TRANSPORTATION

History

In April 2015, FDOT closed the Jones Loop Rest Area at exit 161 in Charlotte County. This facility was an “off-system” rest area that serviced vehicles in both directions of I-75. The closure of this facility increased the distance between existing rest area facilities. The closest rest area is the Lee County Rest Area, located at exit 131 on Daniels Parkway.

Objective

The purpose of FDOT rest areas on the interstate is to provide safe rest stops for the motoring public. The rest areas provide comfort and convenience with restrooms, parking, and vending machines adjacent to the interstate. The rest areas enhance safety by providing a safe place for motorists to stop, reducing driver fatigue. Also, the rest areas can provide a site for FDOT and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) emergency operations during disasters, such as hurricanes.

The purpose of this study is to identify the locations for the replacement of a recently closed off-system rest area with two new on-system rest areas (northbound and southbound). Off-system rest areas require motorists to leave the interstate system onto a cross street to access the rest area.  On-system rest areas allow motorists to access the rest area directly without leaving the interstate system.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) guidelines recommend rest areas should be spaced approximately a one-hour drive between appropriate stopping opportunities. At interstate speeds, this equates to approximately 70 miles between stopping opportunities.

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Project At-A-Glance

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