UPCOMING PUBLIC HEARING – December 5, 2023

FDOT invites you to an upcoming public hearing. The hearing materials are now available for viewing (see the Project Documents box below).

Project Description

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, completed a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study on October 14, 2019 for proposed improvements to Harborview Road from Melbourne Street to west of I-75 in Charlotte County. The Build Alternative was selected as the Preferred Alternative and the Office of Environmental Management accepted this Preferred Alternative. These improvements are intended to improve connectivity and circulation between US 41 and I-75, as well as improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. The Harborview Road PD&E study evaluated widening Harborview Road from a two-lane road to a four-lane road with a median. The project limits are from Melbourne Street to I-75 in Charlotte County.

The project has proceeded to the next phase, final design. The FDOT is preparing a Design Change and Right-of-Way Authorization Re-evaluation for this project. Design changes include 10-foot wide shared-use paths on both sides of the roadway instead of seven-foot buffered bicycle lanes and six-foot sidewalks, and a 22-foot roadway median instead of 30-feet. With the shared-use paths separated from the travel lanes, this design offers a safer travel environment for bicyclists. The primary design change in the horizontal alignment occurs at the first road curve near Laverne Street. The curve is being flattened from the PD&E recommended alignment to enhance safety for motorists. It will also improve access to the parcels on the south side of the roadway. Additional right-of-way is required throughout the corridor due to raising the road profile due to the high-water table and accounting for sea-level rise. Stormwater pond sites have been evaluated in greater detail and better defined.

Need for the Project 

The proposed widening improvements for Harborview Road will accommodate increased traffic demand, including truck traffic, generated by projected growth in Charlotte County. FDOT anticipates this project will also enhance safety along the project corridor; improve emergency evacuation; and improve connectivity between US 41 and I-75. The Charlotte County-Punta Gorda Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) identifies this project in their 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Cost Feasible Plan. 

Project Funding

Funding for the design phase is included in the FDOT's Adopted Five-Year Work Program and design is underway. Right-of-way acquisition is currently included in fiscal year 2023 and 2024. Construction is currently included in fiscal year 2026 for a portion of the project.

Public involvement was an integral part of the Harborview Road Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study. FDOT used several activities to engage interested parties in the study process, including small group meetings, a public information workshop and a formal public hearing.

UPCOMING PUBLIC HEARING

Here are the ways you can participate in the upcoming hearing. You do not have to attend the live event in order to submit a comment.

November 14, 2023 Technical Documents Posted

An online copy of the project technical documents is currently available in the Project Documents box below, also available through December 15, 2023 at: Port Charlotte Public Library, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33952 and Punta Gorda Charlotte Library, 401 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.

November 28, 2023 Hearing Materials Posted

All hearing materials are available below in the Project Documents box.

December 5, 2023 Hearing – In-Person and Online

In-Person

Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association

2001 Shreve Street

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

5 – 6 p.m. open house (View hearing materials and talk to the team)

6 p.m. formal hearing (Give spoken comment during the formal hearing event)

OR

Online

https://tinyurl.com/harborviewrd (Advanced registration required)

5:45 – 6 p.m. learn how to make comments online

6 p.m. view a live broadcast of the in-person event
You will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the hearing from a computer, tablet, or mobile device. (Note: Internet Explorer cannot be used for this event)

Review the materials online prior to the event. Remotely view the in-person presentation and provide spoken comment during the formal hearing.

How to submit comments

You may submit comments in the following ways

-          Spoken comment during the live event (online or in-person location)

-          Online through the project webpage (use the contact box on the right)

-          Email the project manager (Christopher.Speese@dot.state.fl.us)

-          By mail: FDOT District One, Attn: Christopher Speese, Southwest Area Office, 10041 Daniels Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33913

You are able to provide written comments about the project at any time, but comments must be submitted by December 15, 2023 to be included in the record for this hearing. You may also call the project manager (phone number to the right) if you have questions before you submit your comment.

If you need ADA or Translation Services:
Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Cynthia Sykes, District One Title VI Coordinator by phone at (863) 519-2287 or by email at cynthia.sykes@dot.state.fl.us at least seven (7) days before the live event you plan to attend.

The Florida Department of Transportation is required to comply with various non-discrimination laws and regulations, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Anyone wishing to express concern about Title VI should contact Cynthia Sykes at the information above.

Public Notices
This meeting will be advertised according to federal and state statutes in the following places:
On this project webpage
Email to public officials and interested parties
Newsletter to local property owners near the project

Past Meetings Conducted during the PD&E Study

Public Hearing - March 2019

Meeting Video: Harborview Road PD&E Study - Public Hearing - YouTube

Public Information Workshop - March 2018

Meeting Video: Harborview Public Information Workshop - YouTube