The PD&E Study process is a blending of engineering analysis, environmental evaluations, and public and agency input. This process is used to develop transportation improvements that are technically sound, environmentally sensitive, economically feasible, and socially acceptable.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) developed the PD&E Study process in response to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, to ensure that transportation projects are developed with consideration of current engineering standards, project costs, and minimization of social and environmental impacts while involving the public throughout the study.

The following goals and objectives have been defined for this PD&E Study.

• Alternatives: The three corridor alternatives from the FDOT Corridor Planning Study will be evaluated from an engineering and environmental standpoint. These alternatives will address trail locations between E. Altoona Road and State Road 40 and will be presented to the public (including agency stakeholders) for review and input, leading to a recommended alternative.
• Safety: The proposed trail alternatives will provide for safe interaction of vehicular traffic at roadway crossings.
• Multimodal: The proposed trail alignment will serve to improve the bicycle and pedestrian mobility and livability within the corridor.
• Varied Trail Experience: Select a trail alternative that will give users a “varied experience” such as access to recreation areas, businesses, and scenic routes. Connectivity to parks, schools, places of interest, and other communities will also be considered while “closing the gap” and connecting to existing trail systems.
• Constructability: Select a trail alternative that is constructable.