What is a Re-evaluation?
A re-evaluation is the process used to document compliance with state federal laws and to identify any changes that may have occurred since the approval of the original environmental document. As a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) re-evaluation, this study will be used to update the prior study, document any changes to the design concept, reassess impacts, incorporate any new commitments, and compare any new alternatives with the previously approved roadway improvements.
What is a PD&E Study?
A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study assists the FDOT in determining the location, conceptual design, and social, economic and environmental impacts of a proposed transportation roadway improvement. During the PD&E process, feasible alternatives are developed for a specific roadway project. These “Build” alternatives are evaluated based on the potential impacts that each alternative would have on the project study area. The need for additional right-of-way for stormwater and environmental mitigation is also evaluated during the PD&E study phase. FDOT also considers the “No-Build” alternative, which means no changes are made to the roadway within the study limits except for routine maintenance, through the year 2046.
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.
- Project Development and Environment Study (PD&E): During this step, design concept options and their social and environmental effects are examined. Options and effects are reexamined during a reevaluation following the PD&E study.
- Design: During design, detailed construction plans are prepared.
- Right-Of-Way Acquisition: This phase entails acquisition of any necessary right-of-way, based on the design plans.
- Construction: The roadway is built during this phase.
The US 41 at CSX Grade Separation project is in the PD&E Study/Re-evaluation phase of the FDOT’s project development process. The study team will start initial work on the design phase activities after the public hearing, when a preferred alternative has been selected.