Project Summary
Population growth in the last 15 years has caused heavy traffic on SR 26, negatively impacting the economic growth and safety of Newberry's historic downtown. Future population growth will only worsen the problem without a viable long-term solution.
To address this issue, Hanson served as the prime consultant for a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study of approximately 4 miles of SR 26 from the Gilchrist County line through downtown Newberry to CR 26A. The study’s goal was to identify alternatives to enhance road capacity, improve mobility and safety, decrease emergency evacuation times, and foster downtown economic development. It was essential to minimize the negative impacts on Newberry's historical district and the environment.
After a thorough evaluation, the preferred alternative was a one-way pair roadway system that will use existing roadways to minimize property impacts. Stakeholders fully supported this alternative, leading to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) authorizing Hanson to provide the final design.
The project involves transforming a section of SR 26 into a one-way street with two dedicated lanes for eastbound traffic. This road will also incorporate designated areas for biking, parking, and sidewalks on both sides. To accommodate westbound traffic, the existing NW First Avenue will feature two lanes, roadside parking, a sidewalk, and a parallel multi-use trail. The project will involve adding a roundabout and traffic signals at various intersections along SR 26. This configuration will reduce conflict points by 25% at each intersection within the system, making it easier for pedestrians, who will only need to look in one direction for oncoming traffic.
The roundabout at the SR 26/CR 337 intersection is expected to decrease conflict points by 75% and facilitate a smooth transition into the one-way pair system. Other measures, such as narrower travel lanes, dedicated bike lanes, sidewalks, and on-street parking with curb extensions, will visually narrow the roadway and regulate higher speeds. The project also involves decorative lighting on both eastbound and westbound roads, as well as nine side streets. There will also be improvements to side streets, resurfacing, on-street parking, and sidewalks. Off-street parking will be provided through the construction of two new parking lots.
To manage drainage, the existing piped collection system on SR 26 will be modified, and a new piped collection system will be required for the improved NW First Avenue corridor. Additional offsite dry retention ponds are being considered to handle treatment and attenuation for the proposed increase in impervious areas. The project's corridor spans seven natural basins and includes three FDOT dry retention ponds. Due to the topography, which consists of pockets, depressions, and high infiltration rates, the basins only experience minor runoff, making them proficient at quickly removing surface water. The area is within a sensitive karst area prone to sinkholes. Therefore, Hanson evaluated pond sizes using an integrated 1D/2D surface water/groundwater model to minimize costs by reducing the number and sizes of required ponds.
One crucial component of the PD&E Study was the Pond Siting Report (PSR), which followed FDOT's established methods and procedures to justify the selection of specific sites for constructing stormwater management facilities. This process involved analyzing existing drainage patterns, reviewing drainage design criteria and the project's permit history, and exploring various options to meet stormwater management requirements, including expanding existing facilities and constructing new ones on properties outside the right-of-way. In total, 14 pond site alternatives were evaluated to serve the Recommended Alternative for the seven proposed basins in this project. The PSR used ICPR4 modeling to assess all proposed ponds and ensure compliance with design criteria during FDOT and Suwannee River Water Management District design storm events.
To engage and gain public acceptance, Hanson and FDOT implemented a creative public involvement plan, which included developing visual aids, such as case studies and a 3D drive-through video, to address initial concerns and inform the public. Four viable alternatives were presented during an Alternatives Workshop Public Meeting. Options included adding bike lanes in the historic downtown area. Furthermore, pedestrian crosswalk safety and traffic flow at major intersections were addressed. The use of a 3D animated drive-through video provided realistic depictions of travel lanes, pedestrian walkways, and bicycle lanes.
The project’s estimated cost is approximately $80-85 million, with the state providing most of the funding. Construction is projected to begin in 2026 and last approximately three years.