Driving CFX: September 2024

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SEPTEMBER 2024 | ISSUE 104

FLEX LANES NOW ACTIVATED ON SR 417

Flex Lanes are now activated on SR 417 between John Young Parkway and International Drive. CFX implemented new technology and shoulder use to manage incidents efficiently and safely for travelers. Overhead messages inform drivers of open or blocked lanes in the event of an incident and notify travelers if the inside shoulder is available for use when an incident closes one or more travel lanes. This helps to keep traffic moving and improves travel times while enhancing safety. Be sure to follow the Flex Lanes signs and devices to know when the lane is open, closing or closed. Click here to learn more.

The Central Florida Expressway Authority has partnered with Osceola County Tax Collector to distribute E-PASS stickers at all Osceola Tax Collector offices. The partnership allows residents to pick-up an E-PASS sticker for a small fee of $1.15 directly from the tax collector. The partnership began in April as a pilot project at the main Kissimmee office and will soon expand to all four offices of the Osceola County Tax Collector, including Buena Ventura Lakes, St. Cloud and Campbell City.

E-PASS stickers work in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina and ensure drivers can pass through tolls without stopping while always paying the lowest toll rate in Florida. It saves drivers up to 30% over paying tolls with cash and even more over Pay By Plate rates. Drivers who use E-PASS also can benefit from the 2024 State Toll Relief Program, which provides a 50% credit for those who accrue more than 35 toll transactions in a month per transponder.

The Osceola County Tax Collector’s main office is at 2501 E Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. The Buena Ventura Lakes office is at 2595 Simpson Road in Kissimmee, the St. Cloud is at 1300 9th Street, Suite 101B, and the Campbell City office is at 4730 South Orange Blossom Trail in Kissimmee. All are open Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for holidays. CFX also is working to expand the program to Orange and Seminole Counties.

REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY STUDY FOR ORLANDO SANFORD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AREA

The Central Florida Expressway Authority engaged community members during a public meeting to discuss the State Road 417 Sanford Airport Connector Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study. More than 180 people attended the event in person and virtually.

This PD&E Study is evaluating alternatives for an approximately two-mile expressway connection from SR 417 to the entrance to the Orlando Sanford International Airport at or near Red Cleveland Boulevard. The study will also evaluate an elevated alternative along East Lake Mary Boulevard.

The proposed improvements could help relieve rush-hour traffic backups at the SR 417 and County Road 427/Ronald Reagan Boulevard and the East Lake Mary Boulevard interchange. Transportation options also will be needed as new communities continue to be built in the study area, and more people travel to the airport – with passenger boardings expected to increase 91 percent by 2037.

Click here to stay tuned for more opportunities to let your voice be heard on this important transportation improvement.

The college football season is kicking into high gear and basketball is right around the corner. So take advantage of our recent price cut on our college-themed E-PASS stickers and get your KnightPass, GatorPass, or NolePass today. The stickers are now available for $9.95, approximately half the previous price.

Besides showing your support for Orlando’s own University of Central Florida, the University of Florida and Florida State University right on your front windshield, the pass means you will pay the lowest toll rate on all toll roads and most bridges in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. Plus, you'll save over paying by cash and over Pay By Plate.

Have an E-PASS account already but want to show your college pride? You can purchase a sticker online, through the E-PASS Toll App, on Amazon, as well as in person or by phone. Find out more on our website.

The E-PASS app is a great way to easily manage your account or pay a toll invoice from the palm of your hand. The free app is available to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play. With the app, you can manage your payment and vehicle information and set up notifications about your account, including when you have a low balance. You also can reload your account with a single swipe and monitor your real-time toll activity. Find out more about the E-PASS program here.

With the recent arrival of Hurricane Helene during the peak of hurricane season, residents are urged to still remain prepared through November 30 when the hurricane season comes to a close. It’s crucial to review your hurricane action plan and check your supplies. Make sure you and your loved ones are prepared and stay safe during this active time. Things you can do now:

Review your plan: Check for changes regarding the condition of your home. Decide where you will shelter, and make sure you have post-storm tools and resources.
Check your supplies: Be sure to have ample non-perishable food, water, medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and pet supplies. Check expiration dates!

Our expressways are ready to handle increased traffic and emergency responses during a severe storm. If you need to evacuate:

Choose an evacuation location far from the storm's predicted impact zone.
Inspect your car’s battery, tires, wipers, lights, and spare tire.
Plan your route, including an alternate route, and allow extra time.
Leave early to avoid being stranded or rerouted.
Never drive through standing water.

Prepare Today for a Safer Tomorrow! Use these valuable resources to ensure you are ready for any storm that comes your way: 2024 Florida Hurricane Guide, FloridaDisaster.org, National Hurricane Center.

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