Morse Turnpike Extension

[cabo35]

Don't recall seeing this posted. If it has....oops.

Very interesting. Check out Morse Blvd. extension.

http://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/AgendaModule/AI952/CR%20468%20turnpike_948_1040_952_1046.pdf

[ajbrown]

I cringe a bit when I read paragraph two of the Project Need section. I understand that is the way it is and will be, but will be interesting to see the impact to the TV community with regards to traffic as this "four-lane divided roadway" known to us as Morse is used as the way to get from 44 to 27/441.

[cabo35]

AJ.....it's not just you. :agree: totally. That was precisely my original reaction and concern but, I was reserving judgment until I get some time to take a hard look at the scope of the whole $20M project. Personally, I would be more impacted if it was Buena Vista instead of Morse. However, overflow detours to Buena Vista from Morse, if the traffic pattern was lighter on Buena Vista, would be plausible. Oh......the price of progress.

[RichieLion]

This is going to add loads of traffic to our neighborhood. People will be driving up our scenic byways instead of the ugly roads they drive on now. They'll do this tossing slurpie cups and soda cans, etc.

Think the round-a-bouts are scary now? We ain't seen nothing yet.

[Hancle704]

Now you can understand how those of us who live in the area north of CR 466 felt when they expanded TV south of CR 466. The two lane portion of Morse Blvd was not built with the idea of carrying all that traffic. The road got torn up and it was very difficult to exit from neighborhood streets onto Morse Blvd. especially during winter months. Took years of studies and accidents before county re-did the road and added traffic lights and widened the golf cart lanes. Perhaps now now you can understand why some long term residents got upset with the development of LSL and beyond.


So now you can look forward to increased vehicular traffic coming through TV as they go between the turnpike and US Hwy 441/27 towards Ocala. Since they are all County roads what's to prevent an increase in commercial traffic traveling through TV?

Picture all those 18 wheelers coming across the causeway between LSL and CR 466. It wont be pretty. Does that concern any of you Smart Car and Street Legal Vehicle operators? It should.

[GeorgeT]

Now you can understand how those of us who live in the area north of CR 466 felt when they expanded TV south of CR 466. The two lane portion of Morse Blvd was not built with the idea of carrying all that traffic. The road got torn up and it was very difficult to exit from neighborhood streets onto Morse Blvd. especially during winter months. Took years of studies and accidents before county re-did the road and added traffic lights and widened the golf cart lanes. Perhaps now now you can understand why some long term residents got upset with the development of LSL and beyond.


So now you can look forward to increased vehicular traffic coming through TV as they go between the turnpike and US Hwy 441/27 towards Ocala. Since they are all County roads what's to prevent an increase in commercial traffic traveling through TV?

Picture all those 18 wheelers coming across the causeway between LSL and CR 466. It wont be pretty. Does that concern any of you Smart Car and Street Legal Vehicle operators? It should.

I guess your point is misery loves company?

[katezbox]

I guess before we all let panic set is that we need to get a bit more of the facts...

1. Would 18 wheelers be restricted? Just because the roads are public, they can be limited to certain classes of vehicle.

2. Who do we see driving through TV to get to 27/441? I'm not sure going through TV with it's roundabouts, 35 mph speed limit and traffic signals is better than taking 466A or 44 to 27/441.

3. Love 'em or hate 'em - the Morse family isn't stupid. If they think there is that much of a negative impact, why would they do this?

4. Hope for those totally opposed: some of the $$ for this appears to be coming from the State of Florida. With Gov. Scott's approval so low, can he afford this funding which may be perceived as cronyism - remember the high-speed rail line.

k:posting:

[GaDawg]

Could be that this interchange is projected to take traffic away from TV. I know if I were heading north to Ocala on the turnpike I would not take a 35mph street through a residential area with roundabouts to reach my destination. And how many 18 wheelers do we see on Morse in any given day now? Would truck drivers jump at a chance to navigate these roundabouts? Not sure that will be an issue. However, if I were in TV and wanted to get on a quick route south to Orlando area, this could be the ticket. Just have to wait and see.

[downeaster]

The practical route from turnpike to Ocala is I 75 whether driving a Smart car or an eighteen wheeler.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Could be that this interchange is projected to take traffic away from TV. I know if I were heading north to Ocala on the turnpike I would not take a 35mph street through a residential area with roundabouts to reach my destination. And how many 18 wheelers do we see on Morse in any given day now? Would truck drivers jump at a chance to navigate these roundabouts? Not sure that will be an issue. However, if I were in TV and wanted to get on a quick route south to Orlando area, this could be the ticket. Just have to wait and see.

Ditto.

Bill :)

[jebartle]

Will it be golf cart accessible.....giggle, giggle, snort, snort!!!!

[Billy Dee]

I live off Morse Blvd. in the Rio Ponderosa Village, We have been plauged with not being able to get out of San Morino Drive for some time. A traffic light was installed to shut us up. However it did nothing to slow down or restrict traffic. It seems that it is being used as a short cut, rather than going down 466 to Roling Acers Road than to 27/441 north to the intercection of Morse. Which involves 4 traffic lights and considerable mileage. It is easier to turn onto Morse at 466 and cut thru to 27/441. Even though there are three lights to contend to and a roundabout. it is still shorter and faster. If the Sumter County Police Department would inforce the speed limit on this road it would cut down the Racing drivers, (have seen most going over the 35 mph speed limit). and perhaps we could go to our mail box and not sit for 5 minutes trying to exit. My wife came up with a good idea, Since this is a county road going thru the villages, charge a toll for all visitors passing thru, we already have the gate houses, boy we could have one of the best paved roads in the villages with no cost to residents. (just joking, don't want to give the Morse Family another way to make money).

[The Great Fumar]

When I first came here in 2002 this turnpike connection was common knowledge ........The developer wanted the main entrance to TV to be from the turnpike and cut a deal with the state that if they would build an exit , we would build the four lane connecting roads.......They agreed and it was a done deal with all the land purchases to follow before the word got out..........The new Governor had nothing to do with it and besides ,,,,,,,YOUR GONNA LOVE IT ......

fast lane fumar

[Pturner]

Hi Cabo35,
Thanks for the link.

The plan to expand the turnpike and its interchange accessible to TV have been public for years. It's not like it's a surprise. People can't move to paradise and expect to close the door behind them-- though it has been tried many times in lesser places.

:posting:

Let's hope that gates at the exterior of TV, as well as throughout it's interior, remain, in part to discourage thru-traffic. I know some people don't like the gates or the roundabouts, but as I've said on the subject before, be careful what you wish for. They serve us well.

In the meantime, onward progress.

[downeaster]

Fumar and PT make good points. When I moved here 466 was a little traveled two lane country road. Few knew 466A existed but we knew Morse Blvd. was going to connect to the turnpike.

Fear not. I will not not contaminate your streets with my presence. Navigating those roundabouts are not my choice. There are better ways for me to get to the turnpike.

[billmar]

Could be that this interchange is projected to take traffic away from TV. I know if I were heading north to Ocala on the turnpike I would not take a 35mph street through a residential area with roundabouts to reach my destination. And how many 18 wheelers do we see on Morse in any given day now? Would truck drivers jump at a chance to navigate these roundabouts? Not sure that will be an issue. However, if I were in TV and wanted to get on a quick route south to Orlando area, this could be the ticket. Just have to wait and see.

I tend to agree w/you. Most folks would probably take a quicker route if given the choice. It's a pretty drive, but now a days folks passin' through tend choose faster over scenic. Anyhow, hope you're right.

[RichieLion]

When I first came here in 2002 this turnpike connection was common knowledge ........The developer wanted the main entrance to TV to be from the turnpike and cut a deal with the state that if they would build an exit , we would build the four lane connecting roads.......They agreed and it was a done deal with all the land purchases to follow before the word got out..........The new Governor had nothing to do with it and besides ,,,,,,,YOUR GONNA LOVE IT ......

fast lane fumar

OK, if you think this is a good thing, I'm going to rethink it.

[elevatorman]

I heard TV will start selling "Turnpike Legal" golf carts soon.:gc:

[Indy-Guy]

When I first came here in 2002 this turnpike connection was common knowledge ........The developer wanted the main entrance to TV to be from the turnpike and cut a deal with the state that if they would build an exit , we would build the four lane connecting roads.......They agreed and it was a done deal with all the land purchases to follow before the word got out..........The new Governor had nothing to do with it and besides ,,,,,,,YOUR GONNA LOVE IT ......

fast lane fumar

I agree you are going to not only love it you will use it.

I am sure that the developer wants this to give easier access to the Brownwood shopping area. The more people that shop there will help bring in all of those stores that people keep saying they want to see in The Villages.

[angiefox10]

I heard TV will start selling "Turnpike Legal" golf carts soon.:gc:

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Bogie Shooter]

I live off Morse Blvd. in the Rio Ponderosa Village, We have been plauged with not being able to get out of San Morino Drive for some time. A traffic light was installed to shut us up. However it did nothing to slow down or restrict traffic. It seems that it is being used as a short cut, rather than going down 466 to Roling Acers Road than to 27/441 north to the intercection of Morse. Which involves 4 traffic lights and considerable mileage. It is easier to turn onto Morse at 466 and cut thru to 27/441. Even though there are three lights to contend to and a roundabout. it is still shorter and faster. If the Sumter County Police Department would inforce the speed limit on this road it would cut down the Racing drivers, (have seen most going over the 35 mph speed limit). and perhaps we could go to our mail box and not sit for 5 minutes trying to exit. My wife came up with a good idea, Since this is a county road going thru the villages, charge a toll for all visitors passing thru, we already have the gate houses, boy we could have one of the best paved roads in the villages with no cost to residents. (just joking, don't want to give the Morse Family another way to make money).

Isn't the speed limit near San Marino 30MPH??

[skyguy79]

Isn't the speed limit near San Marino 30MPH??Isn't Morse also gated north of 466? I think the greater effect will probably be on us that are off Morse and south of 466... and even more so south of 466a. If I were on Morse south of 466a and heading for Spanish Springs or further north I'd probably take a right onto Miller Rd (466a) over to Fruitland Park then head north from there. Slightly longer, but less roundabouts.

[skip0358]

Everything that's done has good and bad points. I think it might be a little easier for us to get to the Turnpike .As for commercial traffic we may get some but after the first trip I doubt we'll see to many big rigs. I witnessed a car carrier on Moorse a few weeks back. After the first round about I think he was sorry he took Moorse. If it becomes to a problem I know up north it was possibe to have roads limited to certain size and weight vehicles. At the last county meeting I went to this was discussed and they were talking about postponing other projects to fast track this one. As was stated by earlier poster this was mentioned years ago, we were made aware of it when we first started looking. We'll see if it's good or bad. So the bubble gets a little hole in it.

[NJblue]

Everything that's done has good and bad points. I think it might be a little easier for us to get to the Turnpike .As for commercial traffic we may get some but after the first trip I doubt we'll see to many big rigs. I witnessed a car carrier on Moorse a few weeks back. After the first round about I think he was sorry he took Moorse. If it becomes to a problem I know up north it was possibe to have roads limited to certain size and weight vehicles. At the last county meeting I went to this was discussed and they were talking about postponing other projects to fast track this one. As was stated by earlier poster this was mentioned years ago, we were made aware of it when we first started looking. We'll see if it's good or bad. So the bubble gets a little hole in it.

I doubt (hope) that it will not become a problem. However, if it does, I doubt that a restriction on vehicle size is feasible. How would a moving van get to a house if 18 wheelers were prohibited?

[NJblue]

Does anyone know for a FACT that Morse wanted this exchange versus being forced to fund part of it? In many cases a developer is granted permission to perform a major development only if he agrees to pay for the necessary infrastructure improvements that the state/municipality think are necessary to handle the extra traffic.

Morse will be paying more than $10 million dollars for this, which by the time it is completed, most of TV will be developed and hence will not result in much if any enhanced profit from house sales. The only rationale from a Morse perspective would be for increased value to his commercial holdings. This may be his motivation, but, if so, it may help allay the fears of those who think that Morse will abandon TV after final build-out.

[GaDawg]

Highway access from all directions, large number of people, lots of land south of 44. Commercial buildout availability. No MALL close by. Hummmm. I don't even live there yet! What do I know? But still fun to think about the possibilities. The Wildwood Mall, now there's something to think about! What establishments would be included? Hummm. lol!

[Bogie Shooter]

Everything that's done has good and bad points. I think it might be a little easier for us to get to the Turnpike .As for commercial traffic we may get some but after the first trip I doubt we'll see to many big rigs. I witnessed a car carrier on Moorse a few weeks back. After the first round about I think he was sorry he took Moorse. If it becomes to a problem I know up north it was possibe to have roads limited to certain size and weight vehicles. At the last county meeting I went to this was discussed and they were talking about postponing other projects to fast track this one. As was stated by earlier poster this was mentioned years ago, we were made aware of it when we first started looking. We'll see if it's good or bad. So the bubble gets a little hole in it.

The auto carrier was probably delivering someone's car.

[JohnN]

turnpike to/from Ocala won't bring much more added traffic to TV,
I think it'll bring the north TV/Summerfield to Brownswood and vice versa.
I don't have a problem with it, I'd like turnpike access.

[skyguy79]

turnpike to/from Ocala won't bring much more added traffic to TV, I think it'll bring the north TV/Summerfield to Brownswood and vice versa. I don't have a problem with it, I'd like turnpike access.With all due respect, I'm confused! (?) I don't see how a turnpike from Ocala lines up with what's being discussed. Am I missing something or are you referring to a post that you didn't quote?
http://www.browntowncommenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/scratch.jpeg

[Tall Terri]

My understanding is that TV owners wanted more traffic coming into the facility from the Turnpike - there will be an entrance to SOUTHbound 75 but not Northbound also......

[Bogie Shooter]

My understanding is that TV owners wanted more traffic coming into the facility from the Turnpike - there will be an entrance to SOUTHbound 75 but not Northbound also......

Now I'm confused.

[StarbuckSammy]

The proposed FL Turnpike exit will provide the residents of The Villages an easy commute to Orlando, thus enhancing travel to Disney, the airport and over to the east coast beaches. This is a good thing.

[bluedog103]

My understanding is that TV owners wanted more traffic coming into the facility from the Turnpike - there will be an entrance to SOUTHbound 75 but not Northbound also......
Why would an exit from the turnpike have anything to do with I-75? Am I misssing something or are you confusing I-75 and the Turnpike?

[rubicon]

I moved from a city that has been listed as the number 1 city in the country in which to live. During th 12 plus years that I lived in this city I watched it grow and was amazed at how well the mayor and planning commission managed its growth. However as the area developed so did the roadways and before we knew it well wooded million dollar sub-divisions with very expensive homes literally were now looking at interstates which had been cut right through their back yards.

I cannot imagine that the proposal shown in this thread will do anything to enhance TV and in fact is going to diminish the value and the Lifesyle of TV.

That the the Morses knew about this project long ago it not a surprise. Developers in general never make such disclosures for fear of driving people off.

[golf2140]

I moved from a city that has been listed as the number 1 city in the country in which to live. During th 12 plus years that I lived in this city I watched it grow and was amazed at how well the mayor and planning commission managed its growth. However as the area developed so did the roadways and before we knew it well wooded million dollar sub-divisions with very expensive homes literally were now looking at interstates which had been cut right through their back yards.

I cannot imagine that the proposal shown in this thread will do anything to enhance TV and in fact is going to diminish the value and the Lifesyle of TV.

That the the Morses knew about this project long ago it not a surprise. Developers in general never make such disclosures for fear of driving people off.

This turnpike issue has been in the works for years. :read:

[rubicon]

It is my understanding that this project comprises an exchange to the Turnpike that can be reached via Morse Blvd . so it may increase traffic on Morse Blvd

Let's hope it isn't as intrusive as many of us perceive it to be

[katezbox]

This turnpike issue has been in the works for years. :read:

And not hidden, either....

[Bogie Shooter]

the sky is falling.......run, run, the sky is falling.

[Mikeod]

Why would an exit from the turnpike have anything to do with I-75? Am I misssing something or are you confusing I-75 and the Turnpike?

I think there is confusion around the Turnpike connection and the proposed connection to I-75 from the west end of 466 where it connects to 475. There is an overpass there and I remember reading about converting the overpass to an interchange to enhance access to TV from I-75.

[Pturner]

That the the Morses knew about this project long ago it not a surprise. Developers in general never make such disclosures for fear of driving people off.

In fairness, the turnpike expansion was well disclosed. We knew about the plans long before we purchased here. It might have even been our TV sales rep. who told us.

[Indy-Guy]

I have driven south on CR 468 from the intersection of CR 468 and SR 44. This is the intersection where Morse Blvd will join CR 468 to continue to the FL Turnpike. From the intersection of CR 468 and SR 44 it is 2 miles to where the entrance and exit of the Turnpike will be.

I live near Cane Garden COuntry Club and to drive to Orlando I now drive down Buena Vista to SR 44 then turn West to US 301 then South to the Turnpike. I feel that once the new entrance and exit at CR 468 is in it will cut 10 to 15 minutes off my one way trip to Orlando. That means on a round trip that I will save 20 to 30 minutes off my trip. I can't see a lot wrong with that.

CR 468 is the first road over the Florida Turnpike just right after you pass Okahumpka Service Plaza.

Sometime when you want to take a ride take SR-44 to CR 468 and go South to the Florida Turnpike and see what you think.

[downeaster]

I think there is confusion around the Turnpike connection and the proposed connection to I-75 from the west end of 466 where it connects to 475. There is an overpass there and I remember reading about converting the overpass to an interchange to enhance access to TV from I-75.

I think your memory is correct, mike. This interchange was in the works a number of years ago. For reasons lost from my memory, they were put on hold.

[Indy-Guy]

In my last several trips I have kept track of mileage to where the new exit and entrance will be. Below are my results.

From Buena Vista Blvd and SR 44 taking the current roads 44 to 301 and FL Turnpike to where the new exit and entrance will be is 14.8 miles. With one stop light at 301 & 44.


From Buena Vista Blvd and SR 44 to CR 468 then South on CR 468, where Morse Blvd will join CR 468, to where the new exit and entrance will be is 4.9 miles. With no stop lights.

That 10 miles difference would be longer if you live closer to Morse Blvd.

[gmcneill]

In my last several trips I have kept track of mileage to where the new exit and entrance will be. Below are my results.

From Buena Vista Blvd and SR 44 taking the current roads 44 to 301 and FL Turnpike to where the new exit and entrance will be is 14.8 miles. With one stop light at 301 & 44.


From Buena Vista Blvd and SR 44 to CR 468 then South on CR 468, where Morse Blvd will join CR 468, to where the new exit and entrance will be is 4.9 miles. With no stop lights.

That 10 miles difference would be longer if you live closer to Morse Blvd.
And if heading south, one must add the mileage from 301/turnpike to morse-468/turnpike.