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San Martin Blvd. Bridge Replacement Study Project Development and Environment Process

Pinellas County, in coordination with FDOT, conducted a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study to evaluate alternatives for improvements to the San Martin Boulevard Bridge over Riviera Bay. The limits of the study extended from Tallahassee Drive to Weedon Drive in St. Petersburg.

A Preferred Alternative Concept was selected and presented at the Virtual Project Information Meeting held on Nov. 18, 2021. This alternative will be further developed during the ongoing design phase. Rehabilitation and replacement alternatives evaluated during the PD&E study were presented to the community at the Public Alternatives Workshop in 2016. To view information presented at these meetings, including community comments, or view the recorded presentation visit the Community Outreach page.

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) requires that transportation projects receiving federal funding evaluate and consider alternatives that minimize adverse impacts to the natural and physical environment and to the community. The Federal Highway Administration describes the NEPA process as “an approach to balanced transportation decision making that takes into account the potential impacts on the human and natural environment and the public’s need for safe and efficient transportation.”

Adequate opportunity for the community to comment and provide input during the study process is required. The Project Development and Environment or “PD&E” process assures that NEPA requirements are met and that design and/or construction of the project will be eligible for federal funds, if available.

PD&E Study

The study evaluated possible impacts to the following:

  • Wetlands                                
  • Wildlife
  • Water Quality
  • Historic and Archeological Sites
  • Recreation Areas
  • Noise Sensitive Sites
  • Air Quality
  • Hazardous Materials

Additional issues that were evaluated and considered include:

  • Community Impacts
  • Impacts to traffic on local roads during construction
  • Bicycle and pedestrian facilities and safety
  • Project Costs
  • Motorist Safety
  • Impacts to Navigation
  • Aesthetics/Landscaping

Process

The key steps in the process include:

  • Collect and analyze data.
  • Develop and evaluate alternatives.
  • Present alternatives to the community and request input.
  • Select a recommended alternative.
  • Document the study process in reports.
  • Present recommended alternative to the community.
  • Obtain approval from the Federal Highway Administration.