Orlando- Transportation Developments

[sam06pr]

Magnetic levitation trains could be coming to Orange Co.


ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A new high-tech magnetic levitation transit system could be closer to being built in Orange County.
The system would start at Orlando International Airport and connect to Disney World and the Orange County Convention Center.
The line will also connect to a SunRail station once it's finished.
A private developer wants to build the transit system.
Supportes of the project said they hope the trains will soon be take visitors from the airport to the convention center.
Orange County leaders, such as Commissioner Fred Brummer said they like the idea because the project does not require taxpayer money.
The latest proposal is the work of a small Atlanta-based company called American Maglev and its CEO Tony Morris.
Morris said private investors, including a giant Spanish construction firm called Grupo ACS, are ready to foot the $315 million bill.
"We think this technology holds great promise," Morris said.
Morris' trains are suspended in the air using powerful magnets, cutting energy use and lessening wear and tear. He has been perfecting the science on his Atlanta test tracks.
"It's met all of our safety reliability and operational requirements, and its ready for prime time," he said.
The train would run about 15 miles along the north shoulder of SR-528 and in the median of Sand Lake Road.
But there's reason to be skeptical of Morris' plan.
Eighteen years ago he vowed to build a Maglev train in Volusia County. The project failed after wasting millions in state and federal funds. Morris said the difference this time is private money and technology. "In 1994, we had nothing more than an idea," Morris said.
A ridership study commissioned by American Maglev predicted at least 3.1 million riders by 2014, 4.6 million by 2025 and 6.4 million by 2035.

http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/...orange-/nNNKN/

[ThatFloridaDude]

Originally Posted by sam06pr

Magnetic levitation trains could be coming to Orange Co.


ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A new high-tech magnetic levitation transit system could be closer to being built in Orange County.
The system would start at Orlando International Airport and connect to Disney World and the Orange County Convention Center.
The line will also connect to a SunRail station once it's finished.
A private developer wants to build the transit system.
Supportes of the project said they hope the trains will soon be take visitors from the airport to the convention center.
Orange County leaders, such as Commissioner Fred Brummer said they like the idea because the project does not require taxpayer money.
The latest proposal is the work of a small Atlanta-based company called American Maglev and its CEO Tony Morris.
Morris said private investors, including a giant Spanish construction firm called Grupo ACS, are ready to foot the $315 million bill.
"We think this technology holds great promise," Morris said.
Morris' trains are suspended in the air using powerful magnets, cutting energy use and lessening wear and tear. He has been perfecting the science on his Atlanta test tracks.
"It's met all of our safety reliability and operational requirements, and its ready for prime time," he said.
The train would run about 15 miles along the north shoulder of SR-528 and in the median of Sand Lake Road.
But there's reason to be skeptical of Morris' plan.
Eighteen years ago he vowed to build a Maglev train in Volusia County. The project failed after wasting millions in state and federal funds. Morris said the difference this time is private money and technology. "In 1994, we had nothing more than an idea," Morris said.
A ridership study commissioned by American Maglev predicted at least 3.1 million riders by 2014, 4.6 million by 2025 and 6.4 million by 2035.

http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/...orange-/nNNKN/

Yeahh this wont happen. Our county leaders will shoot it down. Smh.

[jzquince69]

I remember this guy from 18 years ago and the reports of the Maglev in Volusia. Nobody thought that would ever get built b/c it made no sense. I think the test track was in Edgewater or something like that.

If that Spanish company funds it I can see this getting built. On that newscast in the link, notice they showed the LRT study route which included the linkup with Lake Nona.

[ThatFloridaDude]

Originally Posted by jzquince69

I remember this guy from 18 years ago and the reports of the Maglev in Volusia. Nobody thought that would ever get built b/c it made no sense. I think the test track was in Edgewater or something like that.

If that Spanish company funds it I can see this getting built. On that newscast in the link, notice they showed the LRT study route which included the linkup with Lake Nona.

Wait wait so are their LRT plans up too? The Maglev was suppose to go through Lake Nona and backw est to Disney through Osceola.

[jzquince69]

Unknown.

I gather that if the County thinks this is a legitimate proposal, they may try to get them to do the LRT study area route to kill the two birds with one stone...ya know. If so, this means the County will probably chip in more than just easement if their preferred route varies from what the maglev people have earmarked to do between OIA and the OCCC and WDW, b/c Lake Nona is an initial SE ride from OIA.

Or, the news people just dug up anything they could find and made it their graphic b/c they figured the average layperson wouldn't know the difference...except that WE are not your average laypersons, are we. lol.

[ThatFloridaDude]

Which would be better for Orlando?

[jzquince69]

dunno. as long as both offered the same connectivity and both were equally reliable, then either or. maybe the LRT would be easier to expand. but the maglev would be "sexier" and seem more futuristic.

[TampaMike]

I think the question is, why did the previous project fail? In the case that this project might fail, what we would be done? Would the county and state be forced to take over? What would become of the tracks if the company goes under and no one steps up to take over?

I hope it works and it would be great to have something connect the airport to DW besides what exists.

[ThatFloridaDude]

Originally Posted by jzquince69

dunno. as long as both offered the same connectivity and both were equally reliable, then either or. maybe the LRT would be easier to expand. but the maglev would be "sexier" and seem more futuristic.

The Maglev, was offered, the LRT I dont remember being offered. I think, and I could be wrong based on my info, the LRT is the right way to go. If they are wanting to use this as public transit and get as many people on this thing as possible, LRT because it will be cheaper to ride. Maglev I hear will cost $15. WTF?. I agree the Maglev is sexier, but we are talking about Orlando, Florida. Nobody is paying more than $2-$5 for a train ride in county.

I think the LRT can be expanded as you said and more interconnected with SunRail.

Originally Posted by TampaMike

I think the question is, why did the previous project fail? In the case that this project might fail, what we would be done? Would the county and state be forced to take over? What would become of the tracks if the company goes under and no one steps up to take over?

I hope it works and it would be great to have something connect the airport to DW besides what exists.

Which previous project are you referring too?

[TampaMike]

The one in Volusia? Why did nothing materialize?

[ThatFloridaDude]

Originally Posted by TampaMike

The one in Volusia? Why did nothing materialize?

Ohh welll from what I read, they didnt have the technology. I thought you were referring to the light rail that almost made it here.

[jzquince69]

good points about the possibility of the project failing;

The FEC project by contrast... I guess they are so established in Fla that it can't fail or at least they can't go under.

[ThatFloridaDude]

Originally Posted by jzquince69

good points about the possibility of the project failing;

The FEC project by contrast... I guess they are so established in Fla that it can't fail or at least they can't go under.

True but as we all know, Amtrak will have say so. I assure you I would take the FEC over Amtrak as Amtrak is 6 hours.

Also I'd take a lightrail over MAglev because Maglev costs too much to ride.

[jzquince69]

The Red Bug Lake Rd. & 436 interchange is u/c. Aside from widening, etc, both roads as they approach the intersection, they are building a flyover for SB traffic heading to EB Red Bug Lake Road.

http://www.redbuglakeinterchange.com/

[jzquince69]

Just a thought, but I was thinking, if the easement allows for it, maybe they should design a roadway parallel to I-Drive along the property line with I-4, behind all of those hotels, stretching from the OCCC West Building, north to SLR- maybe even becoming a bridge over SLR and then continuing north while following the I-4 curve and ending prior to Universal Blvd., with a future phase extending further and over Kirkman Rd. and then ending at Grand National.

To the south, it would automatically connect to the back side of the OCCC West Bldg. which already has a bridge over 528 to Westwood as an alternate access.

It's just so dense I think it needs another north-south road to alleviate congestion on I-Drive and improve access for service and hotel guests.

Universal Blvd. may be enough to right now, but with I-Drive Live coming, that will increase traffic on Universal Blvd. as well.

[SkyDiveJunkee]

Turkey Lake Road could be better utilized for this purpose if there were connector roads to International Drive via Exhibit Drive (OCCC), Via Mercado, and Carrier. There also needs to be direct connected eastbound to JYP -- the Destination Pkwy extension is a very good start.

[jzquince69]

Originally Posted by SkyDiveJunkee

Turkey Lake Road could be better utilized for this purpose if there were connector roads to International Drive via Exhibit Drive (OCCC), Via Mercado, and Carrier. There also needs to be direct connected eastbound to JYP -- the Destination Pkwy extension is a very good start.

brilliant ideas; the bridges over I-4. very expensive, though.

I was on Destination Pkwy today and it is open between Univ. Blvd and stops just short of JYP by the Hampton Inn. its still u/c...

[HARTride 2012]

Phase I of Tricky Rick's Toll Road Pipe Dream Begins........

http://www.baynews9.com/content/news...ould_star.html

Governor Rick Scott has approved the Florida Department of Transportation’s plan to provide a facelift for Interstate-4 in Central Florida.

The upgrades involve “toll express lanes” that could cost some commuters to go up and down I-4.

To drive from State Road 434 to downtown Orlando could cost about $14 if you take the special lanes. The breakdown for drivers is 15-cents per mile. It’s going to cost more in the morning when people are going to work, but it would be less in the evening because of congestion times.

These numbers are from FDOT’s study that cost over $500,000.

The I-4 Ultimate Project will be a public/private partnership that will allow the FDOT to upgrade the highway from west of Kirkman Road in Orlando to east of State Road 434 in Longwood.

The project includes:
Rebuilding 15 major intersections
Building 56 new bridges
Replacing 68 bridges
Making modifications to 13 bridges

On top of fixing the infrastructure, FDOT will be able to add four express toll lanes to I-4. FDOT said these lanes are meant for distance, similar to the express lanes in South Florida. FDOT says the project will also include six general purpose lanes and two auxiliary lanes.

Once the funding is in place, construction should begin in 2015.

The project will cost $2.1 billion.

Officials have been debating for years how to come up with the cash to fix a main Central Florida artery that was designed back in the 1960's.

That's just a few years after the International Speedway was built in Volusia County and before Disney even started purchasing land further south to build Walt Disney World.

Amusement parks and attractions have definitely changed the landscape of our area, and state officials said it's time to bring I-4 into the 21st century.

[ThatFloridaDude]

So I drive North will be getting an I Drive South like Makeover. 7.7 Million dollars starting sometime between May and August. Dedicated bus lanes, landscaping, better pedestrian walkways and crosswalks and some good love. lol

[HARTride 2012]

Great to hear! I haven't been on I-Drive in a long while. But I'm sure it's become even more crowded now than it ever has been.