The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District Seven, is conducting a Project Development & Environment (PD&E) study to determine the engineering and environmental effects of the proposed realignment of State Road (SR) 52 from east of McKendree Road to east of US 301 in Pasco County, Florida.
Study Purpose and Need
The purpose of the PD&E Study is to provide documented environmental and engineering analyses to assist FDOT in reaching a decision on the type, location and conceptual design of the necessary improvements, in order to accommodate future traffic demand in a safe and efficient manner. The PD&E study also satisfies the requirements of FDOT and follows the process outlined in the FDOT Project Development and Environment Manual. Although no federal involvement has been identified, FDOT developed the PD&E study process, which mimicked the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) where applicable, and is in compliance with other applicable federal and state regulations.
This PD&E study documents the need for the new roadway and presents the procedures utilized to develop and evaluate various improvement alternatives. FDOT collected information relating to the engineering and environmental characteristics essential for development of alternative alignments and analytical decisions. The department’s study team established design criteria and developed preliminary alternative alignments. The study team developed an evaluation matrix with a number of categories to compare the alignments. This process was utilized to identify a Recommended Alternative that minimizes natural, physical, and socio-economic impacts, while providing the necessary future transportation improvements. The study also solicits input from the community and users of the roadway.
The no-build alternative, or do-nothing alternative, does not construct the new roadway and also does not provide for any improvements along the existing SR 52 corridor. Although the no-build alternative is not consistent with local transportation plans, this alternative is considered a viable alternative and will remain so for the duration of this study.