PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Approximately 2.95 miles long is the "Expanded" Project Development and Environment (EPD&E) Study and Preliminary Engineering for Capital Circle NW/SW (SR 263) from South of SR 371/Orange Avenue to SR 10/US 90/Tennessee Street.

PROJECT SCHEDULE:
The Expanded PD&E Study began in May 2004.  The Expanded PD&E Study and approximately 60% design plans will be completed by August 2006.  Between August 2006 and May 2007, the design will be completed; the required right-of-way will be acquired; and the necessary permits will be obtained.
View project time schedule.
View the Recommended Improvements

PROJECT MANAGEMENT:
This project is managed by Blueprint 2000 & Beyond. 

PROJECT OWNER:
Florida Department of Transportation and Blueprint 2000 & Beyond Intergovernmental Agency

PROJECT COST:
The original authorization included $3.4 million to conduct the Expanded PD&E Study from Orange Avenue to Tennessee Street and to prepare final design plans from Blountstown Highway to Tennessee Street.  An additional $750 thousand has been requested to prepare final design plans from Orange Avenue to Blountstown Highway.

PROJECT CONSULTANT:
H.W. Lochner

PROJECT NEWSLETTERS:
Newsletter No. 1 (350KB)
Newsletter No. 2 (456KB)
Newsletter No. 3 (888KB)
Newsletter No. 4 (1.19MB)

PROJECT PURPOSE AND COMPONENTS:
The Expanded Project Development & Environment Study, (Expanded PD&E Study) will include the normal PD&E analysis requirements, but will be expanded to review and incorporate other Blueprint components.

PURPOSE AND COMPONENTS CONTINUED:
Under the normal process, a PD&E study determines the best location or alignment for the project, the best design concept, and the effect the project would have on the natural, physical and social environment. Blueprint 2000's expanded PD&E study includes these elements, but is structured to incorporate other important components, such as retrofit of existing flood controls; enhanced measures for protection of water quality; connection to greenway properties for Blountstown Highway recreational trails; and, contributions to ongoing efforts to restore the Gum Swamp.

This EPD&E effort will include the development of Plans, Right of Way Maps, and Environmental Permits for the segment of the roadway from Orange Avenue to Tennessee Street.  The following alternatives will be studied in this project:

Alternatives for widening the existing roadway to six lanes, including those which would enhance the ongoing mitigation improvements to Gum Swamp

Alternatives for any necessary improvements at major intersections, including the "footprint" required for a future interchange at SR 20/SR 263

Potential widening of major cross roads up to 1000 feet, where required, based on traffic or geometric needs

Alternatives for widening or replacement of the bridge over the CSX railroad

Structural alternatives for crossing Gum Swamp

Alternatives for project stormwater management in concert with proposed regional stormwater management facilities as proposed by Blueprint 2000

Opportunities for retrofit of stormwater management ponds

Opportunities for combined greenways/floodplain protection and stormwater improvements

Alternatives for potential greenway trail.

View project map.