A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is an environmental and engineering process that was developed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), in response to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The PD&E study process ensures 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 entire study process.
This study is being conducted to evaluate improvements along the University Avenue and W 13th Street corridors, and to provide information necessary for the City and FDOT to reach a decision on the type, design, and location of the proposed future improvements. The objective of the study is to transform both corridors into complete streets that facilitate safe and comfortable travel for all users.
The study limits extend along University Avenue (SR 26) between NW 22nd Street and SE 31st Street (approximately 4.0 miles) and W 13th Street (SR 25) between SW 16th Avenue and NW 8th Avenue (approximately 1.6 miles).
As part of this study, several alternatives will be considered to minimize right of way impacts while providing the preferred improvements for the corridors. If right of way is required for future improvements, the affected businesses and residents will be duly informed following the FDOT Right of Way acquisition process and in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance Act.
The project construction year will be identified as the PD&E Study moves forward. For the purpose of this study, the buildout year is being considered as the year 2030. However, the City intends to phase improvements as funding becomes available.
The City has embarked on a public involvement program as part of this PD&E Study to ensure public input throughout the study. This involves actively encouraging and facilitating the participation of the general public, citizen groups, interest groups, elected and appointed officials and other stakeholders. There is no need to wait until a public meeting to provide your input. Public comments and questions are welcomed at any time throughout the study. The community is encouraged to learn more about the project through this project website.
For questions or comments, contact the City of Gainesville Project Manager, Debbie Leistner at 352-393-8412 or [email protected].
The latest materials for the University Avenue and W 13th Street PD&E Study will be available on the Documents and Publications page of this website. Please check back regularly for updates as the study is constantly evolving.
Notice of public meetings will be posted on the Public Notices page of this website. Please check back often for details on upcoming meeting locations and times.
Response: This segment is being included in a separate FDOT project. Any comments from the public related to this segment will be shared with FDOT.
Response: While specific signage treatments are not depicted on the concepts, this treatment is currently being implemented at intersections with heavy pedestrian activity and will be considered in the ultimate design phase.
Response: This segment will be revisited in the future after the first phase of the PD&E is finalized. Any comments from the public related to this segment will be considered in the next phase of the PD&E.
Response: The PD&E’s proposed concept for this segment is consistent with the preliminary recommendations from the previous corridor study that were approved by the City Commission in April 2022. Additionally, the traffic volumes along this segment do not support a lane elimination. While traffic volumes have decreased in this area over the past several years, the traffic volumes are still well above the maximum service volume for a 2-lane roadway (one lane in each direction).
Response: The University of Florida has future plans for a 20’ wide shared use path along the edge of campus on University Avenue from Gale Lemerand to W 13th Street, then along SW 13th Street from University Avenue to Museum Road.
Response: Landscape design plans will be developed in the design phase of the PD&E. The conceptual roadway plans shown at the public meetings on October 15, 2024 and November 12, 2024, were created to highlight the specific transportation improvements proposed along University Avenue and W 13th Street.
Response: FDOT publishes standards dictating where architectural pavers and patterned pavements can be used. Currently the Florida Design Manual prohibits the use of architectural pavers on State Highway Systems roadways. The use of patterned pavement can be considered in the design phase.
Response: Currently, the preferred traffic control type for the new pedestrian crosswalks is overhead signals (either fully signalized or pedestrian hybrid beacons depending on location); however, the exact treatment will be determined in the design phase.
Response: After coordination with FDOT and the state’s new regulations regarding lane repurposing, the concept for lane elimination on eastern University Avenue was replaced with the proposed concept presented at the public meetings October 15, 2024 and November 12, 2024.
Response: Zicla zippers similar to the recently installed along NW 17th Street north of University Avenue are the preferred traffic control type for the bike lanes at this time; however, the exact treatment will be determined in the design phase.
Response: Raised crosswalks are being considered and coordinated with FDOT, however the exact treatment will be determined in the design phase.
