FDOT has plans for U.S. 441 in Leesburg and will hear concerns at public meeting

Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial
·4 min read
An FDOT meeting on June 12 will address concerns and explain future plans for U.S. 441 in Leesburg.
An FDOT meeting on June 12 will address concerns and explain future plans for U.S. 441 in Leesburg.

More and more people are driving through Leesburg amid the ongoing population growth of north central Florida.

Says one resident on Nextdoor.com: "A 13-minute drive to downtown Leesburg now takes 30 minutes. Drivers are taking U.S. 27 to State Road 44 to avoid backups on the turnpike. I can only imagine the traffic situation with more homes coming to State Road 33 and U.S. 27 areas."

How do we move traffic along and ensure safety?

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has potential solutions. Plans include resurfacing U.S. 441 from Mills Street to College Drive. Other safety measures will ostensibly help manage speed and improve pedestrian and bicycle access.

In the lead-up to the project, state personnel will hold a public FDOT meeting regarding project plans on U.S. 441 and State Road 44, State Road 500, East Main Street and North Boulevard from Mills Street to College Drive on Wednesday, June 12, at 5:30 p.m. at the Venetian Center in Leesburg.

The design cost $1.6 million to render and the total construction costs are estimated at around $14 million.

The purpose of this project, an FDOT media release tells us, is to resurface the pavement to extend the service life of the existing roadway and provide additional operational and safety improvements.

FDOT's plan for an extended dual left turn lane at State Road 44 (East Dixie Avenue) will feature a median modification
FDOT's plan for an extended dual left turn lane at State Road 44 (East Dixie Avenue) will feature a median modification

Planned improvements include upgrades to traffic signals and improved lighting for pedestrian safety at the intersections of U.S. 441 and State Road 44 (East Dixie Avenue) and U.S. 441 and County Road 44, construction of a 6-foot-wide sidewalk to fill pedestrian-accessible gaps from Mills Street to State Road 44, extension of the dual left-turn lane at U.S. 441 and State Road 44, and closure of the existing directional median at Nichols Drive.

The addition of a dedicated right turn lane at the RaceTrac gas station for smoother traffic flow and modification to the median at North Lake Avenue for better traffic flow and enhanced safety are also planned.

The FDOT is offering multiple ways for the community a variety of ways to participate in the discussion and provide feedback.

Discussed at the last public meeting: What's going on with 441? FDOT to host public meeting to spill the beans and hear feedback

In-Person open house option: Participants may attend in person by going to The Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Circle, Leesburg, any time between 5:30 and 7 p.m. to view a looping presentation and project displays, speak with project team members, and submit comments or questions. If attending in person, please remember to follow all safety and sanitation guidelines. If you are feeling unwell, please consider attending the meeting virtually.

Virtual option: Interested persons may join over the Internet from a computer, tablet or mobile device at 5:30 p.m. For this option, advance registration is required by visiting fdot.cc/US_441_Improvements.

Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting online.

If using a mobile device, use the GoToWebinar app to be able to view the presentation and submit comments. If joining online, please allow adequate time to log in to view the presentation in its entirety.

Those who cannot attend the meeting live or online may view all meeting materials, including the presentation, and provide comment through the project website at cflroads.com/project/448735-1.

You may also contact FDOT Project Manager Jude Jean-Francois directly at 386-943-5487 or email at Jude.Jean-Francois@dot.state.fl.us to receive project documents.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Anyone wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by emailing Melissa McKinney, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator, at Melissa.McKinney@dot.state.fl.us.

Persons who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Jude Jean-Francois at 386-943-5487 or Jude.Jean-Francois@dot.state.fl.us at least seven days before the meeting.

If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: FDOT unveils plans for U.S. 441 in Leesburg and public meeting