The purpose of the study in Sarasota County, Florida is to realign the existing offset SR 72 at McIntosh Road intersection, by removing the “jog” and creating a four-legged intersection. The realignment will also consider the Legacy Trail alignment in proximity to this intersection. Alternatives to be evaluated shall include shifting the east leg of McIntosh Road, located north of SR 72, to the west, to align with the southern portion. The roadway typical section will be a two-lane McIntosh Road, expandable to four-lanes in the future. In addition, at-grade bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, access modifications between McIntosh Road and Sarah Avenue, and the Legacy Trail crossing of the realigned McIntosh Road, will be evaluated.

No public meetings are scheduled at this time. Please check back for updates.

What is a PD&E Study?

A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is a phase of the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) project development process. A PD&E Study assists the FDOT in determining the location, conceptual design and social, economic and environmental effects of proposed roadway and other project improvements.  During the PD&E Study process, feasible alternatives are developed for improvement projects. These ‘Build’ alternatives are evaluated based on environmental, engineering and socioeconomic conditions, safety needs and public input. The need for additional right-of-way for improvements or stormwater will also be evaluated during the PD&E Study phase. The ‘No-Build’ alternative is evaluated throughout the study process. This ‘No-Build’ alternative leaves the existing transportation infrastructure as it is, with only routine maintenance as required for existing facilities. If the study results in a ‘Build’ alternative being selected, the project may proceed to the next phase, which is the design phase. The basic activities of a PD&E Study include:

Data Collection

The first major work effort is the collection of all available data pertaining to the study corridor including existing and planned infrastructure, existing and future land uses, drainage patterns, and environmental resources.

Alternatives Development and Analysis

Once data collection is completed, the Department develops and evaluates various alignment alternatives, including a ‘No-Build’ alternative. The ‘No-Build’ alternative assumes no improvements. The environmental impacts, social impacts and costs of these alternatives are quantified and summarized in an evaluation matrix.

Public Involvement

A public kickoff meeting is held, or a newsletter is mailed, to introduce the project to the public and provide an opportunity to view and comment on the project’s need and objectives. An Alternatives Public Meeting may be held to present the environmental and social impacts as well as estimated costs of the viable ‘Build’ alternatives as compared to the ‘No-Build’ alternative. The public is provided with an opportunity to view and comment on the alternatives under consideration. After all public comments are reviewed and the analysis of the alternatives has been refined, a formal public hearing is held to provide a forum for input from property owners and interested parties on the final recommendations. A final decision is not made until after the public hearing.

Final Acceptance

After the comments from the public hearing have been received, considered and addressed, the project reports will be finalized and submitted to the Office of Environmental Management for project acceptance. Once acceptance is granted, the PD&E Study phase of the project will be complete. The phases that follow the PD&E Study are design of the project, acquisition of right-of-way, if necessary, and construction of the improvements.