Q: What can you do about the existing condition of the roadway i.e., potholes, and litter? A: Please fill out an Action Request cards, if you don't already have one you may find them at the sign in table. We will be happy to forward your requests to the appropriate County Department for action.
Q: Will there be any restrictions imposed on trucks traveling on Texas Avenue? A: No, we do not anticipate imposing any truck restrictions.
Q: Did you know the Millenia Mall is scheduled to open in October; this will bring a lot more travelers to Texas Avenue. A: Yes, we are aware that the new mall is scheduled to open by October 2002 and our analysis will consider the traffic impacts the mall will have.
Q: What typical section alternative(s) are you looking at most seriously? A: It is too early in the study to determine a preferred alternative. Three alternatives have been developed, however, since the existing right of way along Texas Avenue varies from 60 to 80 feet in width, we have eliminated the first alternative, the Suburban Typical Section, which requires a right of way of 200 feet. The remaining alternatives, the 4-lane divided roadway and the 5-lane roadway are still under consideration. Both alternatives consist of two 12-foot wide travel lanes, 4-foot wide bicycle lanes, curb and gutter and a continuous sidewalk in each direction. The only difference between the two alternatives is that the 4-lane alternative will provide a 22-foot wide grassed median with curb and gutter along the inside median, and the 5-lane alternative will provide a 12-foot wide continuous center turn lane. Both of these alternatives will fit within 120 feet right of way. Additionally, as the study progresses, we will be evaluating ways to reduce the necessary right of way width in an effort to minimize impacts to the adjacent properties.
Q: What type of input will we have concerning each alternative? This might not be a fair representation of those who will be affected. A: We will be relying on you to speak with your neighbors about what you have learned today. We mailed project newsletters to approximately 1,000 property owners, residents, elected officials, schools, and business owners notifying them about this meeting and will continue to mail project newsletters at various milestones throughout the study. We are also available to meet with any interested organization or groups, and a project website is being maintained on the Orange County Government website.
Q: Will there be sidewalks on Rose Boulevard? A: Continuous sidewalks will be placed on either side of Texas Avenue. In regards to Rose Boulevard, a request for sidewalks has been submitted to the County and is pending approval.
Q: What about using Oak Ridge Road to John Young Parkway instead of widening Texas Avenue? A: Oak Ridge Road has been identified to be widened in the future. However, Texas Avenue will still need to be widened. Development will not slow down. With more development comes more traffic.
Q: Will improvements be made to the existing crosswalk? The current crosswalk is too narrow. A: We will work with the School Board to determine the most appropriate crosswalk locations and configurations. Furthermore, if the four-lane typical section is selected it will have a 22-foot wide median, which will provide a refuge for pedestrian to be able to safely cross the road.
Q: What about adding more crossing guards? A: The School Board is responsible for providing crossing guards.
Q: So does this mean there will be no light in front of Palmetto Elementary School? A: It is too early in the study for that to be determined. At a minimum there will be a flashing light.
Q: What about having a signal that is activated in accordance with the school's operating hours? A: We will evaluate that option during the study.
Q: What about just maintaining/enhancing Texas Avenue as it exists today? If you widen Texas Avenue to four lanes you are inviting more traffic to our neighborhood streets. Through traffic should be directed to through roads such as John Young Parkway or Orange Blossom Trail. A: As mentioned earlier, we are only in the first phase of this study. Previous studies, the opening of the Millennia Mall, the Holden Avenue Extension project, as well as other developments within the area, have justified the need to widen Texas Avenue. During this study we will utilize various methods to determine the most viable solution for the community. Not only will we examine Texas Avenue, but we will utilize the regional transportation model to confirm the most appropriate solution.
Q: If it is anticipated that traffic along Texas Avenue will increase significantly, will there be a study conducted to determine the feasibility of placing a traffic signal at the intersections of Texas Avenue and Myakka Drive and Americana Boulevard and Arpana Drive? We are currently experiencing long wait times when trying to exit the subdivision. A: As a part of the study, we will examine all intersections and driveways to determine if any new traffic signals are warranted. Additionally, we will consider synchronized signals, which will help improve traffic flow along Texas Avenue, and create gaps in the traffic stream making it easier to turn onto Texas Avenue. However, we are not evaluating the intersection of Arpana Drive and American Boulevard as part of the Texas Avenue Study.
A summary of the comment forms received during the public meeting is provided below:
Texas Avenue
Needs resurfacing.
Needs trash removal services.
Prefers turn lanes only (5-lane section).
Would like ditches and continuous sidewalks.
Four lanes would be hazardous to the children.
If the proposed improvements are made I will expect the County Commission change my house zoning to commercial.
Texas Avenue is a residential street and does not need to be widened.
The only thing Texas Avenue needs is beatification improvements and traffic calming (i.e. speed bumps).
Texas/Oak Ridge intersection
Needs resurfacing.
Texas/Americana Boulevard
Need a community park.
Safety Issues
The road is congested and cars are not slowing down for the children. Additionally, there is a shortage of crossing guards.
Where are the crossing paths for school age children going to be located on a five-lane roadway?
Children traveling to and from school are forced to fight traffic on American Boulevard. There have been many accidents on Texas Avenue, and some of them have been fatal. Additionally, the new mall along with the proposed widening will encourage travelers to use Texas Avenue as a cut through, thus putting our children in greater danger.
Rose Avenue
Drivers do not see the stop sign at the intersection of Texas Avenue and Rose Boulevard.
Need signs at stop lights.
South Pointe
Concerned that widening Texas Avenue will encourage more vehicular traffic and travelers will cut through the neighborhood in order to avoid congestion.
Concerned that additional traffic and new construction will effect South Pointe residents exiting east onto Americana Blvd.
Transportation Projects 
