A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study is conducted to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. During the study, we determine the location and conceptual design of feasible build alternatives for roadway improvements and their social, economic, and environmental effects. A PD&E study is finalized when it receives Location and Design Concept Acceptance.
Five Steps in the Transportation Development Process
- Long Range Planning: The FDOT and local governments conduct long-range transportation planning on an ongoing basis to identify and prioritize individual projects.
- PD&E Study: During this step, various transportation improvement alternatives and their social and environmental effects are examined.
- Design: During design, detailed construction plans are prepared.
- Right-Of-Way Acquisition: This phase entails acquisition of necessary right-of-way, based on the construction plans.
- Construction: The roadway is built during this phase.
The Good Neighbor Trail Gap project is in the PD&E study phase of the FDOT’s 5-step highway development process. A PD&E study assists the FDOT in determining the location, conceptual design and social, economic and environmental effects of the proposed improvement. During the PD&E study process, feasible alternatives are developed for transportation 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 stormwater, floodplain compensation and environmental mitigation is also evaluated during the PD&E study phase. The “No Build” alternative is considered to be a viable alternative and will remain so for the duration of the study.
If the study results in a “Build” alternative being selected, the project may proceed to the next phase, which is the Project Design phase.