The US 92 (Memorial Boulevard) Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is evaluating safety enhancements from Walker Avenue to SR 33 (Lakeland Hills Boulevard) in Polk County. This PD&E Study is an outgrowth of the Lakeland Area Alternatives Analysis (LAAA) Study and the Corridor Action Plan (CAP). US 92 (Memorial Boulevard) is a priority corridor and the study will explore lane repurposing, traffic operation improvements, and complete street enhancements along the corridor. The project is approximately 0.7 miles in length.

A Complete Street is one that is designed for users of all ages and abilities – including bicyclists, pedestrians, transit vehicles, freight handlers, and motorists. These transportation facilities are context-sensitive, and in Florida, they vary widely based on each community’s location, desires, and needs. Regardless of context, all of Florida’s Complete Streets strive to provide a multitude of benefits, including increased safety; enhanced mobility; improved connectivity; enriched quality of life; and economic development. For more information on the Complete Streets program, visit: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/f0123d7bb9dd4b96a36c5d7951b75193/page/Home/

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. The process follows procedures set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and federal and state laws and regulations. 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 Kickoff Newsletter

A public kickoff 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.

Alternatives Public Information Meeting

An alternatives public information meeting will be held to present initial project alternatives, along with the ‘No-Build’ alternative, to the public for review and comment.

Public Hearing

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 Location and Design Concept 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.