Currently, two phases of the Lake Jackson Ecopassage project have been completed; the Feasibility Study (November 2004) and the Project Development and Environment Study (January 2007).  The Design Phase is underway (August 2007) the Structures Evaluation Report was submitted on October 1, 2007.  Work towards the funding continues and will be clearer when the type of structure is determined.  The cost estimates will vary widely based on the two structural types that are being considered.  For more information, see the Design Phase discussion.

Lake Jackson Ecopassage Feasibility Study

In 2002, a biology student from Florida State University (Matt Aresco), appeared before the Board of County Commissioners, requesting action be taken to preserve wildlife along the North Monroe Street corridor, between Clara Kee Boulevard and Old Bainbridge Road.  Mr. Aresco stated an increasing number of animal deaths had occurred along this corridor due to years of the historic migratory routes being impeded by the physical location of North Monroe Street.

This issue prompted the Florida Department of Transportation to fund an ecopassage Feasibility Study.  The intention of the Feasibility Study Project was not to single out a specific species of animals for which to provide a mitigative action(s), but to study the existing conditions of animal and vegetative habitats, hydrological conditions, and roadway conditions.  The types of mitigative action(s) that resulted from the Lake Jackson Ecopassage Feasibility Study ranged from the construction of animal tunnels to a wildlife wall (a wall that prevents animals from crawling over onto the road and attempting a crossing), or a combination of both.

In November of 2004, the Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency approved the Lake Jackson Ecopassage Feasibility Study, which included the construction of a wildlife wall and several culverts for the movement of animal between Lake Jackson and Little Lake Jackson.  Additionally, staff noted that upon approval, there would be additional follow up with the Florida Department of Transportation to determine if the project requires a Project Development and Environment Study.  Pictures here on the Ecopassage page are from the final public meeting held at Lake Jackson in 2004.

Project Development and Environment Study

Upon completion of the Feasibility Study, Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency staff met with Florida Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to discuss the next steps.  The result of these conversations was that the best funding opportunities rested with the federal process.  However, in order for the project to receive federal funds there is a requirement for a Project Development and Environment Study.

The Project Development and Environment Study Scope of Services was developed in coordination with Kimley Horn and Associates and funded by Florida Department of Transportation Central Office in spring 2005.

The Project Development and Environment Study kicked off in April 2006 with a nine month project schedule.  In August of 2006 the Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency was informed that the State Historic Preservation Officer was requiring a full site survey of the project area.  Staff in turn requested additional funding from the Florida Department of Transportation Central Office, which was provided in September.  The full site survey was conducted with no significant findings made.  The Project Development and Environment Study, was approved in January of 2007 by the Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency.

Design Phase

During 2006, the Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency staff worked with Florida Department of Transportation District 3 and Central Office to secure design phase funding.  Ultimately, the Florida Department of Transportation Central Office funded the design phase in the amount of approximately $450,000.  The design phase of the project was let for bids in early 2007 with E.C. Driver selected for the project.

The design phase kicked off in August of 2007.  The design consultant, submitted a Structures Evaluation Report on October 1, 2007.  This report was reviewed by the Florida Department of Transportation and a meeting was held on November 6, 2007 during which E.C. Driver was directed to include the consideration of a "free-standing" diversion wall of composite sheet piling material. 

The original concept as proposed in the Project Development and Environment Study was a concrete retaining wall that would hold back the roadway embankment.  The free-standing wall would be constructed outside the clear zone where possible and would not retain embankment thus reducing the construction cost by eliminating the extra wall material that a retaining sheet pile wall would require in order to be driven deeper into the ground for stability.  The retaining wall sheet piling would need to be driven approximately 16 feet into the ground while a free-standing sheet pile wall would only need to be driven approximately 8 feet into the ground.  This results in a greatly reduced quantity of wall material and reduced cost.

The free-standing wall would be constructed on property owned by Leon County along the east side of the roadway.  This will require an easement being granted by Leon County for its construction.  The wall would be constructed within the Florida Department of Transportation right-of-way along the west side of the roadway.

The Future

CRTPA staff continues to work on finding the funding for the construction of the Lake Jackson Ecopassage.  The completion of the design phase will include a funding estimate for the construction of the ecopassage.  Staff will seek construction funding from a variety of sources as well as looking for some public/private partnerships to bring this project to fruition.

Project Photos

On October 28, 2004, a public meeting to discuss this project was held at Lake Jackson.  The following contains photographs of this event.