The easternmost end of the corridor is the Third East-West River Crossing PD&E Study. This study is being conducted utilizing the FDOT Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study process as an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This study evaluates the need for a third east-west crossing over the North Fork of the St. Lucie River to connect US1 to the proposed West Virginia Corridor. The study evaluates the potential environmental impacts resulting from the proposed improvements and examines ways to avoid or minimize those impacts. Multiple potential alignments of this crossing are being evaluated, as well as, a no build scenario. During the study process, the Consultant Team has been working with the City, the Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the South Florida Water Management District, the US Army Corp of Engineers, and a host of other agencies and committees to evaluate potential river crossing locations, as well as alternative route improvements.

Currently, the study is in the corridor evaluation and selection process. In addition to the proposed West Virginia Drive (1C) and Walters Terrace (2) corridors, it has been recognized that there may be tremendous benefit to the success in obtaining approval for a crossing, as well as timeliness and cost effectiveness, if a northern corridor is also evaluated and included as an alternative corridor. As such, Corridors 6A, 6B, 1D, 1E, and 1F have been identified and are being reviewed. One or more of these corridors may be potentially included in the process for further review and evaluation.

A public workshop was held on March 23, 2005 to review the corridor and alternatives under review. See Public Meetings (below) for a summary of this workshop.

The map below delineates the alternative alignments.

Environmental Mapping
A detailed investigation of the existing environmentally sensitive North Fork of the St. Lucie River basin has been conducted to map out existing vegetative cover and habitats. Potential roadway alignments (including those alignments previously studied as well as new alignments) are being evaluated with focus on trying to minimize or avoid impacts to sensitive areas.

Field work has focused along areas identified as initial potential river crossing locations to establish existing wetland delineations, open water boundaries and habitat mapping. Additionally, informal searches for threatened and endangered species (T&E) were also conducted to begin to evaluate the potential presence of plant, fish, reptile, bird, or mammal T&E species. The field data, along with other information gathered from other written documents and reports, was then transferred onto the project aerial photographs to map environmentally sensitive areas.

Wetland and Upland Boundaries
Map delineating all the upland and wetland habitats along the North Fork of the St Lucie River.

Listed Species Locations
Map delineating Listed Species along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River.

What: Alternatives Workshop Public Meeting
Where: Port St. Lucie Community Center, 2195 SE Airoso Blvd
Date: March 23, 2005

The meeting was scheduled from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm with a presentation at 6:00 pm. However, the early turnout was so high that project manager Vicki Smith found it necessary to conduct an early formal project presentation at 4:30 pm.

Meeting attendees learned that seven alternative alignments are currently being considered for the river crossing location.

Northern Alternatives: Alternatives 6A, 6B, and 6C all begin at West Virginia Drive and Floresta Drive and then take a north-easterly route and then run along either side of the La Buona Vita neighborhood to end either at US 1 and Savanna Club Boulevard or at US 1 south of Savanna Club Boulevard.

Central Study Area Alternatives: Alternatives 1F and 1C involve crossing the river at West Virginia Drive and Coral Reef Street with 1F ending at US 1 north of Village Green Drive and 1C forming and intersection at US 1 and Village Green Drive.

Southern Alternatives: The southern alternatives are 2A and 2D. Alternative 2D involves widening Floresta Drive from West Virginia Drive to Walters Terrace, widening Walters Terrace, and then connecting Walters Terrace to Southeast Midport Road. Alternative 2A extends Walters Terrace to West Virginia Drive and then follows the same alignment as does Alternative 2D from Walters Terrace and Floresta Drive to Midport Road.

Impacts: The most common verbal and written comments regarding the study area were associated with potential residential impacts of the various alternatives. Residential and environmental impacts vary for each alternative alignment. To see a list of impacts for each alternative river crossing location, please click here. The study team will be meeting with Technical and Environmental Advisory Committees in April to discuss the public’s comments and to further narrow down the number of alternative bridge alignments being considered.

The informational exhibits that were presented at the meeting may be viewed by clicking on the links below:

• Project Location map
• Purpose and Need
• Overall City Aerial with Projects
• PD&E Study Process
• Aerial maps of the study area
  • Alternative 1C
  • Alternative 1F
  • Alternative 2A
  • Alternative 2D
  • Alternative 6A and 6C
  • Alternative 6B
  • Composite of All Alternatives
• Impact Matrix
• Wetland and Upland Boundaries
• Florida Natural Area Inventory Habitat Classification
• Current and projected traffic counts
  • Traffic Study Summary
  • Traffic Study - Existing
  • Traffic Study - No Build
  • Traffic Study - Widening Existing Corridor
• Social Impacts
  

For more information, please call the project hotline at (772) 871-5176.

What: Public Kickoff Meeting
Where: Port St. Lucie Community Center, 2195 SE Airoso Blvd
Date: June 5, 2003

Summary of Meeting:

The method of invitation for the meeting included a project newsletter mailing to more than 61,300 recipients. A public service news release was also distributed to the local media. The meeting was conducted in and "open house format". Approximately 208 individuals attended the meeting.

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

• The study process
• Preliminary project information
• Aerial photographs with defining the study area
• Project schedules
• Roadway level of service information

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". Attendees also had the opportunity to speak with a court reporter.

Each comment form included the city of Port St. Lucie project mailing address, and project hotline. The comment forms also provided the opportunity for attendees to provide mailing list signup information and the opportunity to volunteer to become a member of the Citizen's Discussion Group.

There were a total of 30 comment forms received with numerous comments ranging from safety concerns to opposition to the proposed corridor. A total of 16 individuals provided their comments directly to the court reporter. Generally, the public's most common concerns regarding the study corridor were associated with possible impacts to the environment, community, and resulting traffic increases. Much concern was expressed that these impacts be properly addressed throughout the design of the corridor.