FDOT and Florida Polytechnic University partnered for the construction of the state-of-the-art transportation technology testing facility, SunTrax. The creation of this facility establishes Florida as a transportation technology leader and creates a high-tech hub for the research, development and testing of emerging transportation technologies related to tolling, intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and automated and connected vehicles.
SunTrax includes a 2.25 mile oval track on a 400-acre site (Entire Campus). The project is located centrally located between Tampa and Orlando in the city of Auburndale. The test facility is located within 45 minutes of the Turnpike headquarters in Ocoee, centralizing testing operations and significantly reducing the travel times to other testing locations.
The Operations & Storage Buildings, which are located within the SunTrax campus, included requirements and procedures for the v4 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating system for Building Design and Construction. The projects incorporate sustainable design, construction, and operational practices to achieve an integrated energy-efficient building with a reduced impact on the environment. LEED Silver level certification was achieved for the Operations Building, and LEED Certified level was achieved for the Storage Building.
The projects are adjacent one another on the SunTrax campus. LEED Master Site was utilized which enabled the projects to recognize shared sustainable site and location and transportation features, to include 81% vegetated open space, reclaim water use for 100% irrigation, recycling, electric vehicle charging stations, heat island reduction, light pollution reduction, and reduced parking.
Services
Commissioning, LEED Administration