I-95 Interchange at Micco Road
Consultants from the Florida Depart of Transportation held public meetings about their current findings on the study for an Interstate 95 interchange on July 1, 2010.
It was very enlightening as a number of rumors about the anticipated Interchange where found to be incorrect. First the Interchange is NOT planned be at Micco Rd or Grant Rd, but rather in-between the two.
There are currently two alternative routes being considered (see Map), with southern route as the preferred alternative. Both options will end at the same places - Babcock Rd. to the west, about 1/2 miles south of the Waterstone entrance and in the east at Micco Rd. about 1/2 mile east of the I95 overpass.
That puts the I-95 exit within easy access of Waterstone a little less than 2 1/2 miles away!
That's the good news. The bad news is that isn't planned to be open till 2014. The 18 month study is only 1/3 done and will not be complete until June 30, 2011. Also there are no funds allocated yet to build the Interchange and access roads at this time, but that is not unusual.
According to the consultants the parkway is considered vital to the county's overall long range transportation plan. It will be connect to the planned (for 20 years) St. Johns Heritage Parkway, (see map) known as the Palm Bay Parkway in the city. The parkway will loop around Palm Bay starting about 1/2 mile south of the Waterstone entrance looping up beyond 192 where it connects back to I95.
Other Interesting discovers:
- Micco Rd stays 2 lanes
- The connector will lower the traffic usage on Babcock and US 1 by about 10%
- There are 70,000 plots in Palm Bay will 40,000 still available
- There will be a massive development (almost another town) north of Micco Rd.
In summary, this is all good for Waterstone. We will be only minutes away from an I-95 Interchange, yet far enough away to not hear the traffic. Access from Waterstone will have very few stop sign/lights getting to 95. Commerce will surely come to the area much faster and with more options than without the Interchange. We will have better access to Rt1. And with all that, our home values will certainly rise!
Rob Wenz (Webmaster)
