, 2003, (68 FR 32802) EPA proposed several options for when the 1 hour standard would no longer apply to an area

42 Land Use Category Table 10 Land Use Categories and Metrics for Noise Criteria Noise Metric (dba) Description of Land Use Category 1 Outdoor L eq (h)* Tracts of land where quiet is an essential element in their intended purpose. This category includes lands set aside for serenity and quiet, and such lad uses as outdoor amphitheaters and concert pavilions, as well as National Historic Landmarks with significant outdoor use. 2 Outdoor L dn Residences and buildings where people normally sleep. This category includes homes, hospitals, and hotels where a nighttime sensitivity to noise is assumed to be of utmost importance. 3 Outdoor L eq (h)* Institutional land uses with primarily daytime and evening use. This category includes schools, libraries, and churches where it is important to avoid interference with such activities as speech, meditation, and concentration on reading material. Buildings with interior spaces where quiet is important, such as medical offices, conference rooms, recording studios, and concert halls fall into this category. Places for meditation or study associated with cemeteries, monuments, museums. Certain historic sites, parks, and recreational facilities are also included. *L eq for the noisiest hour of transit related activity during hours of noise sensitivity. Source: FTA Guidance Manual Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment (April 1995) Ground borne Vibration In contrast to airborne noise, ground borne vibration is not a common environmental issue. Typical sources of ground borne vibration include trains, buses on rough roads, and construction related activities such as pile driving, blasting and operating heavy earth moving equipment. Ground borne vibration from transit vehicles is characterized in terms of vibration velocity amplitude. The threshold of vibration perception for most humans is approximately 65 VdB. Levels at 70 to 75 VdB are often noticeable but acceptable, and levels greater than 80 VdB are typically considered unacceptable. For fixed guideway transit projects, limits for acceptable levels of residential ground borne vibration are usually between 70 and 75 VdB. Major transit projects, such as the OIA Connector, may potentially create additional noise and vibration beyond existing levels. Potentially averse noise impacts can occur if these projects are located in close proximity to noise sensitive sites. Three general types of noise impacts are as follows: 1. Noise associated with fixed transit facilities (i.e., horns, braking, squeals, etc.); 2. Noise from traffic diverted due to implementation of the proposed project; and 41 41

43 3. Transit vehicle operating noise (i.e., braking and acceleration). The principal sources of noise within the study area are motor vehicles and airplanes. Along Orange Avenue, the major noise sources are motor vehicles and trains along the CSXT railroad tracts. In addition, airplanes contribute to the project corridor s noise levels, particularly in the eastern section of the study area. The community areas directly adjacent to the proposed alignments are already exposed to, at a minimum, moderate noise levels. As existing ambient noise levels increase, the allowable level of transit noise increases. By comparing existing (ambient) noise levels within a community with the changes in noise levels predicted by the proposed project, a relative measure of increase can be used to determine the potential impacts to the community. These potential impacts will be assessed further in the next stage of project development. 4.5 Ecosystems Ecosystems include wetlands, water quality, floodplains, and wildlife and habitat. This section describes the ecosystems within the OIA Connector study area that could potentially be affected by the proposed project Wetlands Existing wetlands identified within the OIA Connector study area were obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service s (USFWS) National Wetland Inventory (NWI) to determine the quality and habitat preference. The approximate locations of wetlands areas are presented in Figure 11. These wetlands are classified as either open water, riverine, forested or non forested systems. In compliance with Executive Order 11990, and the FHWA Technical Advisory T640.8A, Title 23 CFR, Part 777, and Part 2, Chapter 18 of the FDOT s Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Manual, extensive assessments of wetlands and natural resources will be performed as part of the next phase of the project development. Potential impacts to wetlands will be assessed and evaluated further as part of the Preliminary Engineering phase Water Quality There are no sole source aquifers located within the project study area. The study area is located north of the streamflow and recharge source zones for the Biscayne Aquifer, which has been designated by EPA as a sole source aquifer. The proposed project will be evaluated further as part of the next phase of project development. Potential impacts to surface water and groundwater resources within the study area will be carefully considered in selecting the best alternative

44 Figure 11 NWI Wetlands 43

45 4.5.3 Floodplains According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), the OIA Connector study area contains several areas designated as part of the 100 year floodplain, shown on Figure 12. Potential impacts to floodplains will be assessed further as part of the next phase of project development. Shingle Creek is a regulated floodway for Orange County as defined in the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program. Orange County acts as the FEMA representative. Shingle Creek is located west of John Young Parkway and east of International Drive Wildlife and Habitat A desktop review of threatened and endangered species within the OIA Connector study area was conducted. The purpose of this effort was to assess the potential for wildlife or rare plant occurrences within the project study area. A literature review of the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) was performed to determine the strategic habitat conservation areas established by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) in the vicinity of the project. Figure 6 provides a graphical illustration of these habitat conservation areas. In addition, seven FNAI active eagle nests were reported by agencies to occur within the study area. The approximate locations of the eagle nests are also shown on Figure 6. Potential impacts to threatened and endangered species will be assessed and evaluated further as part of the next phase of project development

46 Figure 12 FEMA Floodplains 45