Project Development Process

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) routinely conduct studies that address existing and future traffic needs.

The FDOT project development process begins with planning studies and ends with a constructed project. This comprehensive process consists of five phases—Planning, Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study, Design, Right of Way Acquisition, and Construction.

Project Development Process Graphic

Planning

The Planning Phase identifies the project’s purpose and need. A project begins by identifying transportation needs or deficiencies through a planning process that prioritizes the short and long range transportation improvements.

EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION DECISION MAKING (ETDM)

The Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) process is for reviewing qualifying transportation projects to consider potential environmental effects in the Planning phase. This process provides agencies and other stakeholders the opportunity for early input regarding a project’s potential effects on the natural, physical, cultural, and community resources. It provides for the early identification of potential project effects and create products that may be used in the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) phase to promote efficiency and consistency.

Please visit the FDOT ETDM Process for additional information.

CORRIDOR STUDIES

Planning-level corridor studies may be conducted to assist in defining a project need and providing focus to the most significant challenges. The study is used to identify, evaluate, and eliminate alternative corridors on qualifying projects. The decisions made in the study can be used to refine the purpose and need for a project; determine the project area; describe general environmental setting; identify preliminary environmental impacts and environmental mitigation; and develop and refine a range of alternatives to be considered in detail during the PD&E Study.

PD&E Study

The PD&E phase is an important step in the transportation project development process. It is the bridge between planning and design phases and helps guide decision-making by evaluating the potential impacts that a transportation project may have. During the PD&E phase, FDOT collects data, develops and evaluates alternatives, conducts studies, prepares reports and gathers input from the general public, applicable agencies, and interested parties. The goal of the PD&E process is to develop the best solution to the transportation needs that offer the greatest benefit with the least impact.

Please visit the FDOT PD&E Manual for additional information.

Learn About PD&E Process

Design

The Design phase is when the plans and calculations are developed to prepare a set of documents that are used to build a project. Permits are obtained during this phase as well as determination and plan for any mitigation that compensates for project impacts.

Please visit the Turnpike Design for additional information.

Right of Way Acquisition

The Right of Way Acquisition phase is when any needed property is purchased for the project. Please visit the Turnpike Right of Way for additional information.

Construction

The Construction phase is when the project is built. Weekly Construction Updates detail upcoming construction, maintenance and lane closure activities.