The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is conducting the State Road 29 (SR 29) LaBelle Bypass Feasibility Study in Hendry and Glades Counties. The study aims to evaluate the feasibility of constructing an alternative corridor for SR 29 that would bypass the City of LaBelle, Florida, within an approximate 10-mile radius. This evaluation is critical due to traffic congestion and safety concerns associated with the current route that runs through LaBelle. The no-build alternative, where no improvements other than routine maintenance are made to SR 29, will remain viable throughout the remainder of this study.

SR 29 is a significant roadway in Florida, facilitating local and regional traffic. The existing infrastructure includes four major bridges: the SR 29 LaBelle Draw Bridge, the Fort Denaud Swing Bridge located approximately 4.5 miles to the west, the Lee County Alva Draw Bridge located approximately 11.2 miles to the west, and the Moore Haven Bridge situated about 22 miles to the east. The proximity of these bridges will play a crucial role in determining potential routes for the new corridor. The study will explore various routing options that could effectively bypass LaBelle while connecting key points along SR 29. Each option will be evaluated based on criteria such as travel efficiency, safety improvements, cost implications, environmental sustainability, and public perception. This project represents a proactive approach to addressing transportation challenges in the region while considering community needs and environmental stewardship.

The primary objectives of this feasibility study include:

1. Traffic Analysis: Assessing current traffic patterns on SR 29 and identifying congestion points within LaBelle.
2. Environmental Impact Assessment: Evaluating potential environmental impacts associated with constructing a new corridor, including effects on local ecosystems and wildlife.
3. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Estimating construction costs versus potential benefits such as reduced travel times, improved safety, and economic impacts on LaBelle.
4. Community Engagement: Gathering input from local stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and government entities, to understand community needs and concerns regarding the proposed bypass.

The anticipated outcomes of this feasibility study include:

1. A comprehensive report detailing viable alternatives for bypassing LaBelle.
2. Enhanced understanding among stakeholders regarding the implications of constructing an alternative corridor.

The Florida Department of Transportation District One announces a public kickoff meeting for the SR 29 LaBelle Bypass Feasibility Study to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIME: Virtual 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursday, December 5
PLACE: Virtual: https://bit.ly/SR29LaBelleBypass

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is holding a public kickoff meeting to learn more about the SR 29 LaBelle Bypass Feasibility Study in Hendry and Glades Counties, Florida.  The meeting will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Those attending the meeting will be able to view the project information, ask questions and discuss the feasibility study with members of the project team. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the feasibility of constructing an alternative corridor for SR 29 that would bypass the City of LaBelle, Florida, within an approximate 10-mile radius. This evaluation is critical due to traffic congestion and safety concerns associated with the current route that runs through LaBelle. The no-build alternative, where no improvements other than routine maintenance are made to SR 29, will remain viable throughout the remainder of this study.