TRANSPORTATION

SR 7 Extension – Myths Debunked

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & WATER PROTECTION

• MYTH: The SR 7 Extension will directly contaminate the Grassy Waters Preserve and West Palm Beach’s drinking water supply.
  
  FACT: The current permitted design outfalls north of Northlake Blvd and does not discharge stormwater into the Grassy Waters Preserve or the Ibis Lakes system. The roadway is physically separated from the Grassy Waters Preserve by multiple protective features, including guardrail, a shared use path, a drainage swale, wet conveyance channel, fence, a sheet pile wall, and approximately 150 additional feet of natural area buffer space. These layers provide distance and engineered protection that significantly reduce environmental risk.
• MYTH: A truck accident or spill would flow directly into the Grassy Waters Preserve.
  
  FACT: Roadway runoff is physically prevented from sheet-flowing into the Grassy Waters Preserve. Drainage swales and stormwater features are designed to capture, slow, and treat runoff before it leaves the roadway environment. The roadway is physically separated from the Grassy Waters Preserve by multiple protective features, including guardrail, a shared use path, a drainage swale, wet conveyance channel, fence, and a sheet pile wall. Furthermore, there is approximately 150 additional feet of natural area buffer. These features eliminate the possibility of a vehicle entering the preserve from SR 7.
• MYTH: Trucks containing hazardous materials create an uncontrolled environmental threat.
  
  FACT: Commercial vehicles operate under state and federal hazardous materials regulations. The roadway design incorporates containment distance, drainage controls, and emergency response coordination consistent with FDOT standards used statewide near sensitive resources. The FDOT has a project specific contamination spill response plan in place with specialty contractors that can mobilize immediately to contain hazardous spills.
• MYTH: The project is causing environmental damage that is not being accounted for.
  
  FACT: The Department has a robust wetland mitigation plan which meets and exceeds the requirements of permitting agencies. Direct and secondary impacts out to 300 feet beyond the project area have been analyzed. Wetland mitigation has been provided for all impacts to wetlands and protected species habitats within these areas. Features of this plan also include placing conservation easements over natural lands to protect and conserve wetlands and protected species habitats, within Palm Beach County adjacent to the project area. The conservation areas also provide a buffer of 140+ feet of untouched, natural land between the project area and the Water Catchment Area and prevent further development within transportation right of way.
• MYTH: The project has not adequately evaluated or addressed potential impacts to protected species such as the Everglade Snail Kite and wood stork.
  
  FACT: The Design team has conducted annual protected species surveys for over 10 years to identify the presence and absence of protected species within and adjacent to the project area. Protected species such as the Everglade Snail Kite and wood storks are known to utilize the wetlands adjacent to the FDOT Right of way. Since impacts to these species may occur FDOT has put into conservation 214 acres of wetland habitat that is conducive for Snail Kite and wood stork foraging and nesting. In addition to this conservation effort, FDOT has conducted a Foraging Habitat Analysis for impacts to wood stork foraging habitat and determined units 142.2 kg of biomass within longer hydroperiod wetlands (Class 6 and 7) will be required to adequately offset these impacts mitigation credits. To offset the impacts to wood stork mitigation credits were secured at Dupuis Reserve which equate to the 142.2 kg of biomass that may be impacted.

LIGHT POLLUTION & NIGHTTIME IMPACTS

• MYTH: The SR 7 Extension project will introduce continuous roadway lighting.
  
  FACT: Continuous roadway lighting is not proposed. Lighting is only provided at signalized intersections and at the roundabout where required for safety.
• MYTH: New lighting will spill into the Grassy Waters Preserve and nearby neighborhoods.
  
  FACT: All lighting is designed using environmentally sensitive fixtures in accordance with FDOT requirements. Fixtures are downward-directed and selected to minimize light spill, glare, and skyglow.

NOISE & COMMUNITY IMPACTS

• MYTH: My home wasn’t considered for a noise barrier.
  
  FACT: All properties along the entire corridor were evaluated for noise impacts. Noise barrier eligibility is determined using modeled traffic volumes, vehicle mix including trucks, roadway speeds, elevation differences, and distance to nearby homes. Based on the results, proposed noise barriers are included for the communities of Ibis Reserve, Baywinds, and portions of Mezzano. Other communities did not exceed the noise threshold considered to be impacted.
• MYTH: The SR 7 Extension project will impact the berm separating my community from the road.
  
  FACT: The project will not impact any of the existing berms on the west side of the road. They will be undisturbed and all landscaping on them will remain.

TRAFFIC

• MYTH: The Department does not take community feedback seriously.
  
  FACT: The Department takes community feedback and other public input very seriously in the planning, design, and construction of all our facilities. The SR 7 Extension project has undergone significant design changes in response to concerns raised by the community. These changes reduced the environmental footprint and impacts of the project.
• MYTH: Construction of SR 7 Extension project will bring more traffic to the area.
  
  FACT: The traffic congestion has gotten substantially worse over the years as development in western Palm Beach County continues to expand. The area network is frequently over capacity leading to significant travel delays. The SR 7 Extension project will bring some much-needed relief in travel times, improve emergency response times, and aid in hurricane evacuation routes.

General Project Information

1. Where is the project located and where are the project limits?
   
   A: The project is on State Road (S.R.) 7 from Okeechobee Boulevard to Northlake Boulevard in Palm Beach County, Florida.
2. What does this project include?
   
   A: The project includes widening of the existing two-lane road from north of Okeechobee Boulevard to 60th Street North, and new construction of a four-lane road from 60th Street North to Northlake Boulevard. Some minor widening to add turn lanes on Northlake Boulevard is also included in this project.
3. Who identified the need for this project?
   
   A: The S.R. 7 Extension Project has been and continues to be identified as a need by your community’s Transportation Planning Agency. The project is part of a comprehensive transportation strategy intended to improve the regional roadway network by reducing congestion and improving connectivity for the western communities.
4. What are the benefits of this project?
   
   A: The S.R. 7 project is part of a comprehensive transportation strategy to enhance connectivity, improve emergency response times, and reduce congestion for the western communities.
5. Will this project eventually help to ease the heavy traffic on Okeechobee Boulevard?
   
   A: This project, along with other transportation projects, such as the widening of Northlake Boulevard that is under design by Palm Beach County, is part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce congestion in the western communities, including along Okeechobee Boulevard.
6. How will the project reduce the potential for accidents?
   
   A: This project will divide southbound and northbound traffic with a raised median that will reduce the potential for head-on collisions. The project will also provide additional lanes that will reduce congestion, which will also reduce the potential for accidents.
7. How many lanes will the project include?
   
   A: The roadway will include a total of four lanes – two lanes in each direction separated by a median.
8. What are the estimated average annual daily traffic volumes?
   
   A: The estimated projected traffic volumes are shown below:
   • Okeechobee Boulevard to 60^th Street North
     • Opening Year (2024): 39,400 average annual daily traffic (AADT)
     • Design Year (2044): 49,400 AADT
   • 60^th Street North to Northlake Boulevard
     • Opening Year (2024): 18,700 AADT
     • Design Year (2044): 24,000 AADT
9. What will the speed limit be on the roadway?
   
   A:The posted speed limit will be 45 mph except at the M Canal Bridge where the posted speed limit will be reduced to 40 mph. Additionally, the speed limit in the roundabouts will be 25 mph.
   
10. What changes were made to the design since the last public workshop?
    
    A: The changes on the project were provided in the project presentation. This presentation can be found on the project website, SR7extension.com under the documents and publications page. A summary of key changes is listed below:
    • Reduced the project footprint east and north of 60^th Street to the M Canal by approximately 40 feet in width;
    • Reduced median width from 22 feet to 15.5 feet east / north of 60^th Street to Northlake Boulevard;
    • Replaced sidewalks and on-street bike lanes with a shared use path east / north of 60^th Street;
    • Eliminated outfalls to Ibis Lake System;
    • Added retaining walls to reduce footprint and minimize wetland impacts;
    • Redesigned Ibis Spillway bridge to eliminate pilings in the water;
    • Eliminated an open swale south of M Canal to reduce footprint; and,
    • Added floodplain compensation in accordance with updated FEMA flood maps.
    The changes summarized above address specific concerns raised by the City of West Palm Beach and others that objected to the project.
    
    Since initially designing the project, FDOT modified its design to further avoid and minimize impacts, including a reduction of the roadway footprint and a westward shift of the alignment. The current project is a result of avoidance and minimization measures to the environment, with mitigation being provided for unavoidable impacts.
    
    Mitigation and avoidance measures include the following features:
    • 47+ acres of onsite conservation easement;
    • Nuisance and exotic vegetation removed;
    • 213+ acres of former transportation right of way (ROW) has been transferred to the County for conservation;
    • Consideration for wildlife connectivity has been included in the design in the form of underpasses at the M Canal Bridge and Ibis Spillway Bridge; and,
    • Lighting has been limited to signalized intersections only and will minimize light entering the environmental areas including shorter light poles.
11. Why was the median reduced?
    
    A: The median was reduced to minimize the overall footprint of the roadway, leading to a reduction in environmental impacts.
12. Will the design accommodate U-turn movements?
    
    A: The design will accommodate turning vehicles and includes “bulb-outs” to support vehicles making U-turn movements.
13. Where will new roundabouts be installed?
    
    A: Roundabouts are proposed at 60^th Street North, and at the Ibis Golf & Country Club entrance.
14. Why were traffic signals included vs. roundabouts?
    
    A: Detailed evaluation of roundabouts at the proposed signalized locations was conducted, but traffic signals were determined to be the best option, including consideration of environmental impacts that are increased with the use of roundabouts.The traffic lights are required based on the results of traffic control signal needs studies performed at each location. The traffic signals will be designed to minimize delays by optimizing the signal timing.
15. Will the existing traffic signal at the Ibis Shopping Center be removed?
    
    A: FDOT is not aware of any plans to move or remove the existing traffic signal at the Ibis Shopping Center. The traffic signals are expected to be coordinated by the maintaining agency, Palm Beach County Traffic Division, in order to minimize delay.

Project Costs

16. Why has the cost of the project changed?
    
    A: The cost of the project has increased due to the changes in the design and due to inflation in construction prices caused by the delays associated with the legal challenges.
17. Who will fund the maintenance of the new roadway?
    
    A: Maintenance of the new roadway will be funded and included as part of the FDOT roadway maintenance program.
18. How much has the City of West Palm Beach spent in fighting the S.R. 7 Project?
    
    A:The FDOT is not aware of the cost incurred by the City of West Palm Beach for fighting the State Road 7 Extension Project. Please consider contacting the City of West Palm directly for that information.

Construction

19. Will the roadway be closed to traffic during construction?
    
    A: The existing roadway will not be closed to traffic during construction.
    
    Traffic will be always maintained during construction. Two short duration detours, on separate weekends, are anticipated for reconstruction of the intersections at Orange Grove Boulevard, and at Persimmon Boulevard. Traffic will be detoured onto 110th Avenue.
20. Is the project fully funded for construction?
    
    A:Yes, the project is fully funded for construction.
21. How will temporary traffic and phasing be handled during construction?
    
    A: During construction one lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction, and access to businesses and residences will be maintained at all times.
22. What happens if there is contamination during construction?
    
    A: Best management practices are in place to protect against contamination during construction. In the unlikely event that a construction activity results in a spill or release with the potential to cause contamination, the contractor is under an obligation to implement cleanup activities. This situation is overseen by both the CEI and the District Contamination Coordinator. Once the roadway is open, if there is a spill, there are notification procedures in place to have a team mobilized to clean up the spill in a short period of time. The fire department and the Florida Department of Environmental (FDEP) are the entities that would typically be involved in the spill response. While these public entities respond, depending on the nature of the spill, cost recovery actions may be instituted against insurers.
23. Which segment of the roadway will be constructed first?
    
    A: The sequence of construction has not been specified at this time, in order to encourage competitive bids. After a contractor has been selected FDOT will host another workshop to provide more details about the construction phasing.

Project Features

24. Will there be bike lanes and sidewalks?
    
    A: There is sidewalk proposed on both sides of the roadway south of the 60th Street roundabout. East and north of the 60th Street roundabout, a wide shared-use path is proposed on the south and east sides of the roadway, instead of sidewalks and on-street bike lanes on both sides of the road, to reduce the width of the roadway and minimize environmental impacts.
25. Does the project include green bike lanes?
    
    A: Yes, the project includes green bike lanes south of the 60th Street North roundabout at locations of potential conflict between bicyclists and vehicles, generally at the beginning of right turn lanes.
26. What landscaping is proposed for the project?
    
    A: Landscaping is proposed at the two roundabouts and along the east side of the roadway north of the M Canal. In addition, FDOT will be creating a 47-acre, on-site conservation area in the approximately 150-foot-wide area between the roadway and the City’s Water Catchment Area, running from just north of the M Canal to Northlake Boulevard.
    
    Additional landscaping is being proposed as a separate project. There is an existing landscaped berm and heavily vegetated natural buffer existing inside the S.R. 7 ROW as well as the non-FDOT roadway, 110th Avenue North, between the nearest side of the proposed roadway and existing homes south of the M Canal. The Ibis Golf and Country Club also has an existing landscaped berm between the proposed roadway and the property line that is proposed to remain for most of the length of the project.
27. Where will new signalized intersections be installed?
    
    A: New signalized intersections will be installed at Regalo Drive (Porto Sol), Orange Grove Boulevard, Persimmon Boulevard, and Northlake Boulevard.
28. Where is roadway lighting proposed?
    
    A: Lighting is being provided at the proposed signalized intersections and roundabouts. The project incorporates specialized lighting, which minimizes light entering into the environmentally sensitive areas.
    
    Based on coordination with the permitting agencies, lighting is not proposed for the majority of the project in order to minimize impacts to the adjacent environmental areas. The project will install shorter light poles. Lighting is included at the signalized intersections to enhance safety.
29. Will there be a breakdown lane?
    
    A: Based on environmental considerations, every effort was made to reduce the amount of impervious surface created as part of the project. As a result, the project does not include traditional “breakdown” lanes. Intermittent bulb-outs are provided for U-turns and may also be used for emergency situations.

Environment

30. Has FDOT followed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and prepared an Environmental Assessment for this project?
    
    A: FDOT has followed the NEPA process and prepared an Environmental Assessment for this project, which resulted in the issuance of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) by the Federal Highway Administration. Prior to advancing to the construction phase, the FDOT will conduct a re-evaluation of the project to confirm the continuing validity of the environmental assessment.
31. How is wildlife being protected in this project?
    
    A: The project includes a 10-foot high fence along the length of the project bordering the natural areas to discourage wildlife from entering the roadway. The design also incorporates design elements at the two bridges to facilitate wildlife connectivity.
32. Will this project impact the environment and the Grassy Waters Preserve?
    
    A: FDOT conducted an Environmental Assessment to identify potential impacts associated with the S.R. 7 project, as well as means to avoid or mitigate potential impacts to the environment, including endangered species, wildlife, noise, air, and water quality. During both the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study and design phases of the project, FDOT has coordinated extensively with the state and federal permitting agencies to limit impacts to natural resources. Since initially designing the project, FDOT modified its design to further avoid and minimize impacts, including a reduction of the roadway footprint and a westward shift of the alignment. The current project is a result of avoidance and minimization measures to the environment with mitigation being provided for unavoidable impacts. The project will be constructed solely within the 320-foot width of public road right of way with the proposed roadway footprint using approximately 170 feet, with the remaining approximately 150 feet acting as a buffer between the roadway and the Water Catchment Area. No portion of the proposed roadway is within the boundaries of the Water Catchment Area known as the Grassy Waters Preserve.
33. What right of way is left to acquire for this project?
    
    A: No additional right of way is required for this project, most of which is being constructed within existing transportation right of way. A portion of the cell tower parcel south of the M Canal was acquired, and excess right-of-way was swapped with Palm Beach County for some additional needed right of way, also south of the M Canal.
34. Will the project protect the preserve from contamination and spills?
    
    A: In addition to eliminating discharges to the Ibis Lakes system, the project includes features to protect against potential spills. The roadway typical section includes guardrail on the east side and taller barrier walls on the bridges that are designed to prevent wayward vehicles from leaving the roadway and entering the Water Catchment Area. The nearest roadway travel lane is also separated from the Water Catchment Area by a wide drainage / containment swale that will provide a buffer and capture and contain spill materials, if one occurs.
    
    In the unlikely event of a spill, there are notification procedures in place to have a team mobilized to clean up the spill in a short period of time.
35. Who would respond if a spill were to occur along the project?
    
    A: The local fire department and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection are typically the agencies who will respond to a spill. The District Contamination Coordinator would also be involved.
36. What is wildlife connectivity?
    
    A: Wildlife connectivity refers to linkage between habitat areas and opportunities for animals to cross the roadway enhancing migration, colonization and breeding opportunities. On this project, wildlife connectivity is provided in the form of designated areas under the bridges to accommodate animals crossing from one side of the roadway to the other. The proposed fencing and other features will prevent crossing at other locations to reduce the incidence of animal strikes by vehicles.

Noise

37. Where will the noise barriers be located for the project and when will they be constructed?
    
    A: Noise barriers are proposed for the Baywinds and Ibis Reserve Apartments communities. Construction of the noise barriers will be completed in the early phases of the project.
38. How effective are barriers in reducing noise levels?
    
    A: The noise study follows state and federal regulations and considers traffic volumes, proximity to adjacent developments, and projected future traffic noise levels. The proposed noise barrier heights and locations are carefully designed and intended to reduce noise levels at least 5 decibels for properties exceeding an established noise level.
39. Why do some areas get noise barriers and others do not?
    
    A: The proposed noise barrier locations are based on recommendations of the S.R. 7 Noise Study Report prepared for this project. The report follows state and federal regulations and considers traffic volumes, proximity to adjacent developments, and projected future noise levels. The report can be found on the project website at www.sr7extension.com/SR7_Documents_and_Publications.html. The noise report is listed under Other Technical Documents.
40. What will the noise barriers on the project look like?
    
    A: The proposed noise barriers are similar to the existing noise barriers on the west side of S.R. 7 between Belvedere Road and Okeechobee Boulevard. A similar colored and textured finish will be applied to both sides of the barrier. Renderings of the proposed noise barriers are included in the project presentation that is available on the project website, www.sr7extension.com under the documents and publications page.
41. Will engine brakes be regulated on the roadway?
    
    A: FDOT does not regulate engine brakes. Traffic will be subject to noise ordinances in place by the local municipality with jurisdiction, in this case, the City of West Palm Beach.
42. Will the noise barriers block the view of the roadway?
    
    A: The noise barrier’s primary purpose is to reduce noise associated with traffic. Due to their height, the walls are anticipated to block the view of the roadway from private property, and will block the view of any landscaping from the roadway.
43. Were noise studies prepared for Okeechobee Boulevard?
    
    A: Noise studies and traffic studies were not prepared for Okeechobee Boulevard because Okeechobee Boulevard is not part of this project. A noise study may be requested at any time, however, the need for a noise study is triggered when there is a proposed project that will add travel lanes to an existing roadway and there is nearby development that may be impacted by increased noise levels.

Drainage and Stormwater Retention

44. How will water flow under the roadway?
    
    A: Stormwater will be collected and will flow under the roadway through drainage pipes placed throughout the project limits.
45. Where will stormwater discharge for this project?
    
    A: Although the Ibis Lakes system was originally designed to receive stormwater from the S.R. 7 project segment north of the M Canal, the current S.R. 7 design was modified to eliminate all direct discharge to the Ibis Lakes system and runoff is not being directed to the Water Catchment area. Currently, for the project segment north of the M Canal, the stormwater will discharge to the northside of Northlake Boulevard adjacent to the Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area. For the project area south of the M Canal, the stormwater will discharge to existing drainage outfalls designed to receive stormwater from the southern portion of the S.R. 7 project, and which flow to an existing stormwater pond owned by the Village of Royal Palm Beach, located adjacent to the Porto Sol residential community.
46. Has the drainage been designed to hold significant rainfall?
    
    A: The drainage system is designed to meet the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) permitting requirement related to water quality and quantity. It is designed to hold up to the 100-year, three-day storm event (equivalent to 16 inches) without overtopping.
47. What will happen in the event of an extreme rain event?
    
    A: The project has been redesigned to eliminate discharge to the Ibis Lakes System, and runoff is not being directed to the Water Catchment area. Runoff will be captured and treated by a swale system and, during extreme rain events, will ultimately discharge north of Northlake Boulevard.
48. What accommodations are being made for the project that is part of a flood zone?
    
    A: Flood zone compensation is being provided as part of the project through creation of a buried rock trench in conjunction with regrading of designated upland areas to create an equivalent volume of lost storage for runoff.

Neighborhood & Other Access

49. How will residents access the Publix Shopping Plaza?
    
    A: There is a proposed northbound left in (right out only) access to the Publix Shopping Plaza.
50. Will there be a dedicated right turn lane for the Ibis entrance?
    
    A: The southbound outside lane will serve as the approach lane to the Ibis east gate. There is no proposed queuing lane on the southbound portion of the roadway approaching the entrance to Ibis.
51. Will there be direct access into and out of the Ibis Country Club to S.R. 7?
    
    A: There will be direct access into and out of the Ibis Country Club to S.R. 7 at the existing location.
52. Will the Ibis entrance gate remain open during construction?
    
    A: Construction is not anticipated to impact the continued use and operation of the Ibis entrance gate.
53. How will this project connect to the Owahee Trail system located just east of the proposed bridge over the M Canal?
    
    A: There is not a direct connection to the Owahee Trail which is approximately 3 miles east of this project. However, the existing trail along the south side of the M Canal, which passes under the proposed bridge, will be maintained.

Public Workshops

54. Where can I find the presentation and videos from the recent virtual public workshops?
    
    A: Videos from the January 28, 2021 Virtual Workshops are available at the following links: https://youtu.be/H0kFXkC-d7I (1 p.m. workshop) and https://youtu.be/WnjT6hmGESw (5:30 p.m. workshop).
    
    The videos from the virtual workshop and presentations can also be found on the project website at www.sr7extension.com

Project Development Process

55. Will the FDOT evaluate another alignment alternative?
    
    A: Evaluation of other alignment alternatives is not part of the design phase of the project.
    
    FDOT was tasked with evaluating the project through a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study that analyzed the purpose and need for the project, including evaluation of several alternative alignments and their potential for impacts on natural, social and physical environments.  This alignment was selected because the study suggested it provided the best balance of the project’s effects on the following:
    • Businesses
    • Residences
    • Right of way
    • Community
    • Cultural / historic resources and public parks
    • Natural environment
    • Floodplain and floodway encroachment
    • Potential contaminated sites
    • Estimated project costs
56. Have traffic studies been prepared for this project and do they include future growth in the area?
    
    A: Traffic studies have been prepared specifically for this project and include consideration of the growth of surrounding developments.  Traffic projections for the planning and design of this project have accounted for the traffic generated from new developments that will affect the project.
    
    In addition, Florida Traffic Online is a web-based mapping application that provides traffic count site locations and historical traffic count data. This website updates traffic data annually each April and can be accessed at the website: https://tdaappsprod.dot.state.fl.us/fto/.

Miscellaneous Information

57. What are some other projects happening in the area?
    
    A: FDOT is currently working on several other projects in the area to reduce traffic congestion and improve traffic operations. Please visit FDOT’s Five-Year Work Program Office for more information about projects in the area (FDOT OWPB – WP Reports; 5 Year Work Program (state.fl.us).
58. What is sight distance?
    
    A: Sight distance relates to the drivers and their ability to see the roadway in a manner that allows them to operate their vehicle safely. Stopping sight distance is the distance a vehicle driver needs to be able to see in order to have room to stop before colliding with something in the roadway, such as a pedestrian in a crosswalk, a stopped vehicle, or road debris. Insufficient sight distance can adversely affect the safety or operations of a roadway or intersection.
59. I have questions about widening of Northlake Boulevard?
    
    A: Northlake Boulevard is not a State road. As such, please contact Palm Beach County regarding questions about the widening of Northlake Boulevard.
60. Will the roadway have commercial truck traffic restrictions?
    
    A: S.R. 7 is not a designated truck route; however, the roadway will not have commercial truck restrictions. The commercial truck traffic is expected to be less than 10% (approximately 8%).
61. Who will address speeding on the roadway?
    
    A: Policing of S.R. 7 for speeding is the responsibility of the appropriate agency designated by the local municipality.
62. How quickly can responders arrive on the scene in case of an accident?
    
    A: The local fire department would respond in case of an accident. The timing of the response would likely depend on the day, time and other incidents happening that day. A fire rescue station is located on Northlake near the project limits. This project is expected to improve emergency response times.
63. Will the dirt roads in the area be paved as part of the project?
    
    A: The dirt roads in the area are not FDOT roads and will not be paved as part of this project. Please contact the local municipality for more information regarding the non-FDOT roadways.
64. Will this project impact auto insurance premiums?
    
    A: While this project will help improve safety and mobility, the Florida Department of Transportation does not have any control over auto insurance premiums.
65. Why is the M Canal Bridge shorter than the Ibis Spillway Bridge?
    
    A: The total length of the Ibis Spillway Bridge is approximately the same as the previous design. The length is simply a function of the width of the feature that the bridge is crossing. The M Canal Bridge is shorter than the Ibis Spillway Bridge because the canal is not as wide as the spillway.
66. Do the signalized intersections meet the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)?
    
    A: Yes, all the signalized intersections meet the MUTCD warrants.

For More Information

67. How can my business get work on the construction project?
    
    A: Please contact the FDOT Procurement Office for contracting opportunities.