The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is conducting a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study to evaluate the potential social, economic, and environmental impacts of potential improvements to SR 600/US 17/92/Shinn Boulevard (southbound one-way) and SR 600/US 17/92/Lake Shore Way (northbound one-way) from US 17 to Rochelle Avenue in the City of Lake Alfred, Polk County, FL. This PD&E Study will explore strategies to create a safer, more walkable environment that supports redevelopment in downtown Lake Alfred. The project is approximately 1.5 miles in length.

During the PD&E study process, FDOT will develop “build” alternatives and provide opportunities for your input. Potential short-term alternatives include removing the continuous turn lanes on Lake Shore Way between E. Echo Street and W. Cummings Street. Potential long-term alternatives focus on creating a pedestrian-friendly downtown by converting Lake Shore Way and Shinn Boulevard from one-way to two-way roadways. Intersection improvements will be considered throughout the corridor with signalization, roundabouts, and other intersection forms evaluated.

FDOT will evaluate each alternative to determine community and environmental impacts, additional right-of-way needs, safety, mobility for all users, and traffic performance. The purpose of the study is to make an ultimate recommendation to advance through the design phase. Throughout this process, FDOT will also consider the no-build option.

A Complete Street is one that is designed for users of all ages and abilities – including bicyclists, pedestrians, transit vehicles, freight handlers, and motorists. These transportation facilities are context-sensitive, and in Florida, they vary widely based on each community’s location, desires, and needs. Regardless of context, all of Florida’s Complete Streets strive to provide a multitude of benefits, including increased safety; enhanced mobility; improved connectivity; enriched quality of life; and economic development. For more information on the Complete Streets program, visit: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/f0123d7bb9dd4b96a36c5d7951b75193/page/Home/

Periodic project newsletters will prepared to announce upcoming meetings. The initial Project Kickoff Newsletter can found in the Project Documents section below. If you would like to be added to the project mailing list, please email Steven A. Andrews at Steven.Andrews@dot.state.fl.us.

An Alternatives Public Meeting and Public Hearing are planned for this project. More information regarding these meetings will be provided closer to the meeting dates.

What is a PD&E Study?

A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is a phase of the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) project development process. A PD&E Study assists the FDOT in determining the location, conceptual design and social, economic and environmental effects of proposed roadway and other project improvements. The process follows procedures set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and federal and state laws and regulations. During the PD&E Study process, feasible alternatives are developed for improvement projects. These ‘Build’ alternatives are evaluated based on environmental, engineering and socioeconomic conditions, safety needs and public input. The need for additional right-of-way for improvements or stormwater will also be evaluated during the PD&E Study phase. The ‘No-Build’ alternative is evaluated throughout the study process. This ‘No-Build’ alternative leaves the existing transportation infrastructure as it is, with only routine maintenance as required for existing facilities. If the study results in a ‘Build’ alternative being selected, the project may proceed to the next phase, which is the design phase. The basic activities of a PD&E Study include:

How are Alternatives Developed and Analyzed?

Once engineering data collection is complete, the Department develops and evaluates various alignment alternatives, including a ‘No-Build’ alternative. The ‘No-Build’ alternative assumes no improvements. The environmental impacts, social impacts and costs of these alternatives are quantified and summarized in an evaluation matrix.

What is an Alternatives Public Meeting?

An Alternatives Public Meeting will be held to present initial project alternatives, along with the ‘No-Build’ alternative, to the public for review and comment. The Alternatives Public Meeting is tentatively scheduled for Spring 2026.

What is a Public Hearing?

After all public comments are reviewed, the analysis of the alternatives has been refined, and a detailed environmental analysis of the alternatives has been conducted, a formal Public Hearing is held to provide a forum for input from property owners and interested parties on the final recommendations. A final decision on the recommended improvements for the study are not made until after the Public Hearing. The Public Hearing is tentatively scheduled for Spring 2027.