The Public Hearing for the Branch Forbes Road Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study was held on Thursday, November 14th, 2024 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at the Hillsborough Community College, Trinkle Center, 2206 E. Cherry Street, Plant City, FL and simultaneously online. The comment period has been extended to November 25th, 2024.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Seven, in collaboration with Hillsborough County, is conducting a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study along Branch Forbes Road from south of US 92 to north of I-4 in Hillsborough County.
The PD&E study will evaluate capacity improvements (i.e., roadway widening), operational improvements at the I-4 interchange, and the addition of bicycle and pedestrian facilities within the study limits.
The objective of the project is to develop and evaluate “Build” alternatives and engineering analyses and documentation for the FDOT to reach a decision on the type, conceptual design, and location of the improvements. The “No-Build” or “No Action” alternative remains a viable option throughout the PD&E Study.
A Type 2 Categorical Exclusion is being prepared as part of this study. The proposed improvements will include construction of stormwater management facilities (SMF) and floodplain compensation (FPC) sites. The PD&E study satisfies all applicable requirements, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), to qualify for federal-aid funding of subsequent development phases (design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction).