Winter 2017 Why Are We Here? Bridge was built in 1965 and is now - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Winter 2017

Why Are We Here?  Bridge was built in 1965 and is now over 50 years old  Big Carlos Bridge replacement programmed in FY20 ‐ 21  First step is a Project Development & Environment Study (PD&E)  Next steps include design then construction

What is a PD&E Study? The Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study follows all procedures in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and Federal and State laws and regulations. These include:  Data collection  Alternatives Analysis (including the no ‐ build/rehabilitation alternative)  Public and agency involvement  Selection of preferred alternative

Data Collection Involves gathering information needed to develop/evaluate various alternatives. Some of the data gathered includes:  Traffic counts  Crash records  Existing roadway conditions  Identification of wetlands  Threatened/Endangered species habitat  Existing land use and property information  Existing drainage systems and drainage patterns  Contamination sites  Archeological/Historical sites

Alternatives Analysis  Engineering alternatives developed  Input obtained from public, local governments and environmental agencies  No ‐ build alternative remains viable alternative throughout the study  Alternatives evaluation for community/environmental impacts/costs

Selection of Preferred Alternative  Preferred build alternative and no build alternative will be presented at BoCC public meeting to solicit further comments and input  Final documentation will be submitted to the Florida Department of Transportation for approval  Then project can advance to the design, right ‐ of ‐ way acquisition and construction phases if funded

Bridge Elements/Alternatives  Typical Section  Existing typical two 13’ lanes + two 3’ sidewalks  New typical section will be evaluated  Vertical Alignment  Bascule (Drawbridge)  Low ‐ Level  Mid ‐ Level  Fixed ‐ Span  High ‐ level  Horizontal Alignment  South  North

Alternatives 65’ HIGH 65’ HIGH LEVEL LEVEL FIXED FIXED 45’ MID LEV 45’ MID LEVEL BASCUL BASCULE MVC MV (DRAWBRIDGE) (DRA WBRIDGE) 21 21’ L LOW L LEVEL B BASCULE (DRA (DRAWBRIDGE) WBRIDGE) Location of Location of Channel Channel

Horizontal Alignment 1 – Southern Concept

Horizontal Alignment 2 – Northern Concept

Public Involvement Process  Newsletters  Project Website  Public Information Meetings  Alternatives Public Meeting  Public Hearing  Individual/Small Group Meetings  Meetings with HOAs  Meetings with private marinas  Community Events  Lovers Key Outdoor Adventure Day & Exploration Walk  Taste of the Beach, Christmas Boat Parade, Art Bazaar  Notification  Newsletters and invitation letters  Advertisements in local papers and in community newsletters  Online notices – County and Fort Myers Beach websites and HOAs  Toll ‐ Free Hotline

Initial Stakeholders  Town of Fort Myers Beach  City of Bonita Springs  Utility Agency Owners  Environmental Agencies  Lovers Key State Park  Islands End Condominiums  Lovers Key Beach Club  Island Beach Club  Lovers Key Resort  Waterside Condominiums  Pelican Landing Community Association  Chamber of Commerce  Boating Organizations & Marinas

For More Information Visit the project website at: www.BigCarlosBridgeProject.com or contact: Kris Cella, Public Information Cella Molnar & Associates, Inc. 239 ‐ 337 ‐ 1071 Kcella@cella.cc

What’s Next?  Public involvement  Study duration approximately 18 months  Outcomes of PD&E Study  Preferred Alternative identified  Estimate of cost  NEPA clearance to continue design  After PD&E phase ‐ design and construction

Questions?