Apopka, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public hearing regarding project plans on U.S. 441 from Central Avenue (County Road 437A) to north of Bradshaw Road on Tuesday, February 2, at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of this project is to extend the life of the existing roadway by repaving this segment of U.S. 441 and to improve safety along the corridor. The project plans also include constructing raised concrete islands at the intersections with Lake, Washington and Hawthorne avenues to improve operations and safety. Other proposed improvements include adding bicycle lanes, sidewalk reconstruction, pedestrian crosswalk improvements, enhanced lighting, reconstructing curb ramps in accordance with the current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and drainage modifications. Construction is anticipated to start in early 2022.

The Department is offering multiple ways for the community to participate in the hearing. All participants, regardless of 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/3mxa5DQ

Phone Option (Listen Only): Participants may join the hearing in listen-only mode by dialing 1-866-901-6455 and entering the passcode 115-720-549 when prompted.

In-Person Option: Participants may attend in person by going to the Apopka Community Center, 519 S. Central Avenue, Apopka, FL 32703.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 FDOT Project Manager Joseph Fontanelli by phone at 386-943-5234, by email at joseph.fontanelli@dot.state.fl.us, or U.S. mail at Florida Department of Transportation, 719 S. Woodland Boulevard, MS 542, DeLand, Florida 32720.

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.

All hearing materials, including the presentation, will be available on the project website at www.cflroads.com/project/442905-1 prior to the hearing. Also, a recording of the hearing will be available on the website within a week following the 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 Joseph Fontanelli at 386-943-5234 or joseph.fontanelli@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).