Description of the Project
A Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study is being conducted to evaluate the widening of I-75 in Charlotte, DeSoto and Sarasota Counties. The limits of the Study are from north of Kings Highway in Charlotte County to North River Road in Sarasota County. Existing interchanges are located at Toledo Blade Boulevard, Sumter Boulevard and North River Road.
Need for Project
Improvements to the I-75 project corridor have been recommended by the Interstate 75 Engineering/Multimodal Master Plan Report. (FDOT, August 1998) and the traffic analysis conducted for this PD&E Study. The proposed improvements to the I-75 project corridor are an integral part of the overall Long-Range Transportation Plans for Charlotte and Sarasota Counties and the City of North Port. The improvements are recommended based on their ability to alleviate existing and projected traffic congestion.
I-75 serves as the major interregional north-south evacuation route for and through the counties of Collier, Lee, Charlotte, DeSoto Sarasota, and Manatee. The proposed improvements to the I-75 corridor would improve the ability of the region to evacuate in the event of a weather emergency.
Purpose of PD&E Study
The purpose of this PD&E Study is to determine the best option to meet future traffic requirements for the I-75 project corridor. The PD&E Study will lead to Location and Conceptual Design Acceptance by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
The PD&E Study will document information regarding the need for this project and develops and evaluates various improvement alternatives based on the consideration of their socioeconomic, cultural and environmental effects. The No-Project Alternative will remain a viable alternative throughout the study process.
The Objectives of the PD&E Study are to:
· identify, research and analyze the various engineering and environmental factors which will be instrumental in the formulation of a design concept for the proposed improvements;
· analyze alternative preliminary engineering concepts; and
· document the public involvement program to date.