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FDOT kicks off PD&E study for Courtney Campbell Causeway; water quality and storm hardening highlighted
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Summary
FDOT began a PD&E study for the Courtney Campbell Causeway (State Road 60) covering 9.4 miles across Old Tampa Bay; the study will assess aging structures, evacuation capacity, crash history, water quality and potential improvements to harden the corridor against storms.
The Florida Department of Transportation has launched a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study for State Road 60, the Courtney Campbell Causeway, covering 9.4 miles from Clearwater across Old Tampa Bay into Tampa and Hillsborough County. The study kickoff and initial public meeting were described to the Hillsborough County TPO on Tuesday.
Ashley Hensel, speaking on behalf of FDOT project manager Craig Fox, said the corridor includes aging structures (some more than 50 years old), a shared-use path, and functions as a regional connector and hurricane evacuation route. "The existing structures along the project are aging with the oldest structure over 50 years," Hensel said. "A life-cycle cost analysis will be conducted for the existing structures to determine the best remediation or replacement options." She also said the corridor sustained damage during recent hurricanes and is undergoing an independent vulnerability assessment.
The PD&E will evaluate capacity, safety and resilience needs. FDOT said crash rates on the causeway are higher than statewide averages for similar corridors and called out several high-crash locations. The study will also consider opportunities to improve water quality in Upper Old Tampa Bay, including options to add or widen openings under the causeway to increase tidal exchange and circulation.
FDOT held an in-person public kickoff on Sept. 4 with 48 attendees and the agency has received 39 comments as of the board meeting. The most common comments concerned water quality and trail amenities such as shade, restrooms and drinking fountains. Hensel said the kickoff materials are on the project website and that the comment period remains open through Sept. 26.
The PD&E is not currently funded for design, right-of-way or construction in the five-year work program; FDOT expects the study to conclude with a public hearing in 2026 and potential inclusion in 2027 depending on funding and approvals. FDOT said it will coordinate with the Pinellas and Hillsborough TPOs and other agencies during the study.
