E Sciences News

SR 415 Project Nominated for FHWA Award

A Central Florida roadway project on which E Sciences provided ecological services has been nominated for the biennial "Excellence in Highway Design" award presented by the Federal Highway Administration.

The nominated project was the widening of State Road 415 in Seminole and Volusia Counties, which included a bridge crossing over the environmentally sensitive St. Johns River Water Management District. E Sciences supported the design team for this project and assisted in developing plans for wildlife crossings to allow animals to pass safely underneath the roadway.

E Sciences provided environmental services for the preliminary study of the entire 19-mile corridor from SR 46 in Seminole County to SR 44 in Volusia County. Additionally, E Sciences was chosen to support the design team working on the two-mile segment from the Seminole County line to Reed Ellis Road, which included the bridge over the St. Johns.

Accoring to the nomination form submitted to FHWA, "The SR 415 corridor serves as a vital component of the roadway network within the Central Florida region. Its location is unique in that it is one of only a few crossings over the St. Johns River in Central Florida. The roadway serves as a popular route which connects the Orlando metro area with the beaches along the east coast of Central Florida. It is also designated as an emergency evacuation route in the event of hurricanes or wildfires.

"Several environmental groups were very active participants in the design of this section of the corridor. These lands provide protective habitat for numerous species, including those that are endangered and threatened. Such species include the Florida Scrub Jay, Bald Eagle, Wood Stork West Indian Manatee and the Eastern Indigo Snake. The design incorporates eight wildlife crossings--two at bridge openings that provide for large mammal crossings and six openings that incorporate cross culverts for smaller mammals and reptiles."

The winners of the 2008 Excellence in Highway Design awards will be announced in October 2008 at the national conference of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

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