Overview
The Wekiva Parkway Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is a cooperative effort between the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority (OOCEA) that was initiated in 2005. Authorized in 2004 by the Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act (Chapter 369, Part III, F.S.), the Wekiva Parkway (SR 429) would complete the beltway around northwest metropolitan Orlando. The proposed 27-mile parkway would provide an alternative to Interstate 4, and relieve SR 46, US 441 and other area roads of traffic congestion resulting from intensifying growth and travel between Orange, Lake and Seminole Counties.
WHAT IS A PD&E STUDY?
A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is the formal process that transportation entities such as OOCEA and FDOT, use to ensure that consideration is given to engineering design, project costs, environmental and social impacts and public input in the development of major transportation projects.
The basic steps of a PD&E Study include data collection, development and analysis of the alternatives, development of project documents and final approval. Public involvement is a very important part of the PD&E process and there will continue to be several formal opportunities during this study for the public to provide input on the project.
STUDY UPDATE: PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD
A project milestone was achieved when the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority (OOCEA) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District Five conducted public hearings for the proposed improvements in Orange, Lake and Seminole Counties for the Wekiva Parkway PD&E Study. Hearings were held each of the three counties: Orange County, Tuesday, October 26, 2010 in Apopka; Lake County, Wednesday, October 27, 2010 in Mt. Dora; and Seminole County, Thursday, October 28, 2010 in Sanford. Over 1200 interested individuals signed-in to view the displays and participate in the formal hearing process.
Click here for Wekiva Parkway PD&E Study Public Hearing Maps, Presentation and Handout.