ATTENTION: Smith Farm residents bordering the turnpike, and all others in general.

Florida Turnpike Expansion from Boynton Beach Blvd to Lake Worth Road

June 1, 2005

Many residents that border the turnpike to the west of Smith Farm understand the noise that can be heard from the highway. In an effort to keep up with the expansion of population the Turnpike Authority has decided to widen the lanes from 4 to 8 stretching from Boynton Beach Blvd to Lake Worth Road. Those of us that travel the turnpike will welcome this change since Lake Worth road consistently backs up to the Boynton Beach exit. As a home owner you may not be so excited. A meeting will be held June 7, 2005 at Park Vista High School to express your concerns. A notice of the meeting can be found here.

At this time it is not known if a sound barrier wall will be constructed. The meeting will be held to inform the public as well as solicit concerns. Please attend so that your concerns and property value can be protected. This expansion effects Smith Farm's and several other communities as well. If you have friends in Lake Charleston, etc. please let them know so that a greater presence can be made at the meeting.

Jun 08/05 - The meeting last night was conducted like a job fair, where the different areas of concern where broken into sections so that residents could get specialized attention and information. Our property manager and Master Board President attended and introduced themselves to the noise abetment coordinator. Studies are currently being conducted to determine the need of a wall, the results will be available in several months. We are on the mailing list for updates and we have requested CD's containing information on noise and the environment.

Nov 10/05 - The following email was sent to us by the Turnpike Authority in response to a concerned SF resident that requested more information.

The Florida Department of Transportation, Turnpike Enterprise has evaluated traffic noise impacts for your subdivision. This Noise Study was done as part of the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study for the widening project proposed for the section of the Turnpike mainline from north of Boynton Beach Blvd. to south of Lake Worth Road. This Noise Study showed that there will be traffic noise impacts from the proposed widening within the portions of your subdivision adjacent to the Turnpike. Therefore, noise walls were evaluated as part of the Noise Study and the results showed that noise walls are feasible and reasonable for the impacted homes in your subdivision. Therefore, noise walls will be further evaluated as part of the final Design phase of this widening project. This further evaluation will determine the ultimate lengths and heights of noise walls for this project.

Please understand that, by law, FDOT can not undertake a noise study or evaluate noise abatement unless a qualifying project is proposed. In this case the proposed widening project meets the criteria for a noise study to take place. Therefore, the only opportunity the Turnpike has to evaluate traffic noise and potential abatement of this noise is during the PD&E and Design phases of this widening project.

We look forward to seeing you at the Public Hearing on November 17, 2005 and will gladly discuss this with you in more detail.

Thank you for your interest in the project.

File 406144-1, 6.2, G BNLW-13

Rebecca K. Bolan, P.E.
Environmental Management Office (EMO)
Florida's Turnpike Enterprise, Turkey Lake Headquarters
PO Box 613069,
Florida's Turnpike Mile Post 263,
Building # 5315
Ocoee, Florida 34761
phone direct- 407-264-3416
phone office- 407-532-3999, ext. 3416
fax 407-822-5821
rebecca.bolan@dot.state.fl.us kn846kr

Thank you.