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Summary
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summary of the Public Hearings held in August 2006.

 


Aerial shown of Interstate 95 Looking South over C-24 Canal

CROSSTOWN PARKWAY/I-95 INTERCHANGE
PROJECT OVERVIEW

The City of Port St. Lucie (City) in cooperation with the Florida Department of Transportation, is conducting a PD&E Study to evaluate new interchange ramps at Crosstown Parkway and I-95. The need to provide connections to the interstate highway system is driven by extraordinary growth in the City and proposed growth west of I-95. The forecasted future demands reflect an additional 200,000 people by 2030 and over 26 million square feet of non-residential development within the City limits and in the newly annexed areas west of I-95. This will add several hundred thousand new vehicles each day to the area roadways and interchange network.

The System Interchange Justification Report (SIJR) prepared for this project evaluated the need for two new interchanges along I-95 at Crosstown Parkway and Becker Road. The SIJR evaluated the complete I-95 interchange system from St. Lucie West Boulevard to Martin Highway (SR 714) and determined that the two proposed interchange locations along with the three existing interchanges would meet the projected future traffic demand in the area. The SIJR recommended the Tight Diamond configuration for the new Crosstown Parkway/I-95 Interchange. Click here to view the Proposed Interchange. More...

By 2010 Crosstown Parkway will be constructed as a six-lane roadway from west of Village Parkway to Floresta Drive. The City has accelerated the schedule for these improvements. For this current study, the improvements to Crosstown Parkway are considered as an existing condition. By 2025, Crosstown Parkway is planned as a four-lane roadway from Range Line Road to west of Village Parkway.

This project is consistent with the St. Lucie County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), adopted March 1, 2001, and per Resolution No. 98-06, dated and adopted December 3, 1998. On February 1, 2006, the MPO approved the 2030 LRTP Update that included the Crosstown Parkway/I-95 interchange. The City of Port St. Lucie's (City) Transportation Element of the adopted Comprehensive Plan identifies the need for this project. No Federal or State funding is being sought for this interchange project.

ALTERNATIVES

No Build Alternative
The No Build Alternative assumes that area-wide roadway improvements and improvements to Crosstown Parkway will be implemented, but there will be no ramps connecting Crosstown Parkway with I-95. Traffic conditions on I-95 will continue to degrade and the levels of congestion will increase along this corridor with the No Build Alternative. This will result in longer travel times and possibly compromise the development of the western sections of the City. Safety may be compromised with increased emergency response times and decreased evacuation times.

Transportation System Management (TSM) Alternative
Several hundred thousand new vehicles will be added each day to the area roadway and interchange network due to the anticipated development west of I-95. This amount of traffic cannot be absorbed by improvements such as high occupancy vehicle lanes, signalization modifications, or ramp metering. The need for this project is a result of capacity and access requirements; therefore, the TSM Alternative would not be a viable solution.

Build Alternative
Widening and extending Crosstown Parkway will occur regardless of the outcome of this project. Therefore, the Build Alternative for this PD&E includes the construction of the Tight Diamond interchange ramps only. The interchange ramps would alleviate capacity deficiency and congestion on parallel roadways and intersections, while improving regional traffic flow along I-95. Reduced travel time and fuel cost savings should also result from the direct access between Crosstown Parkway and
I-95.

TYPICAL SECTION

The typical sections for each of the four interchange ramps are identical. The elements that comprise the ramp typical section include: a 15-foot travel lane, a six-foot inside shoulder, and a six-foot outside shoulder. The I-95 southbound bridge over the SFWMD C-24 Canal will be widened from three to four lanes to accommodate the interchange ramp from Crosstown Parkway. The limits of the northbound exit ramp begins north of the bridge; therefore, widening of the northbound I-95 bridge is not required. Click here to view the typical section. More...

PROJECT IMPACTS

Minimizing impacts to the community, while providing the needed roadway improvements, are goals of every PD&E Study. By providing the Tight Diamond interchange, future traffic demands can be met while, at the same time, limiting impacts to the environment. This project analyzed the impacts to the environment associated with providing a Tight Diamond interchange and determined that the impacts were minimal. There are no impacts to residential, business properties or historic structures. No archaeological sites were found within the project limits. Community services such as schools, religious facilities or medical complexes would not be impacted by the proposed project. There are no contamination, water quality air quality or noise impacts associated with this project. This area is located outside the 100-year floodplain and no floodplain impacts are expected. The project is not expected to have an adverse impact on threatened or endangered species or their critical habitat.

The construction of the proposed ramps would affect the edges of three wetlands. Wetland impacts that result from the construction of this project will be mitigated pursuant to Chapter 373.4137 Florida Statutes to satisfy all mitigation requirements of Part IV, Chapter 373, Florida Statutes and Title 33, United States Code 1344. The final mitigation plan will be determined during the permitting stage of the project.

RIGHT-OF-WAY and CONSTRUCTION COSTS

With the proposed Tight Diamond interchange configuration, right-of-way needs are minimized to approximately 23 acres. No Federal or State funding will be sought to purchase the additional right-of-way required. All required right-of-way is either owned by the City or will soon be acquired by or transferred to the City. The estimated cost for the construction of the Crosstown Parkway and I-95 Interchange ramps is approximately $15.4 million.

PROJECT SCHEDULE

Final design for this project is expected to be completed in late 2006. The construction of the Crosstown Parkway and I-95 Interchange will begin in early 2007 and will take approximately 18 months.

FINAL DECISION

A final decision regarding the proposed interchange has not been made. At this time, the Build Alternative has been tentatively selected as the “Preferred Alternative”. However, a decision will not be made until the after public comments have been received and analyzed.

 
   

BECKER ROAD /I-95 INTERCHANGE
PROJECT OVERVIEW


Aerial shown looking east across Interstate 95 to Becker Road

The City of Port St. Lucie (City) in cooperation with the Florida Department of Transportation, is conducting a PD&E Study to evaluate new interchange ramps at Becker Road and I-95. The need to provide connections to the interstate highway system is driven by extraordinary growth in the City and proposed growth west of I-95. Click here to view the Proposed Interchange. More...

By 2010, Becker Road will be constructed as a two-lane roadway from Range Line Road to west of Community Boulevard where it will transition to six lanes to just east of I-95, and then back to four lanes to the new interchange at Florida's Turnpike. For this current study, the improvements to Becker Road are considered as an existing condition. 2025 improvements include a four-lane Becker Road from Range Line Road to west of Community Boulevard. Click here to view Project Location Map. More...

This project is consistent with the St. Lucie County Metropolitan Planning Organization 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan, adopted March 1, 2001, and per Resolution No. 98-06, dated and adopted December 3, 1998. The City will be applying for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment in accordance with the adopted Southwest Quadrant Annexation Agreement to establish future land uses and transportation system networks including the I-95 Interchange at Becker Road. No Federal or State funding is being sought for this interchange project.

ALTERNATIVES

No Build Alternative
The No Build Alternative assumes that area-wide roadway improvements and improvements to Becker Road will be implemented, but there will be no ramps connecting Becker Road with I-95. Traffic conditions on I-95 will continue to degrade and the levels of congestion will increase along this corridor with the No Build Alternative. This will result in longer travel times and possibly compromise the development of the western sections of the City. Safety may be compromised with increased emergency response times and decreased evacuation times.

Transportation System Management (TSM) Alternative
Several hundred thousand new vehicles will be added each day to the area roadway and interchange network due to the anticipated development west of I-95. This amount of traffic cannot be absorbed by improvements such as high occupancy vehicle lanes, signalization modifications, or ramp metering. The need for this project is a result of capacity and access requirements; therefore, the TSM Alternative would not be a viable solution.

Build Alternative
Widening and extending Becker Road to Range Line Road will occur regardless of the outcome of this project. Therefore, the Build Alternative for this PD&E Study includes the construction of the Tight Diamond interchange ramps only. The interchange ramps would alleviate capacity deficiency and congestion on parallel roadways and intersections, while improving regional traffic flow along I-95. Reduced travel time and fuel cost savings should also result from the direct access between Becker Road and I-95.

TYPICAL SECTION

The typical sections for each of the four interchange ramps are identical. The elements that comprise the ramp typical section include: a 15-foot travel lane, a six-foot inside shoulder, and a six-foot outside shoulder. The I-95 twin bridges over the SFWMD C-23 Canal will be widened from three to four lanes each to accommodate the interchange ramps from Becker Road. Click here to view the typical section. More...

PROJECT IMPACTS

Minimizing impacts to the community, while providing the needed roadway improvements, are goals of every PD&E Study. By providing the Tight Diamond interchange, future traffic demands can be met while, at the same time, limiting impacts to the environment. This project analyzed the impacts to the environment associated with providing a Tight Diamond interchange and determined that the impacts were minimal. There are no impacts to residential, business properties, or historic structures. No archaeological sites were found within the project limits. Community services such as schools, religious facilities, or medical complexes would not be impacted by the proposed project. There are no wetland, water quality, contamination, air quality, or noise impacts associated with this project. This area is located outside the 100-year floodplain and no floodplain impacts are expected. The project is not expected to have an adverse impact on threatened or endangered species or their critical habitat.

RIGHT-OF-WAY and CONSTRUCTION COSTS

No right-of-way acquisition is proposed. The estimated cost for the construction of the Becker Road and I-95 Interchange ramps is approximately $14.6 million.

PROJECT SCHEDULE

Final design for this project is expected to be completed in late 2006. The construction of the Becker Road and I-95 Interchange will begin in early 2007 and will take approximately 18 months.

FINAL DECISION

A final decision regarding the proposed interchange has not been made. At this time, the Build Alternative has been tentatively selected as the “Preferred Alternative.” However, a decision will not be made until the after public comments have been received and analyzed.

 
   

During the study process, public workshops and hearings were held for Crosstown Parkway and the Becker Road interchanges (March and August 2006 summarized below) to review the project, provide comment, and to review the alternatives under consideration. Displays that were exhibited at both meetings can be viewed on the Project Documents page.

 
Summary of
Public Hearings

The purpose of the Public Hearing
was to elicit public comment and
opinion from the general public,
interested stakeholders and
elected officials with regard
to the Crosstown Parkway/I-95
Interchange PD&E Study.
The Public Hearing also provided
an opportunity to review information
and ask questions of the
project team and City officials.

 

Note: All of the displays
presented at the Hearing
(and the previous Workshops)
can be viewed by clickings
on this link to the
Project Documents page.

   PUBLIC HEARING
 
What: Crosstown Parkway/I-95 Interchange PD&E Study
Where: Port St. Lucie Community Center, 2195 SE Airoso Blvd
Date: August 9, 2006

Summary of Public Hearing:

Approximately 110 property owners and interested parties attended the Public Hearing at the Port St. Lucie Community Center on August 9, 2006 to review and hear public comment with regard to the Crosstown Parkway/I-95 Interchange Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study. The meeting provided the opportunity for area residents and interested parties to speak directly with project representatives from the City and from the consulting firm, Keith and Schnars, P.A.

The methods of notification for the Hearing included an announcement letter and flyer mailing to approximately 3000 property owners and interested parties. A public service news release was also distributed to the local media. Advertisements were also included in Florida Administrative Weekly and in the Port St. Lucie News newspaper. An open forum was held from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm along with a formal presentation that began at 7:00 pm.

The formal presentation began with a video presentation on the project. This video was followed by a public testimony period during which 5 people spoke on public record. (A total of 9 Request to Speak Cards were completed and of those, 5 attendees actually spoke). A court reporter transcribed the entire public hearing and was also available to record any public comment during the open house period. The Hearing officially ended at 7:40 pm.

Informational items on display included:

  • Project Handout
  • Project location maps
  • Aerial maps of the study area
  • Description of the study process
  • Alternative Interchange Concepts
  • Alternatives Impact Criteria and Matrices
  • Current and projected traffic counts
  • Compliance with State and federal Rules and Regulations
  • Project Schedule

Attendees were encouraged to share their thoughts, opinions, and suggestions. Each individual was provided the opportunity to speak directly with project and city representatives and to complete comment forms. These comment forms were included with the Hearing handouts and were also available at 4 "comment tables".

Each comment form included the City Engineer's contact information on the return mailing address. The Comment Cards and Request to Speak Cards also provided the opportunity for attendees not currently on the project mailing list to be added to it for future mailings. A total of 20 completed comment cards were turned in at the meeting. All attendees who expressed intentions to send their written comments by fax or by regular mail were asked to send their comments back to the City Engineer's office by 10 business days, so that their comments could be included as a part of the public record.

The most common verbal and written comments regarding the study area were associated with potential residential impacts of the Build Alternatives. In this regard, residents expressed concern regarding lighting issues, safety, noise and traffic concerns. The Lake Charles community showed a large presence at the meeting, with more than 25 residents from that community in attendance.

The Public Hearing is being followed by a 10 day public comment period. All statements received by the City of Port St. Lucie Engineering Department within the comment period will be included as part of the official Hearing Transcript. Numerous letters, petitions, e-mails and statements have been received and are being tabulated and entered into a database.

For additional information regarding this public hearing, please contact Engineering Operations at (772) 871-5176.

 
 

The purpose of the Public Hearing
was to elicit public comment and
opinion from the general public,
interested stakeholders and
elected officials with regard
to the Becker Road/I-95
Interchange PD&E Study.
The Public Hearing also provided
an opportunity to review information
and ask questions of the
project team and City officials.

 

Note: All of the displays
presented at the Hearing
(and the previous Workshops)
can be viewed by clickings
on this link to the
Project Documents page.

   PUBLIC HEARING
 
What: Becker Road/I-95 Interchange PD&E Study
Where: Port St. Lucie Community Center, 2195 SE Airoso Blvd
Date: August 10, 2006

Summary of Public Hearing:

Approximately 60 property owners and interested parties attended the Public Hearing at the Port St. Lucie Community Center on August 10, 2006 to review and hear public comment with regard to the Becker Road/I-95 Interchange Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study. The meeting provided the opportunity for area residents and interested parties to speak directly with project representatives from the City and from the consulting firm, Keith and Schnars, P.A.

The methods of notification for the public hearing included an announcement letter, public notice, and flyer mailing to approximately 3000 property owners and interested parties. A public service news release was also distributed to the local media. Advertisements were also included in Florida Administrative Weekly and in the Port St. Lucie News Newspaper. An open forum was held from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm along with a formal presentation that began at 7:00 pm.

The formal presentation began with a video presentation on the project. This video was followed by a public testimony period during which 3 people spoke on public record. (A total of 4 Request to Speak Cards were completed and of those, 3 attendees actually spoke). A court reporter transcribed the entire Public Hearing and was also available to record any public comment during the open house period. The Hearing officially ended at 7:27 pm.

Informational items on display included:

  • Project Handout
  • Project location maps
  • Aerial maps of the study area
  • Description of the study process
  • Alternative Interchange Concepts
  • Alternatives Impact Criteria and Matrices
  • Current and projected traffic counts
  • Compliance with State and Federal Rules and Regulations
  • Project Schedule

Attendees were encouraged to share their thoughts, opinions, and suggestions. Each individual was provided the opportunity to speak directly with project and city representatives and to complete comment forms. These comment forms were included with the Hearing handouts and were also available at 4 "comment tables".

Each comment form included the City Engineer's contact information on the return mailing address. The Comment Cards and Request to Speak Cards also provided the opportunity for attendees not currently on the project mailing list to be added to it for future mailings. A total of 3 completed comment cards were turned in at the meeting. All attendees who expressed intentions to send their written comments by fax or by regular mail were asked to send their comments back to the City Engineer's office by 10 business days, so that their comments could be included as a part of the public record.

The most common verbal and written comments regarding the study area were associated with potential residential impacts of the Build Alternative. In this regard, residents expressed concern regarding noise issues and several residents expressed that the Tight Diamond Interchange design is the most feasible.

The Public Hearing is being followed by a 10 day public comment period. All statements received by the City of Port St. Lucie Engineering Department within the comment period will be included as part of the official Hearing Transcript. Numerous letters, petitions, e-mails and statements have been received and are being tabulated and entered into the project database.

For additional information regarding this public hearing, please contact Engineering Operations at (772) 871-5176.

 

Summary of
Public Workshops

 

 
  PUBLIC WORKSHOP
 


What: Crosstown Parkway/I-95 Interchange PD&E Study
Where: Port St. Lucie Community Center, 2195 SE Airoso Blvd
Date: March 1, 2006
 

Summary of Workshop:

The workshop was conducted in an "open house" format and held one week prior to the Becker Road/I-95 Interchange PD&E Study workshop. Over 70 individuals attended the workshop.

The workshop included a PowerPoint presentation regarding the purpose and status of the project as well as the study process. A variety of information about the study was on display at the workshop. (Displays presented at the workshop and hearings can be viewed by clicking on the Project Documents page.)

Attendees were encouraged to share their thoughts, opinions, and suggestions. Each individual was provided the opportunity to speak directly with project and City representatives. Comment forms were available and provided the opportunity for attendees to be added to the project mailing list.

Of the 19 comment forms received at and following the meeting, 15 included specific references to the proposed Crosstown Parkway/I-95 Interchange. The 17 written and numerous verbal comments received from residents included thanks for the information and support of the accelerated schedule. Specific comments included topics such as access management, noise, lighting, and traffic volumes. Overall, the majority of the attendees expressed support for the project.

 

 
 
  PUBLIC WORKSHOP
 
What: Becker Road/I-95 Interchange PD&E Study
Where: Port St. Lucie Community Center, 2195 SE Airoso Blvd
Date: March 8, 2006
 

Summary of Workshop:

The workshop was conducted in an "open house" format and held one week following the Crosstown Parkway/I-95 Interchange PD&E Study workshop. Over 50 individuals attended the workshop.

The workshop included a PowerPoint presentation regarding the purpose and status of the project as well as the study process. A variety of information about the study was on display at the workshop. (Displays presented at the workshop and hearings can be viewed by clicking on the Project Documents page.)

Attendees were encouraged to share their thoughts, opinions, and suggestions. Each individual was provided the opportunity to speak directly with project and City representatives. Comment forms were available and provided the opportunity for attendees to be added to the project mailing list.

Of the 13 comment forms received at and following the meeting, 10 included specific references to the proposed Becker Road/I-95 Interchange. The 13 written and numerous verbal comments received from residents focused on two primary issues - the potential impact to their homes and the change in travel patterns due to access management. On the latter issues, some are concerned that traffic will increase on their neighborhood streets with the controlled access roadway. Overall, the majority of the attendees expressed support for the project and the accelerated construction schedule.

 
  PUBLIC KICKOFF MEETING

What: Becker Road/I-95 Interchange PD&E Study
What: West Virginia Drive/I-95 Interchange PD&E Study
Where: Port St. Lucie Community Center, 2195 SE Airoso Blvd
Date: March 9, 2005

Summary of Meeting:

On March 9, 2005, approximately 111 property owners and interested parties gathered at the Port St. Lucie Community Center to meet with City officials and consultants to discuss two proposed interchanges on I-95. The southern-most study will investigate a proposed interchange at I-95 and Becker Road. The second study considers a new interchange at I-95 and what is currently Juliet Avenue. Property owners and interested parties in the study areas were invited to the “open house” styled meeting via announcement letters and flyers mailed to property owners and interested parties in the vicinity of the study areas. A public service news release was also distributed to the local media.

Three approved and five proposed Developments of Regional Impact are anticipated to add a total of 46,000 homes to the west of I-95 and Becker Road. The Becker Road/I-95 Interchange PD&E Study is underway to investigate the best way to augment the roadway grid proposed for the new developments. Meanwhile, the West Virginia Drive/I-95 Interchange PD&E Study is being conducted along with two ongoing studies (the West Virginia Corridor Study and the Third East-West River Crossing Study), to provide a continuous West Virginia Drive that will link I-95 and U.S. 1 utilizing the existing Juliet Avenue.

A variety of information about the study was on display at the meeting. This information included:

  • Project location map
  • The study process
  • Interchange configuration concepts
  • Preliminary project information
  • Aerial maps of the study area
  • Project schedule
  • Public information resources
  • Project newsletter

Attendees were encouraged to share their thoughts, opinions, and suggestions. Each individual was provided the opportunity to speak directly with project and city representatives and to complete comment forms. These comment forms were included with the workshop handouts and were also available at a “comments table”. Each comment form included the project public involvement mailing address, and project hotline. The comment forms also provided the opportunity for attendees not already on the mailing list to be added to the project mailing list.

There were a total of 17 comment forms received at the meeting, 5 of which included specific references to the proposed Becker Road/I-95 interchange. There was 1 form received by mail following the meeting. Generally, the public’s most common verbal and written comments regarding the study areas were associated with possible impacts to the environment, community. Other concerns included anticipated traffic increases on Becker Road resulting from future development west of I-95 and the proposed interchange and anticipated traffic increases on West Virginia Drive as a result of the proposed widening of that roadway.