FDOT presents McIntosh and Branch Forbes PD&E studies; projects would widen corridors, require substantial right‑of‑way
Summary
FDOT District 7 and consultants presented PD&E study concepts for McIntosh Road and Branch Forbes Road—proposed divided roadways, 10‑ft shared‑use paths, ramp widening to I‑4, and major right‑of‑way and stormwater requirements. Design is partially funded; right‑of‑way and construction are not funded in the current 5‑year program.
Representatives from FDOT District 7 and project consultants briefed the TPO board on two project development and environment (PD&E) studies for McIntosh Road and Branch Forbes Road.
Craig Fox (FDOT District 7) outlined the purpose: increase capacity and safety on corridors that connect US‑92 and I‑4 and serve evacuation routes. Proposed typical sections call for two lanes in each direction with a median, a 10‑foot shared use path on both sides, and improved on/off ramps at I‑4. Target and design speeds were described (e.g., 35 mph design speed with posted speeds currently 35–40 mph).
FDOT presented crash history, projected 2045 traffic volumes and environmental review topics. For McIntosh Road, FDOT estimated design costs near $4.5 million, stormwater and right‑of‑way at roughly $25.5 million, and roadway construction and drainage at approximately $45.3 million—total project estimates above $80 million. For Branch Forbes, cost elements included design at ~$3.2 million, right‑of‑way estimates near $17.6 million, stormwater/floodplain compensation ~$8.5 million, and construction estimates bringing project totals to about $65.1 million.
Consultants and FDOT said the majority of impacts are partial property impacts that would not require full relocations, though some businesses are listed as potential relocations in concept plans. FDOT noted a public hearing at Hillsborough Community College (36 in person, 12 virtual) and that public comments emphasized access issues at US‑92 intersections and school bus stop and crossing safety near Independence Academy. FDOT said final designs would be adjusted based on public input.
Board members pressed FDOT on right‑of‑way cost uncertainty, potential business impacts (Burger King, Hungry Howie’s, McDonald’s), and school‑related safety and bus routing. FDOT said right‑of‑way and construction are not funded in the current five‑year program; advanced acquisition for willing sellers is an available tool after PD&E approval to reduce future costs.
No formal board vote was recorded on these items; staff said concepts will be included in the 2050 LRTP update and presented again as designs are refined.
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