Attachment A SIB 174 Street Overpass Planning Study 032719

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Revised: 01/23/2017 Memorandum the SAC and FDOT staff where the conceptual design was presented was held on January 16, 2019. Lastly, a Public Workshop was held on January 30, 2019. A second major component of the overall study included vehicular and pedestrian data analyses. Traffic data, signal timing, pedestrian counts and 5-year crash data were collected. A summary of the results of this vehicular and pedestrian data analysis are presented below: • The intersection of State Road A1A/Collins Avenue at 174th Street is operating at acceptable level of service both during the week and on the weekend. • In the area of State Road A1A/Collins Avenue in which the proposed pedestrian bridge is roughly centered, the City has installed plantings and fencing in the median to discourage jay walking. • There are already signalized pedestrian crossing protection at the intersection of 174th Street, and at the crosswalk just north of 175th Terrace. The pedestrian crossing volumes at these locations continue to meet or exceed the thresholds that would recommend signalized mid‐block pedestrian protection. • Despite the safety features noted above, there have been two pedestrian fatalities in the vicinity of the signalized crossing locations in the last five years, indicating that more robust protection is needed. The third and last component of the planning study is the “Collins Avenue Bridge Park” conceptual design. In addition to the review of the FDOT District 6 Pedestrian Bridge Study (July 2018) other similar existing overpasses were reviewed. Additionally, input was received from the SAC, FDOT and the public. The overall goal of the conceptual design was to incorporate within a unique and iconic structure accessibility for all, seating, landscaping and safety measures which complement Samson Oceanfront Park. Finally, to create a “Park” not a “Bridge”. FINDING A pedestrian overpass would increase multimodal connectivity between key commercial and entertainment places, as well as residential areas. It would also attract interest and encourage repeat usage by providing a safe and comfortable user experience. The overpass was designed as open space, with landscaping and seating, creating an elevated park as well as safe pedestrian pathway. RECOMMENDATIONS On February 14, 2019, the City’s Public Arts Advisory Committee (PAAC) reviewed the proposed conceptual design and recommended acceptance by the City Commission.