What is the LAAA?

The Lakeland Area Alternatives Analysis (LAAA) study will assist the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District One and its transportation partners in defining a program of context-based projects that address all modes of transportation for improved safety, economic vitality, and quality of life within the Study Area in both the short-term and long-term time frames.

The existing transportation system in this area is typical of the urban environment across many parts of the U.S. with safety and operational performing lower than expectations. Progressive community development and transportation goals have encouraged this study to take a unique approach in identifying potential solutions to these transportation challenges.

What is being studied?

Different modes of travel have been identified as needing higher emphasis along study corridors which has the potential to dramatically change the transportation infrastructure landscape. When combined with the possibilities of improved real-time travel decisions through the use of technology, a bridge to new improvement solutions is possible. These advancements are intended to improve safety and access for all users, augment emergency evacuation capabilities, attract tourism, and facilitate the movement of people and goods.

With the collaborative approach of this study with local and regional governmental agencies, goals and objectives for this study are aligned with the City of Lakeland and Polk County goals for land use and transportation.

To accomplish the goals and vision for the region, the study will be divided into three phases:

Phase 1 – Existing Conditions Assessment

·       Collect and analyze existing data

·       Examine capacity, safety and roadway conditions for all transportation modes

·       Identify system deficiencies and physical constraints

·       Conduct stakeholder interviews to understand community goals and needs

·       Identify feasible short-term and long-term projects

Click here to view Existing Conditions Assessment Report

Phase 2 – Alternatives Analysis

·       Identify alternatives to address the needs of all users and mode choices

·       Develop and evaluate potential context-based solutions

·       Define Lakeland area transportation improvement goals and performance metrics that address short-term and long-term improvement strategies

·       Develop a corridor implementation plan

Corridors studied during Phase 2

·       US 98/N. Florida Avenue

·       US 92/Memorial Boulevard

·       State Road 33 (SR 33)/Lakeland Hills Boulevard

·       State Road 539 (SR 539)/Kathleen Road)

·       Local Roads

o   Providence Road

o   Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Avenue

o   10th Street

Phase 2.1 – US 98 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Feasibility Study

·       Define three premium transit options and transit-oriented development (TOD) scenarios

·       Evaluate the feasibility of the proposed transit options and TOD scenarios

·       Develop an Implementation Plan to advance the transit options and three scenarios

Phase 3 – Project Development & Environment Studies (PD&E)

·       Define capital intensive alternatives further

·       Document non-viable alternatives early, and eliminate them from further consideration

·       Develop an analysis methodology that is accepted by the FDOT, local transportation partners, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and other regulatory agencies that incorporate the planning results into future studies

·       Conduct environmental analyses required under NEPA

What types of projects are being studied?

Projects identified during Phase I are classified by categories including:

·       Pedestrian and Bicycle

·       Complete Streets

·       Freight

·       Intelligent Transportation Systems / Advanced Technology

·       Transit

·       Safety