Turnpike Interchange Postponed

[janmcn]

According to The Villages on-line news, The Villages is positioning itself to postpone building the interchange at county road 468 and instead work on upgrading the intersection of US301 and the Florida Turnpike.

Read all about it on their website.

[Rollie]

I can't figure out why the 301 interchange would need upgrading.

Rollie

[janmcn]

After re-reading the article, the quote should have been The Villages will "champion repairs" at the 301 interchange with the Florida Turnpike, whatever that means.

[Indydealmaker]

I can't figure out why the 301 interchange would need upgrading.

Rollie

It is dangerous. When you take the eastbound ramp from the pike with the intention of going north on 301, you are faced with two challenges: a big blind spot blocks the view of southbound 301 traffic and an awkward angle when trying to see traffic coming from south 301.

A similar awkward viewing angle exists if you are on the westbound ramp trying to access north 301.

With the major new development planned just south of that interchange, traffic is definitely going to ramp up.

[justjim]

Could this be a repeat of the Interstate 75/466 interchange that was suppose to happen 5 years ago that never happen?

I sort of remember something about a large housing project south of Wildwood on 301 that suppose to take place in the near future. Perhaps the housing project and the upgrade of the Turnpike/301 interchange are connected.

On the other hand, this could be the area where Macy's and Dillard's will be built. That would make one wife I know very happy. LOL.

[e-flyer]

It would be nice when heading west on the Florida Turnpike, if you could merge south on I-75, and visa versa to avoid the Wildwood Exit off I-75.

[George Bieniaszek]

It is dangerous. When you take the eastbound ramp from the pike with the intention of going north on 301, you are faced with two challenges: a big blind spot blocks the view of southbound 301 traffic and an awkward angle when trying to see traffic coming from south 301.

A similar awkward viewing angle exists if you are on the westbound ramp trying to access north 301.

With the major new development planned just south of that interchange, traffic is definitely going to ramp up.

Totally agree with your statement. The angle of the eastbound ramp merging with Rt 301 northbound had major sightline limitations. Lucky that there is not too much traffic on 301N that goes past the TPK entrance ramp. A longer merge lane would definitely help.

[janmcn]

Planned CR 468 interchange hits a bump - Daily Commercial: News (http://www.dailycommercial.com/news/article_1bfc6e84-61aa-5afc-9666-e595f2abdf89.html)


More details on the Florida Turnpike/CR468 interchange postponement.

[John_W]

About 3 years ago we visited Ocala for the first time and took the Turnpike 301 exit and I noticed how your vision is limited. Shortly thereafter I remember reading that a TV couple were killed at that intersection making the same left turn northbound on 301 from the exit. From then on, whenever we come back from Ocala or Gainesville we always exit at Rte 44 four miles earlier.

[Snowbirdtobe]

Sounds like some landowner at the new interchange didn't want to sell to TV.
The turnpike can support multiple projects to make access to Florida's fastest growing area save and easy.

[rubicon]

It is dangerous. When you take the eastbound ramp from the pike with the intention of going north on 301, you are faced with two challenges: a big blind spot blocks the view of southbound 301 traffic and an awkward angle when trying to see traffic coming from south 301.

A similar awkward viewing angle exists if you are on the westbound ramp trying to access north 301.

With the major new development planned just south of that interchange, traffic is definitely going to ramp up.

Indy: Is this coming into Wildwood where the orange stand sits and traffic is blocked by the overpass to your left rear view?

[Indydealmaker]

This is how dealmakers get rich! Sellers get religion overnight when the rug gets pulled out from beneath them.

[Indydealmaker]

Indy: Is this coming into Wildwood where the orange stand sits and traffic is blocked by the overpass to your left rear view?

Yes. Also on the south side of the underpass where you come off the east/southbound turnpike. At that point you have to twist and look back over your right shoulder to see northbound 301 traffic. My old neck just does not want to twist!

[Indydealmaker]

Totally agree with your statement. The angle of the eastbound ramp merging with Rt 301 northbound had major sightline limitations. Lucky that there is not too much traffic on 301N that goes past the TPK entrance ramp. A longer merge lane would definitely help.

I have noticed that central Florida seems to have a bunch of intersections like that where you are intersecting at almost a 45 degree angle instead of a 90.