A Roadway Conceptual Analysis (RCA) Study is a formal means to document recommendations made for major improvements to roadways in Orange County. This process includes analysis of existing traffic conditions, projections of future traffic conditions and development, the determination of a typical roadway cross section (number of travel lanes, median type/width, inclusion of sidewalks and/or bicycle lanes, etc.) and a recommendation of the best alignment of the improved roadway. The analysis also evaluates environmental impacts (wetlands, threatened and endangered species, etc.), social impacts (neighborhoods, parks, churches, etc.) and economic impacts (construction costs, relocation costs, business damages, etc.), in addition to a traffic operations and engineering analysis.
The RCA Study for Clarcona-Ocoee Road began in February 1998 with the data collection phase. Preliminary corridors were developed which included widening Clarcona-Ocoee Road along its existing alignment between Ingram Road and Hiawassee Road. West of Ingram Road, several alternative corridors were studied in order to determine their viability based on traffic operations as well as potential social, environmental and economic impacts.
Once the corridor was chosen, a more detailed analysis began which considered specific alignment alternatives and quantifiable social, environmental and economic impacts. Specific intersection improvements, such as number of turn lanes, pedestrian/bicycle features and signalization requirements were also determined. The alignment alternatives to be studied further were presented at the first Public Workshop held in May of 1998.
Reports were developed to document the traffic operations analysis, environmental impacts, the social impacts and costs associated with each roadway improvement alternative. These alternatives were compared with each other along with a comparison to the No-Build (do nothing) alternative. This was the basis for Orange County to select the type, design and location of improvements to Clarcona-Ocoee Road.
Public involvement is a very important aspect of the development of this project. The goal of the RCA Study process is to consider all public input and concerns during the study process in order to gain acceptance of the project by the community. Orange County coordinated with the local municipalities, government agencies and other "stakeholders" of the project. Informal Public Workshops and two formal Public Hearings were held during the study, as well as individual and group meetings, to address public concerns.
If you have questions, either as an individual or as part of a group, please visit the Contacts page of this website.
Now that the RCA Study is complete and approved, development of construction plans is underway. Construction of these improvements will then take place after the construction plans are complete and all necessary right-of-way has been acquired. |
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