Bartow, Fla. –  The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) invites you to a public hearing for the State Road 31 Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study from State Road 80 to State Road 78 in Lee County on Thursday, November 2, 2023.

This study will evaluate alternatives to address safety, future traffic demands, and to improve the roadway design to better serve the needs of all users, including bicyclists and pedestrians.

This hearing is being conducted to present the preferred alternative and all analysis to date, as well as to give interested persons an opportunity to express their views concerning the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed improvements. You can participate live online or in-person. The information presented during either format will be the same and all attendees will have opportunity to comment.  

Attend the November 2, 2023 public hearing:

Live Online Option
Register in advance: https://bit.ly/SR31-SR80-SR78-PH
5:45 p.m. Overview for how to submit comments
6 p.m. Formal presentation and comment.
Please review the materials on project webpage before attending: www.swflroads.com/project/441942-1.        Materials will be posted by October 26, 2023.

In-Person Option
The Field House at Babcock Ranch
43281 Cypress Parkway, Babcock Ranch, FL 33982
Anytime between 5 – 6 p.m. Open house
6 p.m. Formal presentation and comment

If you are unable to attend the hearing, comments can also be provided through the project webpage at: www.swflroads.com/project/441942-1 or by emailing the Project Manager at Patrick.Bateman@dot.state.fl.us or by mail to FDOT District One, Attn: Patrick Bateman, P.E., MS 1-40, 801 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830. While comments about the project are accepted at any time, they must be received or postmarked by November 12, 2023, to be included in the formal hearing record. All comments are weighted equally. Questions can be answered by calling FDOT Project Manager Patrick Bateman, P.E. at (863) 519-2792.

A summary of the hearing will be available on the webpage approximately 30 days following the close of the comment period.

Project documents will be available for public viewing during normal business hours from October 11, 2023 to November 12, 2023, at Riverdale Public Library, 2421 Buckingham Road, Fort Myers, FL 33905 and at the FDOT SWIFT SunGuide Center, 10041 Daniels Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33913. They will also be available on the project webpage.

FDOT is sending notices to property owners, business owners, interested persons and organizations within at least 300 feet of the project to provide the opportunity to give comments to FDOT regarding this project. In accordance with Rule 14-97 of the Florida Administrative Code, the proposed improvements will include a median to control the movements, or access, of turning traffic. These changes are presented in compliance with Section 335.199 Florida Statutes (Transportation projects modifying access to adjacent property).

FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. People who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Cynthia Sykes, District One Title VI Coordinator, at (863) 519-2287, or email at Cynthia.Sykes@dot.state.fl.us at least seven days prior to the public hearing.

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022 and executed by FHWA and FDOT.