108 replies to this topic

[Florida]

I-185 Extension
Columbus, GA - Tallahassee, FL



I've crossed several sources that indicate leaders in Georgia are agressively pushing for the extension of I-185 from Columbus, GA to Tallahassee. If sources are true, this would indicate some major changes are on the horizon for the Florida Capital. None of the local media has picked up on this story as of yet, although news has been out since last year. Here are some links to a few articles I found.

Interstate extension headed here?
Thomasville Times Enterprise

New Interstate Idea Gets Mixed Reviews
Early County News

New Interstate Idea gets Mixed Reviews
WALB.com - Albany

[Florida]

Quote

From a GeorgiaTrend Article

Southwest: Retirees, Revitalization
Enjoying A Turnaround
Ben Young
Published April 2007

“Another thing we’re seriously pursuing is a 20-year project: a new interstate. The Georgia Department of Transportation is in the process of identifying a consultant to do a comprehensive study of how much traffic would be diverted from Interstate 75, and environmental issues that could be created. We expect that to take the bulk of 2007, and after that we’ll implement a strategy.

“It’s too soon to tell,” Martin says, but the most logical route would extend from Columbus to Tallahassee. “We’re not sure but it may be an extension of I-185 [from the junction with I-85 in LaGrange to Columbus],” he says. With nearly every county in South-west Georgia implementing or expanding tourism efforts, an I-185 extension could be a lightning rod for economic activity.

[TD]

This would be awesome for us, way faster north south route for us. plus it would spur growth yummy

[south park county]

As far as tourism goes, I would think Columbus to Pensacola following the GA-AL state line most of the way would make more sense, but I would totally thrilled if this ever happened.  Its a little disappointing to see it will connect in Monticello, but the apparent enthusiasm of the GA leaders is heartening.

Nevermind, I-65 pretty much follows that route.

Edited by south park county, 27 November 2007 - 12:37 PM.

[Florida]

I was going to say that about I-65. I'm glad you caught yourself!

If it connected in Monticello, I'd be just as happy if it came straight to Tallahassee. I think the preference of most involved is to see it come directly to Tallahassee, but I feel a connection with I-10 that close to Tallahassee would serve the same purpose.

My long desire is to see someone do more with US 27. I think that should be the route to pursue.

[gatoremt]

I think this would be really GREAT. Tally needs another major artery for the area.

[Florida]

Any chance we might get the Florida leaders involved to perhaps speed up the process?

[gatoremt]

It would be really good to have a interstate heading north out of Tally. It sure would help during hurricanes.

[Go Gators]

gatoremt, on Nov 27 2007, 03:06 PM, said:

It would be really good to have a interstate heading north out of Tally. It sure would help during hurricanes.

Hey GatorEMT, Nice win this weekend!   

[Florida]

Go Gators, on Nov 27 2007, 03:10 PM, said:

Hey GatorEMT, Nice win this weekend!

HEY HEY! Watch it!  Smart alleck!!

At least you two know where to live.

[south park county]

If it did end up connecting in Monticello, one possible positive ramification could be the fostering of increased regional cooperation....hopefully.

[Florida]

Well sure. It would be a great thing for Jefferson County as well. I also think it would create opportunities for enhancements to Highways south of us, such as 27 where it cuts through the Perry region to central Florida. Perhaps it may spark state leaders to study putting us a limited access road to connect our region to the Florida turnpike.

What do you make of the arguments by the smaller towns against this proposal that an interstate would negatively affect them because people wouldn't be forced to stop, and drive through their little towns. Isn't that the point! I My thought is one would stop if they want to stop whether it's a limited access Highway or a Stop-N-Go highway.

[Go Gators]

Florida, on Nov 27 2007, 04:14 PM, said:

Well sure. It would be a great thing for Jefferson County as well. I also think it would create opportunities for enhancements to Highways south of us, such as 27 where it cuts through the Perry region to central Florida. Perhaps it may spark state leaders to study putting us a limited access road to connect our region to the Florida turnpike.

What do you make of the arguments by the smaller towns against this proposal that an interstate would negatively affect them because people wouldn't be forced to stop, and drive through their little towns. Isn't that the point! I My thought is one would stop if they want to stop whether it's a limited access Highway or a Stop-N-Go highway.

But then exits would have to be made for every one of these smaller towns.  That would make the cost of the highway increase, thus offsetting the benefit and purpose.  The Turnpike is known for its minimal amount of exits.  However, with 27 being as it is, you can turn off anywhere, anytime.

[Florida]

I'm not calling for an extension of the turnpike necessarily, simply a quicker way to get to it without as many stops. I'm sure there's a way to work up to this. jpl?

[poonther]

While I'm all for regionalism, this project should terminate in Tally/Leon County.

We need some strong leaders from the FL side of things to make this project happen no matter where it ends. Who is the best person for that job?

I've said it before, they've been talking for years about extending the Turnpike at least over to US 19 in the Levy County area (Chiefland.) and the Suncoast up to Inglis (which is at the Levy/Citrus county line.)  Both these extensions would help in my travels greatly.  I can make it to Chiefland easily in 2 hours.  I lose some time after that getting to the T-pike or The Suncoast.  I used US 19/27 to the T-pike this weekend going to Palm Beach County and made it there in less than 6hrs driving time.

Edited by poonther, 27 November 2007 - 06:03 PM.

[TD]

poonther, on Nov 27 2007, 06:55 PM, said:

While I'm all for regionalism, this project should terminate in Tally/Leon County.

We need some strong leaders from the FL side of things to make this project happen no matter where it ends. Who is the best person for that job?

I've said it before, they've been talking for years about extending the Turnpike at least over to US 19 in the Levy County area (Chiefland.) and the Suncoast up to Inglis (which is at the Levy/Citrus county line.)  Both these extensions would help in my travels greatly.  I can make it to Chiefland easily in 2 hours.  I lose some time after that getting to the T-pike or The Suncoast.  I used US 19/27 to the T-pike this weekend going to Palm Beach County and made it there in less than 6hrs driving time.

Your in luck Poonther, they are going to extend the suncoast 20 miles north of its existing terminus, there is a website dedicated to it, search google for suncoastparkway 2...... anyhow,. i was talking to the people in my planning classes and they all agree the suncoast or the turnpike should be extended to tallahassee....

Now, why isnt it? because local leaders dont look forward..... they dont think outside the box, they are of the mindset that tallahassee is still a small town,...

We need progressive leaders who encourage growth.... They should be pursuing all avenues in reguards to transportation expansion for our region! Airport, Get that I-185 extended down here from columbus, get us a connection to the turnpike...... We need larger private business... Quit wasting our hard earned dollars, flying to other cities who "get it" and trying to "learn" from them... It has done nothing for our lackadaisical politicians approach on growth....


Unless we get progressive people in at the top, tallahassee will sadly always be that child no one played with...

We have so much to offer, yet we dont give ourselves a chance!

[Florida]

TallahasseeDowntown, on Nov 27 2007, 08:38 PM, said:

Your in luck Poonther, they are going to extend the suncoast 20 miles north of its existing terminus, there is a website dedicated to it, search google for suncoastparkway 2...... anyhow,. i was talking to the people in my planning classes and they all agree the suncoast or the turnpike should be extended to tallahassee....

Now, why isnt it? because local leaders dont look forward..... they dont think outside the box, they are of the mindset that tallahassee is still a small town,...

We need progressive leaders who encourage growth.... They should be pursuing all avenues in reguards to transportation expansion for our region! Airport, Get that I-185 extended down here from columbus, get us a connection to the turnpike...... We need larger private business... Quit wasting our hard earned dollars, flying to other cities who "get it" and trying to "learn" from them... It has done nothing for our lackadaisical politicians approach on growth....


Unless we get progressive people in at the top, tallahassee will sadly always be that child no one played with...

We have so much to offer, yet we dont give ourselves a chance!

Sadly I can't think of any local leaders I have enough confidence in right now to lead us in this endeavor. If Scott Maddox was still in office, he'd be the guy.

[gatoremt]

Go Gators, on Nov 27 2007, 04:10 PM, said:

Hey GatorEMT, Nice win this weekend!   

Why Yes It WAS

[Florida]

Well I enjoyed our Basketball game!!

[south park county]

Amen to that!