Before the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study can begin, local community leaders identify the need for a specific transportation improvement, in this case improvements to the I-10/US 301 interchange. This necessary improvement will need to be identified in the Long Range Transportation Plan, which is adopted by the First Coast Metropolitan Planning Organization (FCMPO). FCMPO serves all of Duval County and portions of Clay, Nassau and St. Johns Counties. The total area of the FCMPO jurisdiction covers approximately 1,838 square miles. Once the need has been defined the FDOT will start the PD&E study.
The PD&E study process is an integrated work effort involving engineering analysis and environmental evaluation, all accomplished within the context of a public participation program. The study process begins with a gathering of data and a refinement of the project needs and objectives. Public involvement during this phase of the study includes news releases to the media and kick-off type meetings with elected officials, municipal staff, FCMPO and other local transportation providers about the objectives, time frame and future coordination for the study. The information gathered will be used by the project team to develop preliminary design alternatives for the interchange. The I-10/US 301 Interchange PD&E study is programmed to be completed in 2010.
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The general content of this study is briefly described below.
Public Participation – An
interactive program will be integrated into the technical work throughout
the PD&E study. Project information is shared
with the public as it becomes available. The public participation effort is
woven throughout the study process and involves a series of public meetings
and a continuing process of public outreach and information gathering. Elected
Officials / Agencies Meetings, a Stakeholders Meeting, a Public Workshop, and
a Public Hearing will be held. Additional collateral materials are
involved
in this effort. These public participation techniques are discussed more thoroughly
in a later section.
Data Collection - This process will
involve the assembly of all relevant data related to engineering,
traffic, and environmental efforts. Before the alternatives
are developed, the study team needs to understand the existing conditions
of the corridor
as well as the anticipated future changes. The information collected
will provide guidance in how the transportation improvements are
going to be
developed.
Conceptual Design Analysis - This work effort will include both analyses
of different improvement configurations and different alternatives, utilizing
data collected and with consideration to the results of the environmental
impact analysis.
Engineering Analysis & Concept Plans - All preliminary engineering
analysis requirements are completed and a conceptual set of project plans
is prepared, including a key sheet, typical sections, and plan sheets of
the preferred alternative. This information is presented at the Public
Hearing. Only after the Public Hearing will a final alternative be recommended
for approval. Since federal funds are involved in this transportation improvement,
the Federal Highway Administration will be the agency accepting the final
improvements.
Environmental Analysis & Reports - All
environmental impact analysis and associated memos or reports are
prepared in accordance with the PD&E
Manual. In addition, the data base information will be compatible
for use on base maps.
Draft Reports - An Interchange Modification Report (IMR), Project
Development Summary Report (PDSR) and Technical Environmental Reports will
be prepared during the study. Reports are assembled in preparation for
the final public hearing.
Final Documents – An IMR, PDSR
and the appropriate Environmental Documents are prepared following the
public hearing.
