Summary: The purpose for conducting this project development and environment study is to develop an improved north-south corridor between SR 24 (Archer Road) and SR 26 (Newberry Road). This connector is intended to provide congestion relief to Interstate 75 (I-75), SR 121 (Southwest 34th Street), Archer Road, Southwest 20th Avenue, and Newberry Road. This project involves developing interconnectivity between Archer Road and Newberry Road while improving traffic circulation. Several corridor alternatives were evaluated to satisfy the project objectives. Four corridor alternatives were considered viable and evaluated in greater detail. Each corridor alternative included the existing Southwest 62nd Boulevard alignment from Southwest 20th Avenue to Newberry Road. The four alternatives differ south of the Southwest 62nd Boulevard intersection from Southwest 20th Avenue to their terminus with Archer Road. Integration of a future bus rapid transit system was also evaluated as part of this project. In addition to the corridor alternatives, several transportation systems management projects were identified and evaluated to provide short-term relief for existing congestion issues. The locally preferred alternative is a four-lane divided arterial with accommodations for future bus rapid transit. The locally preferred alternative widens Southwest 52nd Boulevard from its terminus to Southwest 20th Avenue and Southwest 62nd Boulevard from Southwest 20th Avenue to Newberry Road and constructs a new roadway to connect these roadways with Southwest 37th Boulevard at Archer Road. New connections are proposed by constructing extensions of Southwest 24th Avenue, Southwest 40th Boulevard and realigning Southwest 42nd Street.
Background: This project is being performed for the Alachua County Department of Public Works in conjunction with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and consists of a Corridor Study and Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study. The study will:
- identify needs
- evaluate alternatives
- make recommendations for improvements to local roadways to ease congestion on I-75 and improve traffic circulation east of I-75 between SR 24 and SR 26 west of the University of Florida
Alternatives: Alternatives being considered may include:
- transportation systems management strategies
- multimodel alternatives, such as bicycle, pedestrian and transit enhancements
- improvements to existing roadways
- construction of new roadways
- the potential for realigning existing roadways to create a new connector
Because of the significance of the University of Florida to the study area, alternatives such as bicycles, pedestrians, and transit will be considered to meet the needs of the large student population in the area.
Schedule: This project is being performed in two phases. The corridor study will assess alternatives for improvement and recommend a preferred alternative corridor. The PD&E phase will include more detailed engineering and analysis. The corridor study was completed in March 2008. The PD&E Study is scheduled for completion in early 2012.
Funding: On August 10, 2005, President George W. Bush signed the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). This legislation included a specific item for the funding of this project for $8.5 million. This funding is not anticipated to be sufficient to fund the construction of the connector from SR 24 to SR 26. No additional funding is identified at this time.
For additional information contact:
Ha T. Nguyen, P.E.
Contracts & Design Manager
Alachua County
Public Works/Engineering
5620 NW 120 Lane
Gainesville, FL 32653
352.374.5245 Ext 1223
352.337.6243 (fax)
hnguyen@alachuacounty.us.