I have watched the news coverage of the proposed 495 with great interest. Did anyone else notice the Pink route was selected before they announced the free Shands Bridge would be eliminated? I was a supporter of the Purple/Black routes, because I've always thought that having two places to cross the River is better than simply having one. More roads, bridges, and choices, less drivers congested in one spot. 

It was also interesting to note that the Pink/Brown routes were very similar and the Purple/Black ones were alike. The FDOT claimed the pink route garnered the most community support, but if you looked at their numbers comparing the Southerly routes (Pink/Brown) to the Northern Routes (purple/black), the Northern routes were cummulatively more popular. I think the Black route got the least support from the state because it was the most expensive. But, if you looked at the number or road miles you were getting for the price, it looked like the best value. And, most importantly, it connected 495 directly into 95. 

I would love to see some more community dialogue on this! Is there a chance we could influence them to select the Purple/Black route? Start a new petition? What are the options at this point in time?

It looks like some investers from China will own the entire road for the next 40 years anyway! See Sunday's Times Union article on funding the bridge with tolls through outside investors. This should concern every American too!