This public hearing is for the Gateway Expressway project to reevaluate the two previously completed Project Development and Environment (PD&E) studies associated with the project sections. The East-West section of the project, 118th Avenue (or CR ...

 

OTHER AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

LOCHNER

The Florida Department of Transportation, District Seven announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.

DATE AND TIME: Thursday, February 26, 2015, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

PLACE: PSTA Administration Building, 3201 Scherer Drive North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: This public hearing is for the Gateway Expressway project to reevaluate the two previously completed Project Development and Environment (PD&E) studies associated with the project sections. The East-West section of the project, 118th Avenue (or CR 296) [WPI Segment Number 413622-1], from US 19 to east of the Roosevelt Connector (near 40th Street) was completed in 2006 with a Design Change Reevaluation completed in 2012. The PD&E study for the North-South section, SR 686 (or East Bay Drive/Roosevelt Boulevard) [WPI Segment Number 711695-2] was completed in 1993.

The Gateway Expressway project will construct a new four-lane elevated tolled expressway connection from US 19 to west of I-275 and from the Bayside Bridge (CR 611) and St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport to west of I-275.

The East-West section of the project from US 19 to west of I-275 will be generally constructed in the median and elevated over existing 118th Avenue, which will be reduced from six to four lanes below the elevated expressway. The elevated portion above 118th Avenue will become SR 690.

The North-South section of the project will be generally constructed within the median of SR 686 (Roosevelt Boulevard) from the Bayside Bridge (CR 611) to SR 688 (Ulmerton Road), then continue south along a new alignment through the old Sunshine Speedway property until it joins with the proposed East-West elevated section (future SR 690) of the project over existing 118th Avenue. A toll-free option will remain on the existing roadway network to give drivers a choice.

Department representatives will be available beginning at 5:00 p.m. to answer questions and discuss the project one-on-one with attendees. Aerial photographs and graphics illustrating the project improvements and estimated costs will be on display. A video presentation will also be shown continuously. The formal portion of the hearing will begin at 6:00 p.m. at which time formal public comments may be given. A court reporter will be available to record comments in a one-on-one setting. Following the formal portion of the hearing, Department representatives will be available to answer any further questions or to discuss the project one-on-one with attendees until 7:00 p.m.

Reports, technical memoranda and other pertinent information discussing the project’s improvements and impacts will be available for public review from Thursday, February 5 through Monday, March 9, 2015, at the Pinellas Park Public Library, located at 7770 52nd Street, Pinellas Park, FL 33781 during normal hours of operation (Library Main Desk, [phone]) and at the Florida Department of Transportation, District Seven office, located at 11201 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Eyra Cash, P.E., Project Manager, Florida Department of Transportation, 11201 North McKinley Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612-6456, phone: [phone] or email: [e-mail]; Lori Marable, Public Involvement Coordinator at [phone], 1[phone] or email: [e-mail].