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Kickoff Newsletter | December 2024

Okeechobee County - FPID No.: 446351-1

## FEASIBILITY STUDY BEGINS

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is beginning a Feasibility Study to determine the viability of grade separation over CSX railroad tracks crossing US 441/Parrott Avenue in the City of Okeechobee. This study will include operational and safety improvements along US 441/Parrott Avenue between NE 4th Street and NE 13th Street. These improvements are intended to enhance safety for the traveling public along the US 441/Parrott Avenue corridor by separating the vehicle and pedestrian movements from the railroad crossing. If a feasible alternative is developed, the study may advance to a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study.

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Looking North on US 441/Parrott Avenue

## WHAT IS A FEASIBILITY STUDY?

A Feasibility Study is a planning study that assesses engineering options to determine viable alternatives for future phases. This study will consider engineering requirements along with critical elements including environmental impacts, cost, and public and agency input. FDOT may conduct a Feasibility Study to evaluate aspects of a transportation project and understand the constructibility of a project concept. This allows for early identification of project complexities that could be minimized, avoided, or mitigated throughout the project development process. A Feasibility Study helps determine if a PD&E Study needs to be conducted and to what level of detail.

<div style="text-align: center;">PROJECT LOCATION MAP</div>


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# US 441 / Parrott Avenue Feasibility Study

# From NE 4th Street to NE 13th Street

## CONTACT INFORMATION

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Patrick Bateman, PE, MS 1-40

FDOT District One Project Manager

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801 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830

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Phone: (863) 519-2792

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Email: Patrick.Bateman@dot.state.fl.us

## We invite your questions and comments!

Your feedback and participation will play an important role in the study process. Please share your comments and suggestions with us throughout the duration of the study either by mail or online. There will be upcoming opportunities to participate in-person or online, including a public information meeting. For additional information and updates, visit us online at: swflroads.com/project/446351-1

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swflroads.com/project/446351-1

Para Preguntas En Español

Sra. Karina Della-Sera (863) 519-2750

## PROJECT SCHEDULE *

Begin Study February 2024

Public Information Meeting July 2025

Feasibility Study Completed September 2025

PD&E Study Begins (if approved by Department)* The schedule is tentative.

TBD

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022, and executed by FHWA and FDOT.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Cynthia Sykes, Title VI Coordinator, at (863) 519-2287 or by email at Cynthia.Sykes@dot.state.fl.us.

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