EngineerNole

It’s a lose-lose. People would have complained about the waste if designed to original plan, and others like yourself will hate a scaled down version because it looks “craptacular”. That said, I am disappointed too.

Mass transit is unrealistic for Orlando. It was built around the automobile and is far too spread out. In order to implement a successful mass transit system, you would have to build billions of dollars worth of networks east/west and north/south. It’s an economic loser. The best bet is automated vehicles, which is a lot more realistic. In my head, I imagine a rental car system in the future with automated vehicles, similar to the movie Minority Report. However, this will be a long time from now. Raising taxes for more rail is a colossal waste imo.

Interesting. I haven’t heard of this plan to use the express lanes for this purpose. I agree you’d have to start with a closed system.

That’s because every building is designed by the same architectural firm. It’s almost embarrassing.

Im pretty sure this is the vision of Brightline. This train is for tourists, not locals.

I understand that most of that Semoran office moved to another existing field office in Orlando. The traffic people went to the new RTMC building in Sanford.

I don’t think this is intentional. The problem is that the express lanes are needed to improve traffic flow. If they switch their use for automated vehicles only, you would have to replace the same volume of traffic with automated vehicles to prevent the entire system from failing. A traffic guy I know explained to me that it will be a huge challenge integrating automated vehicles with manually driven cars. The system would work great if all cars were autonomous, and one day we might get there, but the transition will likely lead to more traffic jams.

Virgin Trains is coming. Already starting on Miami to Orlando. Orlando to Tampa is very likely imo. Outside of that and Sunrail, don’t expect a subway type system, it will never happen. Automated cars is the future of local travel.

Projects are starting for the widening of I-4 from the northern end of I-4 Ultimate (EE Williamson Bridge) to Lake Mary Blvd. These are interim projects. I-4 Beyond the Ultimate could be a few years. The Wekiva Parkway project that ties into I-4 will build the I-4 beyond the Ultimate general use lanes (free/non tolled lanes) between SR 46A and SR 46. It is already starting in a sense, but will take some years for the final build out on each side of the current I-4 Ultimate project.

I haven’t been on this site in years. Could someone show a rendition of what Phase 1 and Phase 2 are? Thanks.

What restoration? I know that they'll have to widen into the marsh. As far as I know, the floodplain is pretty much untouched outside the right of way.

There will be plans to expand beyond the limits of I-4 Ultimate to match the I-4 Ultimate sections. Construction for this is probably years away. However, they plan on keeping enough room in the median south of Orlando towards Tampa for a potential future high-speed rail or other transit corridor.

A little late, but the billboard did get taken down a while ago. I was surprised it was there for so long.

This thread is ridiculous. It DOES NOT MATTER that the capital is in Tallahassee. Miami has REPRESENTATIVES IN TALLAHASSEE. It's not like a bunch of local Tallahasseeans sit around and decide what happens in South Florida. Some people here really need to take a US Government course. Also, the name calling here is very immature. North Florida and South Florida have "rednecks". However, this name "redneck" in itself is very inflammatory and unnecessary. Florida is very different from north to south. I see this as a good thing. It makes the state diverse. Some people here are very close minded. Yet, they call themselves "liberal". Yeah, I'm talkin to you Larry.

That theater was good in many ways, but also very poorly run at the same time. One time I got there for them to tell me the time listed online was wrong and that the movie I came for was no longer playing that evening.

Homeless people (bums) have no one to thank except themselves. I have no respect for them.

After looking at those latest pics of Orlando, my anticipation for what the city would eventually become is now a reality. I am very happy with what the city looks like, and I hope it only gets better.

I guess, I should have checked the website first. It appears that the "Ultimate Plans" (who knows when the this will be completed) do include new ramps in all directions. It appears the current construction only includes an "Interim Plan", in which only some of the ramps will be complete.

Ok, so now 408 W to I-4 E and 408 W to I-4 E are taken care of. I know that future plans will include a ramp for 408 W to I-4 W. As for 408 E to I-4 W, will they continue to use the old ramp or will they eventually build a new ramp? Also, this project does not appear to include any I-4 to 408 ramps. Does anyone know anything I don't?

Are you kidding me? The bottom is the ugliest part of that building. It's that ugly 60-70's looking white concrete with very large "pebbles" sticking out on the sides. For example, although not exactly the same, look at any old Albertson's store, and you will get an idea of what I mean, except this building, the rocks are all white. Let me go throw up now.

So I hear from a good source that much of the I-4/408 project should be done by next summer. At least the first phase.

Yeah, but discolored white is a lot more noticeable than other colors. Would you rather spill spaghetti sauce on a white shirt or a red shirt?

I don't know with who. I don't think anyone knows yet. The Citrus Bowl games are scheduled in 2012 and 2013(???). Something like that. Still have a few years to go.

Two games for FSU at the Citrus Bowl

Notre Dame is a household name. They don't need anymore advertising to help them. They need to be better to get our recruits.