Mandarin residents see I-295 edge closer to homes; bypassed by benefit of new lanes

Mandarin residents are just starting to see the massive changes in the landscape along their part of Interstate 295.

Thousands of trees have been torn down to make way for a SunPass toll lane or express lane between the Buckman Bridge and the I-95 interchange.

Unfortunately, Mandarin residents wont be able to use it.

Im really ambivalent about the express lane because I wont be able to use it anyway, said Leah Tincher, whose home in the Sweetwater neighborhood on Greenland Road now sits in view of the interstate.

Though many homes along the interstate are losing their natural barrier, along with the does, bucks and yearlings that could often be seen at night nibbling on the grass along the woodline southwest of the interchange, there will be no entrance points to the toll lanes anywhere in between leaving Mandarin residents in the three traditional lanes of traffic.

Im just glad theyre finally putting in a sound barrier, Tincher said.

After the last round of widening on that section of I-295, Tincher was mortified. When I bought this house, you couldnt hear the interstate and you couldnt see the interstate, she said. Now I can wave to people from my pool.

Bike Week is especially bad, she said.

You cant talk on the phone or hear the television, she said.

The interstate now is coming even closer.

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Mandarin residents see I-295 edge closer to homes; bypassed by benefit of new lanes