In Palmetto, the Build Alternative maintains the diamond configuration of the SR 55 (US 41) interchange with SR 43 (US 301). Proposed improvements include adding proposed express lanes in the roadway median, widening the general-use lanes from four to six, and providing shared use paths along the interchange ramps.
Intelligent Transportation Systems will be evaluated in the design phase.
Lane repurposing was not considered, as it would not support the project's purpose and need to increase transportation capacity.
Proposed landscaping improvements will be evaluated in the design phase.
Proposed lighting plans will be prepared during the design phase.
There are no wildlife crossings within the project limits.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and SWFWMD regulate impacts to wetlands within the project limits. Other agencies, including the USFWS, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, review and comment on wetland permit applications. The Fish and Wildlife Commission has the authority to issue permits for gopher tortoise relocation activities and protected bird nest takes. No gopher tortoise burrows or nests were recorded within the project study area (refer to the Natural Resources Evaluation (NRE)). Additional surveys and coordination may be required during the permitting phase. In addition, the FDEP regulates stormwater discharges from construction sites. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) reviews permit applications for new bridges over navigable waters. The anticipated permits required for this project are listed in Table 5-2.
Table 5-2 – Anticipated Permits
| Anticipated Permits | |
| Coordinating Agency | Permit |
|---|---|
| US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) | Section 404 Dredge and Fill Permit (Nationwide 14) |
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