This purpose of this workshop is to facilitate a discussion related to the planning, designing and constructing of a pedestrian/bicycle overpass on US 19 at Marine Parkway.

In 2016, a Pedestrian Bridge Feasibility Study was conducted by Kimley-Horn and Associates. The conclusion of the study was that a prefabricated steel truss bridge was recommended with a probable cost of $3 Million.  This cost estimate included construction, right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation and construction of a 10' sidewalk.  The location studied was the north side of the intersection.  An illustration of this preliminary design is included in your packet.  The existing trail on US Hwy 19 would cross Marine Parkway on the west side of US 19 to reach the overpass, and then cross Marine Parkway again, on the east side of US 19, to reach the existing trail on Marine Parkway.

The project is currently ranked number 9 on the “Pasco County MPO Transportation Improvement Program 2020 List of Priority Projects.”  An updated estimate of probably construction costs conducted in June of 2020 established the project cost at $5.2 Million.  The estimate does not include the costs associated with design, engineering, utility relocation or property acquisition. 

In seeking funding opportunities, staff has encountered several issues which must be addressed and for which direction is needed.  These issues include:

• The exact location and configuration of the bridge.

• A conceptual drawing, included in your packet, shows the overpass on the north side of the intersection of US 19 and Marine Parkway (in front of the Publix plaza, spanning across to the Take 5 Oil Change business site).  A more suitable location may be the south side of the intersection utilizing the frontage road, by the Magnuson Hotel, to connect to the existing trail segment south of the intersection, spanning across to the southeast corner (Booming Express Chinese restaurant site) to connect to the trail segment already existing on the south side of Marine Parkway.  An illustration of this location is also included in your packet.

• Will the bridge be intended to include golf carts?

• The inclusion of golf cart use will significantly impact the cost of the project and the level of FDOT participation in the project.

• How much money will the City/CRA budget for the project and in which budget year will these funds be allocated?
• Will CRA funds, Penny for Pasco funds or both be utilized?
• What elements of the project should the grant be drafted to cover?
• Should the City consider joining the project with Pasco County's proposal to establish a bus transfer station?