Benefits of Holden/Gatlin Intersections Realignment

Improves Regional Road Network

  • Creates an operationally effective/efficient four-legged intersection All signalized intersections on Orange Avenue with the exception of the Holden/Gatlin operate at LOS D or. The Holden/Gatlin intersections operate at LOS E and F, with queues that can extend ½ mile in each direction during the morning and afternoon peak periods.
  • Improves safety by reducing the number of intersections, congestion, left turns and points of conflict Safety analysis during the MetroPlan Corridor study found that between January 2012 to October 2015 there were 587 reported crashes, with the Holden/Gatlin intersections being the most common location for the crashes, accounting for over 20% of the total.
  • Reduces potential for vehicles to be trapped on railroad tracks When traffic signal goes green to flush the track, through movement will be available on Holden/Gatlin to move traffic; currently, congestion on Orange Avenue restrains traffic flush
  • Creates additional capacity on Orange Avenue for passengers and freight, less travel time, and delay Level of service at the intersections directly affect road capacity. Orange Avenue serves as a primary north-south arterial connecting downtown Orlando (and Interstate 4 via Michigan Avenue) with industrial areas in Taft. Orange Avenue is a primary freight corridor.
  • Assists in utilization of functionally classified road network – Will provide effective use of the functionally classified grid system (Orange, Holden Gatlin, Summerlin, Fern Creek, Bumby, all designated major collectors) as per County Transportation Policies T2.2.7 and T2.3.6.S.
  • Assists in minimizing the impact of the Holden Avenue improvements west of OBT Holden’s     John Young Parkway to OBT improvement, resulting in 4 lanes transitioning to 2 lanes, will exacerbate congestion at Orange/Holden intersection, diminishing Holden’s capacity. Connection to JYP will open new land for development generating more traffic on Holden, further aggravating the congestion.

Reduces Cut-through Traffic on Residential Local Roads

  • Improved efficiency of Holden will reduce the cut-through traffic in County subdivisions such as Holden Estates, Lake Holden Grove and Medallion Estates

Improves Environment

  • Reduces energy consumption due to less travel time and less delay
  • Improves air quality due to less congestion

Catalyst for Decreasing Blight and Increasing Property Tax Revenue

  • A better functioning Orange Avenue will spur redevelopment
  • Redevelopment will increase property values/tax revenue

Improved Cypress Grove Park Access and Image 

  • Improves public access to open space and recreational activities
  • Improves the image of Cypress Grove Park as access will be through a redeveloped area
  • Better access/image could increase County funds collected for weddings, adult sports programming, Holiday lights

Least Expensive Alternative

  • Proposed alignment of property to be purchased
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