A corridor study is a planning project that defines the relationships between a roadway and its adjacent land. Corridor studies are used to:
- Define acceptable levels of access and mobility,
- Determine transportation system needs to support surrounding land uses,
- Consolidate and control access points,
- Identify operational deficiencies and promote operational efficiency, and
- Promote redevelopment of an under-performing corridor.
Corridor studies are used as an effective tool for assessing existing conditions, developing a preferred future condition, and can offer interim fixes for transitioning corridors as they change. Specific benefits of a corridor study may include:
- Maximization of existing infrastructure
- Improved safety conditions
- Development of coordinated land uses
- Support economic development
- Access or mobility improvements
- Air quality improvements through congestion reduction
Components of a Corridor Study
Visioning and Consensus – Establishing a shared vision and consensus allows the community to set project goals and objectives. Understanding needs and developing support from the community is vital to start the planning, design and implementation processes.
Planning and Conceptual Design – Communities should leverage local resources and knowledge to assist in guiding project activities to best meet the needs of their community. Tailoring best practices to match up with local conditions and desires will assist in developing an implementable, successful planning study.
Project Development Process
Project Development Process
A project begins with the identification of transportation needs or deficiencies through a planning process that prioritizes short and long range transportation improvements. The project planning process begins when Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), FDOT, and other authorities identify transportation needs and projects that would meet those needs. The following planning products assist in documenting transportation needs: Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), Cost Feasible Plans (CFP), Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) Plans, Transit Development Plans (TDPs), Local Government Comprehensive Plans (LGCP), Municipal or Citywide Transportation Master Plans, and corridor planning studies. At the MPO level, project needs are matched and prioritized to available funding for projects in the MPO/TPO LRTPs. At the state level, FDOT develops cost‐feasible plans for the State Highway System (SHS). Priority projects are selected annually from these cost‐feasible plans and are presented to the Florida Legislature as a tentative Five-Year Work Program. Projects included in the Work Program and approved by the legislature may wait for funding for up to five years before significant work can proceed. FDOT coordinates with the various MPOs/TPOs and local stakeholders throughout the state to develop a vision for the State’s transportation system. This includes the establishment of goals, objectives and policies to sustain and support the growth of the State’s population and economy. Additionally, FDOT provides guidance and technical assistance for transit providers for their TDPs.
Corridor studies can be performed within the Planning phase to define project parameters, the project definition and the purpose and need for the project. The SR 693 (Pasadena Avenue) Corridor Study is part of the Planning phase of the project development process. Some of the improvements that are recommended based on the findings of this study can be prioritized at the local level or through the FDOT’s Five-Year Work Program. These improvements may include: turn-lane improvements, pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, signal retiming, transit stop amenities, etc.