FAQ's
- What is a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study?
- What is the Strategic Intermodal System (SIS)?
- What is the Florida Intrastate Highway System (FIHS)?
- What is the purpose of this study?
- What types of improvements are being considered?
- What is access management?
- How long will the study take?
- How far into the future will the study consider?
- How do I get involved?
- How can I see what is being done?
- Will noise barriers be constructed as part of this study?
Q. What is a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study?
A. A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is a process followed by the Florida Department of Transportation to evaluate social, economic and environmental impacts associated with a planned transportation improvement project. Additional information regarding this process is covered under the PD&E Study brochure.
Q. What is the Strategic Intermodal System (SIS)? - BACK TO TOP
A. The SIS is a statewide network of high-priority transportation facilities, including the state’s largest and most significant commercial service airports, spaceport, deepwater seaports, freight rail terminals, passenger rail and intercity bus terminals, rail corridors, waterways and highways. The SIS carries more than 68% of all truck traffic and 54% of total traffic on the State Highway System. Visit the FDOT website for additional information regarding Florida’s Strategic Intermodal System.
Q. What is the Florida Intrastate Highway System (FIHS)? - BACK TO TOP
A. The FIHS is a statewide transportation network that provides for high-speed and high-volume traffic movements within the State of Florida. The FIHS is composed of interconnected roadway corridors such as interstate highways, Florida’s Turnpike System and regional roadway corridors like SR 80 (Southern Boulevard). The primary function of this system is to serve interstate and regional commerce and long distance trips to move people and goods throughout Florida. The FIHS carries 30% of the total traffic on only 3% of Florida’s roads. Visit the FDOT website for additional information regarding Florida’s Intrastate Highway System.
Q. What is the purpose of this study? - BACK TO TOP
A. The purpose of this study is to evaluate options to enhance safety and provide additional capacity to meet existing and future traffic needs and upgrade this segment of SR 80 (Southern Boulevard) to SIS, FIHS and access management standards.
Q. What types of improvements are being considered? - BACK TO TOP
A. Various options to widen SR 80 (Southern Boulevard) to meet the current and future traffic demand will be explored during this study. Both interim and ultimate improvements will be evaluated. Widening options will include paved shoulders and sidewalk improvements. The study team will also evaluate potential improvements to access management. See response to question below for additional information on access management.
Q. What is access management? - BACK TO TOP
A. Access management is a practice of improving the design and placement of driveways and median openings to improve traffic flow and safety by reducing traffic conflict. This practice was adopted to implement the State Highway Access Management Act of 1988 per the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) Rule, Chapters 14-96 and 14-97. For additional information regarding access management, please see Access Management, Balancing Access and Mobility.
Q. How long will the study take? - BACK TO TOP
A. This study began in January 2010 and is anticipated to be completed by Summer 2012.
Q.How far into the future will the study consider? - BACK TO TOP
A.This study will consider the need for improvements through the year 2035.
Q. How do I get involved? - BACK TO TOP
A. Public participation is encouraged during the entire process of the study. The Florida Department of Transportation, District Four, will conduct public meetings that will provide residents, property owners, elected officials, agencies and the public opportunities to share their concerns and suggestions with the study team. All meeting dates, times, and locations are yet to be determined and will be announced through future newsletters, the project website and advertisements in local newspapers. Your questions, comments and participation are very important to us and to the decision making process. You can also contact us directly as well.
Q. How can I see what is being done? - BACK TO TOP
A. The Florida Department of Transportation, District Four recognizes that the success of any transportation improvement is dependent upon a proactive and consistent successful public outreach effort; therefore, it is imperative for the public to know what is being done. There are several ways in which the public may see the progress of what is being done in this study, such as contacting John Thompson, P.E. at (954) 777-4680 or toll free at (866) 366-8435 ext. 4680 or at john.thompson@dot.state.fl.us , and visiting the Project Library regularly for the latest information available.
Q. Will noise barriers be constructed as part of this study? - BACK TO TOP
A. A noise analysis will be performed as part of this study. The process followed by FDOT to evaluate noise issues is explained further in FDOT’s informational brochure on Traffic Noise. Additional noise related questions you may have are also covered under this brochure.