I-595 SIMR Reevaluation

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Executive Summary

FDOT completed a SIMR for the implementation of improvements along the segment of I-595 extending from east of I-75 to I-95 in December 2004. The SIMR was completed in conjunction with the I-595 Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study which was approved by the FHWA in June 2006. The FHWA’s approval, authorized the construction of the I-595 Reversible Express Lanes along with other capacity improvements on I-595 mainline and at the interchanges.

Subsequent to the approval of the I-595 PD&E study, FDOT received approval from FHWA to implement express lanes within the median of I-95 from Griffin Road in Broward County to Linton Boulevard in Palm Beach County as part of the I-95 Express Phase 3 project in September 2013. This approval prompted FDOT to revisit the I-595 PD&E Study in 2015 which included the development of a new design concept that would provide direct connections between the I-595 and I-95 Express Lanes. Additionally, the parallel collector-distributor road system that connected the ramp systems at the SR 7/US 441 Interchange and the I-95 Interchange, which was part of the originally approved I-595 SIMR, was removed to make room for the proposed median to median express lane ramps. As part of that effort, FDOT completed a reevaluation of the I-595 SIMR resulting from the proposed design change. The following is a chronology of the additional activities leading up to the design of the RFP Concept:

-- The I-595 SIMR and PD&E Reevaluations were approved by FHWA on June 14, 2016 (SIMR Reevaluation Acceptance November 12, 2015).
-- FDOT approved an Interchange Operational Analysis Report (IOAR) for the I-95 at Griffin Road Interchange (approved June 12, 2017) that assessed the need (identified as part of the I-95 Interchange Master Plan) to convert the northbound off-ramp right-turn movement from a single free-flow lane to a signalized dual turn-lane configuration.
-- In December 2017 the FDOT developed a reevaluation of the I-595 SIMR Reevaluation to address a proposed design modification to eliminate the extended left-hand merge segment along westbound I-595 due to observed operational and safety concerns with a similar design along I-95. This resulted in the I-95 Express Phase 3C Design Concept.

These studies are the basis of the RFP Concept presented in the FDOT District 4 “Design- Build Request for Proposal for 95 Express Lanes – Phase 3C, the subject of this report.

Purpose and Need

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Purpose: With the D-B Concept, the project’s purpose remains the same as in the RFP Concept which is to modify the existing system-to-system connection between I-595 and I-95 by providing direct connections between the I-95 Express Lanes and the General Use and Reversible Express
Lanes on I-595. The proposed design modifications will further the expansion of the South Florida Regional Express Lanes Network improving travel reliability and long-term mobility options for South Florida commuters.

Need: The need for the proposed improvements is consistent with the needs enunciated in the I-595 PD&E study and the approved I-95 Express PD&E Study with respect to:

• System Linkage: I-595 Reversible Express and I-95 Express are manifestations of FDOT’s vision to build an interconnected regional system of express lanes in Southeast Florida. The RFP Concept was intended to complete the connectivity between these two express
lane systems with the objective of addressing long-term capacity needs, mobility needs and realizing improvements to travel reliability along both the I-595 and I-95 corridors. The new D-B Concept is consistent with the original objective and is anticipated to improve weaving lengths within, and through the area.

• Emergency Evacuation: I-595 is a critical artery which facilitates movement of traffic during emergency evacuation periods as part of the emergency evacuation route network designated by the Florida Division of Emergency Management. It connects other major arterials and highways designated on the state evacuation route network within the project limits, such as I-95 and Florida's Turnpike. The RFP Concept was intended to facilitate enhanced emergency access and incident response times. Changes proposed as part of the D-B Concept are not anticipated to affect emergency evacuation and are likely to improve emergency response during congested periods compared to the RFP Concept.

• Multi-Modal Transportation System: The RFP Concept was consistent with state and local government policy of promoting multi-modal transportation systems. Connectivity between the I-595 and I-95 express lanes systems will facilitate expansion of the current/planned express bus and bus rapid transit systems throughout the region. It will also provide increased travel options for users of both the I-595 and I-95 corridors. These increased travel choices will ultimately help in managing and accommodating the long term travel demand needs in the county. Changes proposed as part of the D-B Concept are not anticipated to affect the consistency with these policies and increased travel options.

Recommended Alternative

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Please see attached.

Travel Time Savings

Network-wide Comparison		Design Year 2040 RFP Concept	Design Year 2040 New Concept	Difference
Total Delay (hrs)	AM Peak	23,008	23,012	0%
Total Delay (hrs)	PM Peak	22,053	22,275	1%
Average Speed (mph)	AM Peak	44	44	%
Average Speed (mph)	PM Peak	45	45	0%

Safety Benefits

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Please see the attached safety report for more information.

Florida Department of

TRANSPORTATION