450723-1 SR 78 from west of Santa Barbara Boulevard to east of Del Prado Boulevard

This project provides roadway enhancements along State Road 78, extending from west of Santa Barbara Boulevard to east of Del Prado Boulevard. The scope of work includes milling and resurfacing the roadway, with upgrades to drainage systems, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, signalization, lighting, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (I.T.S.). Improvements to signing and pavement markings are also included.

As a part of this project, there will also be safety improvements along Pine Island Road (SR 78) from west of Santa Barbara Boulevard to east of Del Prado Boulevard. These proposed improvements include an access modification which will include a median closure at the Lowe’s entrance along SR 78, the addition of a second eastbound left turn lane at Pondella Road, the introduction of traffic channelization islands at the Del Prado Boulevard intersection, and the introduction of a directional median island at the Hibiscus Drive intersection. Lighting, signalization and pedestrian improvements are also included at various locations within the project limits.

• S.R. 78 from west of Santa Barbara Boulevard to east of Del Prado Boulevard is considered the original full project limits for the milling and resurfacing limits for this project. S.R. 78 from Del Prado Boulevard to east of Hibiscus Drive was added to the project later and is considered to be the project limits for the associated safety improvements contract.

• Which specific median opening at the Lowe’s entrance will be closed, and how will that change access for drivers?

  • The specific median that will be closed in the project is the S.R. 78 eastbound left-turn lane into the Lowes parking lot. Drivers traveling on S.R. 78 eastbound will no longer be able to make the left turn at this median opening due to the crash history at this location. Access will now be provided at the Publix plaza or Del Prado Boulevard north.

• Is the second eastbound left-turn lane at Pondella Road being added in connection with the Lowe’s access modification? How will traffic move differently once both changes are complete?
  • The second eastbound left-turn lane into the Publix shopping plaza will be added at the existing intersection of S.R. 78. When the eastbound left-turn lane at the Lowe’s entrance is closed in the median, motorists can instead drive into the Publix plaza, or they may perform a U-turn to continue westbound on S.R. 78. This will increase capacity, improve traffic flow, and enhance intersection safety.  Drivers can also turn left to head north on Del Prado and use the driveway access on Del Prado.

• What will the channelization islands at Del Prado Boulevard change for drivers? Will any existing movements or turns be restricted?
  • The pedestrian channelization island will not change access or movements for drivers. The raised pedestrian channelization islands have several benefits for pedestrians. They will:
    • Increase safety
    • Reduce crossing distance for Pedestrians
    • Improve visibility
    • Promote a traffic calming effect
    • Improve access delineation for emergency vehicles.
• At Hibiscus Drive, what movements will the directional median allow, and will any movements drivers make today no longer be permitted?
  • The directional median at Hibiscus Drive will reduce the number of conflict points at this intersection, which will improve safety at this location. Two-way directional medians only have four conflict points, whereas a full median opening has 18 major conflict points. Currently, there are white/yellow delineators that have been placed in the full median opening at this location. Once the directional median is permanently constructed, it will follow the same layout as the delineators.
• What safety concerns are these specific changes intended to address?

  • FDOT is attempting to eliminate the crashes at the left-turn lane where, today, westbound traffic backs up through the left-turn lane caused by the traffic signal at Del Prado, and drivers wanting to make a left turn will either get blocked by vehicles backed up from the traffic signal or a kind driver might create a gap for a left-turning driver to complete their left turn, not realizing high-speed vehicles are still passing through in the 2nd or 3rd lane