PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & ENVIRONMENT (PD&E) STUDIES

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL (PD&E) STUDY FOR THE WIDENING OF THE HEFT FROM SR-874 TO SR-836
Turnpike, Florida

The firm of C3TS was selected as the Prime Consultant by the Florida Turnpike Enterprise for the development of a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for the 9.5 mile section of the Homestead Extension of the Florida Turnpike (HEFT) from SR 874 (Don Shula Expressway) to north of SR 836 (Dolphin Expressway).  This existing tolled limited access facility consists of six general purpose lanes (within these project limits) and is being studied for possible conversion to ten general purpose lanes.  Two alternatives have been developed: 1) Mixed-Cash and Electronic Toll Collection; and 2) All Electronic Toll Collection. This segment of the HEFT encompasses the System to System Interchanges of SR 874 and SR 836, as well as three Service Interchanges at SW 88th Street (Kendall Drive), SW 40th Street (Bird Road) and SW 8th Street (Tamiami Trial).  In addition the Snapper Creek Service Plaza at the southern end of the corridor is being investigated for access improvements.  This PD&E Study will result in the development of a State Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) supporting a potential $400 million dollar construction project posses many challenges.  The corridor itself traverses a highly urbanized area with a mix of adjacent commercial and residential developments, thus making Public Involvement a key component of the study.  Operational improvements at the various interchanges are being investigated for both the permanent configuration needs as well as temporary impacts during construction.  This segment of the HEFT is structure intensive with over twenty bridge structures potentially impacted by the widening of the HEFT.  Construction phasing and operations will be a key factor in minimizing impacts to the traveling public while maintaining turnpike operations.  Consideration for the accommodation of adjacent planned projects, associated tie-ins including multi-modal considerations and the modifications to the existing drainage system are also key factors.

UNIVERSITY DRIVE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT STUDY
Broward County, Florida

C3TS provided PD&E services to FDOT District IV on CR-817 (University Drive) from NW 40th Street (Cardinal Road) to the Sawgrass Expressway in the City of Coral Springs, Broward County. The existing University Drive serves as a vital link in the local transportation network as it provides one of only seven major north-south arterial links within Broward County. The project is an important step in developing a future tri-county connection (Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach) in the South Florida area. Responsibilities for this project included establishing a Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC) to serve as the communication link between the community and the Project Team.

79TH STREET PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & ENVIRONMENT STUDY (PD&E) FROM NW 13TH COURT TO BISCAYNE BAY
Miami, Florida

This project involved the study of a 3-mile, 6-lane unbalanced, one-way pair system in a highly urbanized section of Miami–Dade County.  The study includes consideration for conversion of the existing one-way pair to two, independent bi-directional facilities. 

The Department’s Livable Communities Initiative, extensive Traffic Analysis Program and development of alternatives to comply with tight R/W restrictions are major factors in this study. This study includes execution of a complex Public Involvement Program with the establishment of a CAC/BAC for this Environmental Assessment.  Close coordination with the City of Miami Transportation and Planning Division is critical since the potential corridor improvements are deemed as the catalyst for economic stimulus and corridor redevelopment.

CORRIDOR & AREA PLANNING STUDIES

NW SOUTH RIVER DRIVE CORRIDOR STUDY – NW 107TH AVENUE TO THE PALMETTO EXPRESSWAY (SR-826) ENGINEERING ANALYSIS & TRAFFIC REPORT
Medley, Florida

This project involved the development of a planning study for the widening of NW South River Drive from 107th Avenue to the Palmetto Expressway.  This study, which is being funded by an MPO grant, includes various typical section alternatives, coordination for traffic analysis and corridor analysis, preparation of a land use analysis study and the development of a public involvement program. 

The public involvement program includes the development of a Business Advisory Council (BAC) and the establishment of several workshops to address the needs of this corridor

PORT OF PALM BEACHCORRIDOR STUDY
Palm Beach County, Florida

C3TS was selected by FDOT District IV to conduct a Corridor Study for a new connector road to the Port of Palm Beach. The Florida East Coast Railroad (FEC) has main line tracks running along the west side of the Port. Due to safety concerns and the delays experienced at the existing at grade rail crossings in the area, as well as the port’s need for improved access, a new grade separated crossing is proposed. Both over and under passes will be investigated, including an open cut system which brings the new connector road under the railroad without having to completely tunnel under it. The presence of extremely high voltage transmission lines adjacent to the Port creates a significant challenge in the design of the grade separated crossing.

TRANSIT STUDIES

PLANTATION MIDTOWN IMPROVEMENTS & GREENWAY TRANSIT ROUTE – PHASE I
Plantation, Florida

As the first phase of a large project, our design will be the template for all improvements to follow in the City’s midtown area. Streetscape design will include the construction of mixed use walkways, textured crosswalks, parallel parking, landscaped medians, and a roundabout at a key intersection of the City. As part of the City’s master plan, a greenway transit route for the entire midtown area is included. We have worked with the City in designing the route that the first phase of the bus transit will operate as well as helped them research the different type of transit vehicles available to them. In working hand in hand with the City on this issue, we are ensuring that the design we deliver meets the needs and expectations for the entire scope of their greenway project.

PLANNING FOR COMMUNITIES

SUNSET DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS
South Miami, Florida

This project involved the streetscape traffic calming reconstruction of a five lane roadway in the heart of downtown South Miami.  The resulting three-lane roadway has widened decorative sidewalks, curb and gutter, drainage collection and treatment systems, landscaping, pedestrian crosswalks, decorative lighting, street furniture and amenities. 

This project was designed in accordance with the City of South Miami Hometown Plan developed in a 1991 charrette.  Although Sunset Drive is a City of South Miami road, permitting through Miami-Dade County Public Works and Florida D.O.T. was required. In addition to planning, design and permitting, our firm provided construction administration services including a full-time project representative and public information services.

CRANDON PARK BOULEVARD MASTER PLAN
Key Biscayne, Florida

This Master Planning project involved improvements to the “Main Street” of the Village of Key Biscayne.  This four-lane divided county road cuts through the heart of the community and is heavily traveled by residents, visitors to Bill Baggs State Park, and county transit buses.  The road is also the most heavily traveled bicycle corridor in Miami-Dade County and has a high level of pedestrian use. 

The project goals were improved public safety; easing of traffic congestion; traffic calming; pedestrianization; improved mass transit; and streetscape beautification.  Master plan improvements included the addition of bicycle lanes; widening of sidewalks; narrowing of travel lanes; curbing the outside edges of road; tightening of curb radii; full reconstruction of intersections to create paver plazas; construction of bus shelters and bus bays; improvements to signalization systems; improvements to lighting; landscaping, and street furniture. 
The improvements were completed in three phases and funded through a variety of state and county sources.