I-95/I-10 Interchange Operational Improvements PD&E Study

RS&H completed a project development and environment (PD&E) study for operational improvements to the I-95/I-10 interchange. The study limits include I-10 from just east of McDuff Avenue to the I-95 interchange and I-95 from Forrest Street to Palm Avenue, including the Fuller Warren Bridge. RS&H developed design alternatives and traffic simulation to evaluate future operations of the systems interchange and analyzed the social, environmental, and economic effects of the alternatives.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) faced unique challenges on this project due to impacts of prior construction in the historic downtown area neighborhoods. RS&H’s urban planning expertise facilitated the development of design guidelines and improvements that resulted in buy-in from local government and community representatives. In addition, our public involvement expertise and visualization materials helped change public perception from a project that intruded into their neighborhoods to one that was in partnership with their goals and objectives for a progressive urban lifestyle.

Project improvements include aesthetic sound barriers and treatments for bridge elements, a shared-use path, and LED lighting. In addition, the removal of three retention ponds will allow for expansion of the Riverside Arts Market activities, a natural area dog park and viewing area for local artists to display creative imagery.

In order to meet funding obligations, RS&H provided resources that enabled the project to move forward on an accelerated schedule, thereby allowing FDOT to meet critical completion dates. Jim Boxhold, FDOT Secretary, personally expressed his thanks for RS&H’s assistance in securing local government and community support for the project.

At the conclusion of the PD&E study, FDOT decided to advance the project using the design-build delivery method. As an extension of this contract, RS&H developed the request for proposal for the design-build procurement and reviewed and evaluated the design-build teams’ Alternative Technical Concept submittals. We will also continue to support FDOT with design reviews.