431922-1 SR 44 at Kepler Roundabout
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) invites you to a public hearing regarding project plans on State Road (S.R.) 44 at Kepler Road on Thursday, January 21, at 5:30 p.m.
The purpose of the project is to replace the traffic signal at S.R. 44 and Kepler Road with a roundabout to improve traffic efficiency and enhance safety at the intersection. Proposed roundabout plans include two lanes, as well as a right turn bypass lane at three of the four road connections. Dedicated crosswalks for pedestrians and bicyclists are also proposed, along with nighttime lighting at the intersection, landscaping, and resurfacing S.R. 44 from just west of Kepler Road to Talisman Road. Construction for this project is currently unfunded. The public hearing is being held to present information and receive community feedback.
The Department is offering multiple ways for the community to participate in the hearing. All participants, regardless of the platform they choose, will participate in the same live hearing.
- Virtual Option: Interested persons may join the Virtual Public Hearing (VPH) from a computer, tablet or mobile device. A VPH is a free live presentation or webinar over the internet. For this option, advance registration is required by visiting the link below. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the hearing online. Please note, Internet Explorer cannot be used to register or attend this webinar. https://bit.ly/36wQn5g
- Phone Option (Listen Only): Participants may join the hearing in listen-only mode by dialing 1-866-952-8437 and entering the passcode 136-505-644 when prompted. Callers may submit comments directly to the project manager by using the contact information listed at the end of this letter.
- In-Person Option: Participants may attend in person by going to the Wayne G. Sanborn Activity Center, 815 S. Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724. The Department requests advance registration for this option to ensure all attendees are accommodated safely and according to social distancing guidelines. To register for the in-person option, please contact the project manager by using the contact information listed at the end of this letter. Attendees will be asked to follow all safety and sanitation guidelines as well as adhere to any local ordinances. Persons who are not feeling well should not attend the in-person hearing.
The VPH and in-person hearing location open at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 21. A presentation will begin promptly at 5:40 p.m. followed by a formal public comment period. If joining online, please provide adequate log-in time to view the presentation in its entirety.
All hearing materials, including the presentation, will be available on the project website at www.cflroads.com/project/431922-1 prior to the hearing. A recording of the hearing will be available on the website within a week following the hearing.
FDOT is sending notices to all property owners, business owners, interested persons and organizations to provide the opportunity to give comments to FDOT regarding S.R. 44 at Kepler Road Roundabout. The hearing gives everyone an opportunity to express their views about the proposed modifications. While comments about the project are accepted at any time, please send your comments by February 1, 2021, to be included in the records for this public hearing.
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Jennifer Smith, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator at Jennifer.Smith2@dot.state.fl.us.
Persons who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Todd Helton at 386-943-5207 or todd.helton@dot.state.fl.us at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).
If you have any questions or comments about the project, please contact me by phone at 386-943-5207, email at todd.helton@dot.state.fl.us, or U.S. mail at Florida Department of Transportation, 719 S. Woodland Boulevard, MS 542, DeLand, Florida 32720.