Metro Parkway (SR 739) from south of Daniels Parkway to Winkler Ave. - Design

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Project Development

Project Development - How Our Process Works
Depending on transportation priorities, available funding, and complexities of the job, a project’s progression from planning to construction may take up to 15 years. FDOT follows federal and state requirements throughout project development and works closely with governmental agencies, partners and the local community to identify new projects and move them through the production pipeline. Planning, the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study, final design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction are sequential phases of production for projects.

Planning
Metro Parkway (SR 739) widening is identified in the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).

PD&E Study
The PD&E study was completed in 1998 and evaluated engineering, environmental, social, historic and cultural effects for this project. It also estimated costs for future phases of production, including design, right-of-way, and construction. FDOT documented the need for the project and developed roadway improvement alternatives. These alternatives also considered comments from public officials, agency partners, and members of the community. The “recommended alternative,” was presented at a public hearing and was selected to move forward into the design phase. The PD&E study was approved 17 years ago; therefore, a re-evaluation will be completed to document changes to the approved design concept.

Design
The design phase takes the conceptual plan presented at the PD&E public hearing and develops it into a formal set of construction plans that are used to bid and build the job. The construction plans include design of the stormwater drainage system, traffic signals, lighting systems, median openings, bridges, signs, utility plans (if relocations are necessary to accommodate highway expansion), as well as design of the road itself.  This project is now in the design phase and is expected to be completed by July 2025.

Right-of-Way Acquisition
The right-of-way acquisition phase is funded in Fiscal Years 2023-2024. FDOT needs to acquire property to build the job from Daniels Parkway to Winkler Avenue.With details defined during design, FDOT can determine specifically how much right-of-way or land is needed to expand the roadway and build stormwater ponds.  When more land, or property, is needed than the state already owns, FDOT acquires property in order to build roadway improvements on publicly-owned land (in other words, within state-owned right-of-way).  In accordance with Florida statute, FDOT can only purchase property needed for transportation improvements, and FDOT pays fair market value for any property or part of property acquired for road expansion.  FDOT will notify property owners in writing if their land is affected, and letters to affected property owners also will provide names and contact information for right-of-way agents managing this phase of the project.  More information about FDOT’s right-of-way acquisition process may be found at www.dot.state.fl.us/rightofway/Documents.shtm.

Construction

The construction phase is not currently funded. After design plans are completed and right-of-way acquisition concluded, FDOT advertises the project for construction. Qualified contractors may bid on it.  Typically, construction work starts three or four months after FDOT hires the contractor (who must mobilize crews and arrange for equipment and materials).  Construction jobs may take two to three years, and sometimes longer depending on complexities of the projects. After FDOT hires the contractor, more information is available about a project’s construction schedule and crews’ approach to the work.