BJ's Paving Disaster

[retiredguy123]

Be careful when driving to BJ's. I went there today, and the new road on the south end from Rt. 441 to the store has several short sections where they have installed brick pavers instead of the regular hard pavement. I assume this was done for aesthetics. But, the pavers are coming apart and creating large potholes. It appears as though the bricks are just sitting on a sand base? Not a good idea, especially since there will be a lot of large trucks driving on those pavers.

[Stu from NYC]

Wonder why they would do this? They should know better.

[Mrs.Guy]

:shrug: Those brick pavers were there before BJ's and even WAWA.

[retiredguy123]

:shrug: Those brick pavers were there before BJ's and even WAWA.
I don't know when they were installed, but they need to be replaced with something more durable to handle the BJ's traffic. Every section has a pothole.

It looks like the road is NE 135th Xing. Almost everyone driving on it would be going to BJ's. There are 6 sections of pavers that are obviously inadequately constructed to handle the traffic.

[Mrs.Guy]

:shrug: Those brick pavers were there before BJ's and even WAWA.

I don't know when they were installed, but they need to be replaced with something more durable to handle the BJ's traffic. Every section has a pothole.

chilout OK. I agree. :shrug: If I felt that strongly about it.... I would have called the proper authorities. ;)

[retiredguy123]

chilout OK. I agree. :shrug: If I felt that strongly about it.... I would have called the proper authorities. ;)
Yeah, I'm sure they would get right on it. Like the time I called about the Rt 441 road project near Home Depot several months ago. I haven't seen any work done on that project since I called. But, they must already know about the pavers falling apart.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Yeah, I'm sure they would get right on it. Like the time I called about the Rt 441 road project near Home Depot several months ago. I haven't seen any work done on that project since I called. But, they must already know about the pavers falling apart.

They'll get right on it just as soon as someone sues someone for damages, or someone falls out of their golf cart because they were driving in the evening and weren't able to tell just HOW much of a pit those pits are between the bricks.

I drive behind Wawa on a regular basis to Walmart, Aldi, and a couple of food shops on that end, and it can be a pain.

But you can thank your local government and their zoning department for keeping the standards low. You have choices in life. One of them is: get higher standards and pay for them via higher taxes, or get low standards and have less you need to pay for, therefore keeping your taxes low.

[Mrs.Guy]

Yeah, I'm sure they would get right on it. Like the time I called about the Rt 441 road project near Home Depot several months ago. I haven't seen any work done on that project since I called. But, they must already know about the pavers falling apart.

:clap2: Hey, if you are going to be in charge of road construction, you have to learn the difference in the types of roads we are talking about. I hope you called someone from FDOT about the quagmire on SR441 by Home Depot. The pavers by BJ's and WAWA.... well I would think they belong to Sumter Co. :wave:

[Stu from NYC]

Yeah, I'm sure they would get right on it. Like the time I called about the Rt 441 road project near Home Depot several months ago. I haven't seen any work done on that project since I called. But, they must already know about the pavers falling apart.

Rumor has it that it was too wet to work or was that to hot or perhaps too windy.

[Fredster]

But you can thank your local government and their zoning department for keeping the standards low. You have choices in life. One of them is: get higher standards and pay for them via higher taxes, or get low standards and have less you need to pay for, therefore keeping your taxes low.

Respectfully OBB…that is simply not always true!
You must have come from a different northern city than I,
if you equate higher taxes with higher standards,
and streets, roads that are maintained better!

[retiredguy123]

:clap2: Hey, if you are going to be in charge of road construction, you have to learn the difference in the types of roads we are talking about. I hope you called someone from FDOT about the quagmire on SR441 by Home Depot. The pavers by BJ's and WAWA.... well I would think they belong to Sumter Co. :wave:
Here is the email I got from FDOT five months ago about the Rt 441 project. I don't know who to call about the paver issue, but I think BJ's is in Lake County, not Sumter. But, so far, I am batting .000.

Thank you for reaching out!
This project has not been placed on hold.
There are different factors that may affect work on the construction site that can range from weather to labor and materials issues, among other reasons.
I will make sure to voice your concerns to the project team and please be rest assured that they are doing their best to move things along and get the job done.
kind regards,
Lynette Cruz | Community Outreach Coordinator
EXP U.S Services
In-House FDOT Consultant, District 5
Ocala/Leesburg Construction
Office: 352-326-7744 / 352-620-3020
Cell: 352-359-7059
Lynette.Cruz@dot.state.fl.us
Your source for information on FDOT projects in Central Florida

[Mrs.Guy]

Here is the email I got from FDOT five months ago about the Rt 441 project. I don't know who to call about the paver issue, but I think BJ's is in Lake County, not Sumter. But, so far, I am batting .000.

Thank you for reaching out!
This project has not been placed on hold.
There are different factors that may affect work on the construction site that can range from weather to labor and materials issues, among other reasons.
I will make sure to voice your concerns to the project team and please be rest assured that they are doing their best to move things along and get the job done.
kind regards,
Lynette Cruz | Community Outreach Coordinator
EXP U.S Services
In-House FDOT Consultant, District 5
Ocala/Leesburg Construction
Office: 352-326-7744 / 352-620-3020
Cell: 352-359-7059
Lynette.Cruz@dot.state.fl.us
Your source for information on FDOT projects in Central Florida

I guessed Sumter Co.because I know Lowes is in Sumter Co. and so is the Sharon Morse Medical Bldg. but you may be right. :thumbup:

The road construction on 441 seems to be going on since BEFORE we moved here in 2004. Small stretches at a time. Hard to understand when their construction season is year round.:shrug:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Respectfully OBB…that is simply not always true!
You must have come from a different northern city than I,
if you equate higher taxes with higher standards,
and streets, roads that are maintained better!

You can't compare the cost of maintaining an infrastructure up north to the same down south. We don't get several inches to several feet of snow down here every year. We don't get an "actual" winter with freezing temperatures and the need to salt the roads or plow them, which ultimately causes more wear and tear, more frequently, than if you don't have to do that. The two are not comparable.

But this area prides itself on low taxes. That's what gets the votes, what creates the debates, the arguments, the tirades. No one wants to pay more. So then they don't get to whine when things start falling apart because they chose not to include maintenance in the budget.

[retiredguy123]

I guessed Sumter Co.because I know Lowes is in Sumter Co. and so is the Sharon Morse Medical Bldg. but you may be right. :thumbup:

The road construction on 441 seems to be going on since BEFORE we moved here in 2004. Small stretches at a time. Hard to understand when their construction season is year round.:shrug:
The Lowes on Rt. 441 and BJ's have Lady Lake addresses, so I think they are both in Lake County.

[Nucky]

The area of Bricks, Not Pavers has been there for close to 10 years. It is a rookie move for them to still be there considering the new traffic pattern. There was a poor soul who was having a bad day when we were over that way today and the poor thing barked at us when we offered to make a call for help because she had two front flats clearly because of the bricks. It's shameful. I reported it to the manager at BJ'S and he said they have been trying to get it improved for a few weeks with no luck. He wasn't storytelling, he was sincerely concerned. Let's see what happens.

Is it possible that an Old Union Leader is Buried there? Oooooh, let's get that rumor going. Better than a gate or Walmart Cart Path rumor by far.

Opening the store with the road in that condition is shameful!

Oh by the way. Even though it's convenient, BJ'S sucks, can't believe it but we're going back to Sam's even with their increased membership charge, now $110.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The area of Bricks, Not Pavers has been there for close to 10 years. It is a rookie move for them to still be there considering the new traffic pattern. There was a poor soul who was having a bad day when we were over that way today and the poor thing barked at us when we offered to make a call for help because she had two front flats clearly because of the bricks. It's shameful. I reported it to the manager at BJ'S and he said they have been trying to get it improved for a few weeks with no luck. He wasn't storytelling, he was sincerely concerned. Let's see what happens.

Is it possible that an Old Union Leader is Buried there? Oooooh, let's get that rumor going. Better than a gate or Walmart Cart Path rumor by far.

Opening the store with the road in that condition is shameful!

Oh by the way. Even though it's convenient, BJ'S sucks, can't believe it but we're going back to Sam's even with their increased membership charge, now $110.

I like BJ's. Sam's was okay but it was inconvenient, and more expensive, and their gas prices weren't all that much better than closer to home (plus you can't get gas there for your golf cart because it's not golf cart accessible).

[retiredguy123]

I like BJ's. Sam's was okay but it was inconvenient, and more expensive, and their gas prices weren't all that much better than closer to home (plus you can't get gas there for your golf cart because it's not golf cart accessible).
I like BJ's because it makes Sam's less crowded.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I like BJ's because it makes Sam's less crowded.

Hah! I like Sam's for the same reason - it makes BJ's less crowded! And their hotdogs near the exit. Deal of the day right there.

[Michael G.]

I like BJ's because it makes Sam's less crowded.

Hah! I like Sam's for the same reason - it makes BJ's less crowded! And their hotdogs near the exit. Deal of the day right there.

Yeah, coming from a small community in Wisconsin 7 years ago, the first time I went
to Sam's for gas, I couldn't believe my eyes.

These many people waiting just for gas ???
I'll be out of gas just waiting before I get to a pump.........LOL

[Mrs.Guy]

The Lowes on Rt. 441 and BJ's have Lady Lake addresses, so I think they are both in Lake County.

Nope. Sumter Co. :ho:

[retiredguy123]

Nope. Sumter Co. :ho:
I hate to beat a dead horse, but I called both Lowes and BJ's and both people I spoke with were certain that they are located in Lake County.

[Fredster]

You can't compare the cost of maintaining an infrastructure up north to the same down south. We don't get several inches to several feet of snow down here every year. We don't get an "actual" winter with freezing temperatures and the need to salt the roads or plow them, which ultimately causes more wear and tear, more frequently, than if you don't have to do that. The two are not comparable.

But this area prides itself on low taxes. That's what gets the votes, what creates the debates, the arguments, the tirades. No one wants to pay more. So then they don't get to whine when things start falling apart because they chose not to include maintenance in the budget.

When I first came down here I was amazed
how smooth the roads were, and I know the weather
is a big factor. Yet I know for a fact a good portion of tax dollars up north were not spent on road maintenance, but as you say, on other program give aways to secure votes!
Do you honestly think that never happened up north.

[Nucky]

Sorry, I didn't think about this before but if you are going to BJ'S in a Car then just go up 441 and turn in towards the Chase Bank.

If you are coming from the Golf Cart gate in The Historic Section just slow to a crawl and stay towards the curb when you are approaching the bricked area. It's not too bad there yet! Good luck.

[kansasr]

Does anybody know if there's been a GoFundMe set up for this disaster?

[Mrs.Guy]

I hate to beat a dead horse, but I called both Lowes and BJ's and both people I spoke with were certain that they are located in Lake County.

:icon_bored: And I'm certain they are not. No big deal but I find it hilarious you actually called and bothered these people.:a20: I looked at a map. The $5 Villages Map. :ho:

[sdeikenberry]

:clap2: Hey, if you are going to be in charge of road construction, you have to learn the difference in the types of roads we are talking about. I hope you called someone from FDOT about the quagmire on SR441 by Home Depot. The pavers by BJ's and WAWA.... well I would think they belong to Sumter Co. :wave:

That area is not Sumter Co...it's Lake Co.

[red tail]

The Lowes on Rt. 441 and BJ's have Lady Lake addresses, so I think they are both in Lake County.

Wrong...Ihave a Lady Lake address and i live in Sumter county.

[Speedie]

You can't compare the cost of maintaining an infrastructure up north to the same down south. We don't get several inches to several feet of snow down here every year. We don't get an "actual" winter with freezing temperatures and the need to salt the roads or plow them, which ultimately causes more wear and tear, more frequently, than if you don't have to do that. The two are not comparable.

But this area prides itself on low taxes. That's what gets the votes, what creates the debates, the arguments, the tirades. No one wants to pay more. So then they don't get to whine when things start falling apart because they chose not to include maintenance in the budget.

Yes the roads in Chigao and nyc are smooth and never a pothole

[Bilyclub]

In other good news, Costco is expected to begin construction of the store in Clermont this November contrary to the latest rumor that it will open in November.

[Stu from NYC]

Yes the roads in Chigao and nyc are smooth and never a pothole

Very true but in NYC they just call them holes

[Arctic Fox]

Very true but in NYC they just call them holes

I thought they just called them roads :-)

[WingedFoot78]

We've been in TV for 6+ years now. I do not remember 441 by Home Depot not being a construction nightmare. Who's doing the work...the people in charge of the I-4 project?

[Mrs.Guy]

That area is not Sumter Co...it's Lake Co.

:wave: Sorry..... you're wrong too!

[Number 10 GI]

When I first came down here I was amazed
how smooth the roads were, and I know the weather
is a big factor. Yet I know for a fact a good portion of tax dollars up north were not spent on road maintenance, but as you say, on other program give aways to secure votes!
Do you honestly think that never happened up north.

The magazine "Overdrive", a publication for the trucking industry, consistently rated Tennessee at the top or near the top for highway quality. The biggest reason for the good roads is that the entire state gas tax goes entirely to the department of transportation for road construction and maintenance, not the general fund. In Kentucky the gas tax goes to the general fund and you can tell the difference between the quality of roads there compared to Tennessee. When I lived in Tennessee I frequently traveled through Kentucky and the difference in road quality was blatantly obvious.

I served a number of years in Germany in the Army. The autobahn was very well maintained considering the amount of heavy traffic, even the secondary roads were well maintained. There is snow and severe weather in Germany comparable to weather in the northern U.S., but I never saw a highway as poorly maintained as I have seen in our northern states. One of the reasons the Autobahn doesn't have the problems afflicting U.S. highways because of the basic construction of the roadbed. The roadbed for the autobahn is thicker than the roadbeds for highways here. The heavier roadbed isn't affected as much by freezing and thawing resulting in less buckling of the road surface. Why don't we do that here? The obvious reason, COST!

[retiredguy123]

:wave: Sorry..... you're wrong too!
Mrs. Guy is correct. It is Sumter County.

[Mrs.Guy]

Mrs. Guy is correct. It is Sumter County.

:ho: Thank you Sir. People would be surprised to know ALDI on 441 is Sumter Co. too.

[Lancer]

Lowes and BJs appear to be in Sumter county.

[mtdjed]

Hah! I like Sam's for the same reason - it makes BJ's less crowded! And their hotdogs near the exit. Deal of the day right there.

And those hot dogs are available to all even w/o a membership.

[Stu from NYC]

We've been in TV for 6+ years now. I do not remember 441 by Home Depot not being a construction nightmare. Who's doing the work...the people in charge of the I-4 project?

The Big Dig of Boston fame seem to have the job of stretching it out as much as possible

[Bilyclub]

The magazine "Overdrive", a publication for the trucking industry, consistently rated Tennessee at the top or near the top for highway quality. The biggest reason for the good roads is that the entire state gas tax goes entirely to the department of transportation for road construction and maintenance, not the general fund. In Kentucky the gas tax goes to the general fund and you can tell the difference between the quality of roads there compared to Tennessee. When I lived in Tennessee I frequently traveled through Kentucky and the difference in road quality was blatantly obvious.

I put on heavy duty miles on I-24 from Kentucky to Georgia in the last 3 years and can say that the Kentucky part was great and any area that wasn't is now getting worked on. In Tennessee the section thru Nashville has numerous rim bending potholes. They at least are finally paving from Murfreesboro to Mount Eagle. They also spent 3 years on the I-24, I-75 interchange and ended up making it worse. Maybe they have too much money to spend.

[Number 10 GI]

I put on heavy duty miles on I-24 from Kentucky to Georgia in the last 3 years and can say that the Kentucky part was great and any area that wasn't is now getting worked on. In Tennessee the section thru Nashville has numerous rim bending potholes. They at least are finally paving from Murfreesboro to Mount Eagle. They also spent 3 years on the I-24, I-75 interchange and ended up making it worse. Maybe they have too much money to spend.

I made numerous trips to the Council Bluffs, IA area from the late 90's until we moved to Florida 4 years ago and I-24 from the junction with I-57 to Tennessee used to be like a washboard. I hit a pothole on I-24 just outside of Puduach and destroyed a tire and wheel. The last 5 years or so the state did some extensive repairs to that stretch of road and it is now a nice smooth highway. The state had to do something as the highway was sorely needing it. Hopefully they will maintain it and not allow it to fall into disrepair like it was prior to the resurfacing. Yes, I-24, I-40 and I-65 are rough through Nashville and I don't understand why as the rest of the roads are well maintained.

[Cherstubbs]

Pavers have been there for at least 18 months. Originally there were speed bumps intended, but haven’t been in that area for a while.

[Stu from NYC]

Lake county has finished the section of 441 that has been under construction.

Wonder why it is taking so long in Sumter with apparently nothing being done

[mtdjed]

Lake county has finished the section of 441 that has been under construction.

Wonder why it is taking so long in Sumter with apparently nothing being done

You make it sound as though this 441 work is being done by counties. As I understand the process Hiway 441 is a federal Hiway and the work is done by the Florida Department of Transportation. Also, it seems to me that most all of the work is being done on 441 in Lake County. Supposedly, the project goes from Lake Ella Road to about Avenida Central which I believe is in Lake County. Don't know that any of the project is in Sumter County. Saw a report which stated that the project will continue through 2003.

The road to BJ's is likely a county road outside of the 441 project.

[Stu from NYC]

You make it sound as though this 441 work is being done by counties. As I understand the process Hiway 441 is a federal Hiway and the work is done by the Florida Department of Transportation. Also, it seems to me that most all of the work is being done on 441 in Lake County. Supposedly, the project goes from Lake Ella Road to about Avenida Central which I believe is in Lake County. Don't know that any of the project is in Sumter County. Saw a report which stated that the project will continue through 2003.

The road to BJ's is likely a county road outside of the 441 project.

Have no idea who is actually responsible for the lack of work being done on 441 but whoever it is needs to find a new job

[NoMoSno]

Have no idea who is actually responsible for the lack of work being done on 441 but whoever it is needs to find a new job
The 441 project is FDOT.
Projected to be completed fall 2023.
Probably more like spring/summer 2024.
238395-5 U.S. 441 Widening from Lake Ella Road to Avenida Central (https://www.cflroads.com/project/238395-5)

[Stu from NYC]

The 441 project is FDOT.
Projected to be completed fall 2023.
Probably more like spring/summer 2024.
238395-5 U.S. 441 Widening from Lake Ella Road to Avenida Central (https://www.cflroads.com/project/238395-5)

Thanks for the info but at the rate of work not being done think it might take a few more years. Would think that stores along 441 would be bitterly complaining about loss of business.

[flsteve]

Lowes and BJs appear to be in Sumter county.

After living here for 1.5 years I just learned that Walmart is actually in Marion County, Lowes is in Sumter County and Sams is in Lake County. :BigApplause:

Fun fact for me is that I live in Del Mar and can drive my golf cart 2.75 miles to Walmart through 3 different counties! I never knew that Walmart was 2 counties away from me.

[Rodneysblue]

Be careful when driving to BJ's. I went there today, and the new road on the south end from Rt. 441 to the store has several short sections where they have installed brick pavers instead of the regular hard pavement. I assume this was done for aesthetics. But, the pavers are coming apart and creating large potholes. It appears as though the bricks are just sitting on a sand base? Not a good idea, especially since there will be a lot of large trucks driving on those pavers.

They've been there for years.

[Rodneysblue]

chilout OK. I agree. :shrug: If I felt that strongly about it.... I would have called the proper authorities. ;)

Touché!

[Rodneysblue]

Here is the email I got from FDOT five months ago about the Rt 441 project. I don't know who to call about the paver issue, but I think BJ's is in Lake County, not Sumter. But, so far, I am batting .000.

Thank you for reaching out!
This project has not been placed on hold.
There are different factors that may affect work on the construction site that can range from weather to labor and materials issues, among other reasons.
I will make sure to voice your concerns to the project team and please be rest assured that they are doing their best to move things along and get the job done.
kind regards,
Lynette Cruz | Community Outreach Coordinator
EXP U.S Services
In-House FDOT Consultant, District 5
Ocala/Leesburg Construction
Office: 352-326-7744 / 352-620-3020
Cell: 352-359-7059
Lynette.Cruz@dot.state.fl.us
Your source for information on FDOT projects in Central Florida

If you look on Google Maps you can see that Sumter County has a small corner that reaches over 27/441 From Aldi's in the Northwest to Northeast corner of NE 136 LP to Health Care Partners Family Medicine in Southeast corner.

[Rodneysblue]

The Lowes on Rt. 441 and BJ's have Lady Lake addresses, so I think they are both in Lake County.

No check the map on google.

[retiredguy123]

If you look on Google Maps you can see that Sumter County has a small corner that reaches over 27/441 From Aldi's in the Northwest to Northeast corner of NE 136 LP to Health Care Partners Family Medicine in Southeast corner.
I already did that. See Post No. 35.

[retiredguy123]

They've been there for years.
They won't be there for many more years, unless the brick sections are repaired.

[Rodneysblue]

I hate to beat a dead horse, but I called both Lowes and BJ's and both people I spoke with were certain that they are located in Lake County.

Beg to differ, check the map.

[Rodneysblue]

They won't be there for many more years, unless the brick sections are repaired.

I agree.

[Rodneysblue]

That area is not Sumter Co...it's Lake Co.

Check the map.

[Rodneysblue]

I already did that. See Post No. 35.

:coolsmiley: