Big plans for eastern Collier

Fly-overs, water and sewer services and costs in the billions may make the Vanderbilt Beach Road extension project look like the tip of the iceberg following the release of a needs study for Eastern Collier County.

Presented during a May 24 county board workshop, the "Collier East of CR 951 Services & Infrastructure Horizon Study," was compiled by county planning staff to guide the board of county commissioners in making decisions regarding the area's infrastructure needs at build-out in 2050. The report includes roads, water, sewer and drainage, as well as emergency services, law enforcement, schools, and libraries.

The study reflected build-out populations for Immokalee (104,483), the Rural Fringe (57,644), the Estates and Orangetree area (81,517) and the Rural Lands Stewardship area, which is expected to have a massive population of 389,193 at build-out.

The preliminary presentation is the first of the two-phase study, which outlines three service levels for eastern Collier County:"status quo" (no change), "intermediate," and "premium." This article will focus on the transportation aspect of the study.

At a cost of $2.5 billion in anticipated impact fees, the status quo option would provide a level of service that is currently on the books, with no additional roads or public services added.

Transportation officials stated this option is not viable because it will not address future traffic projections of 100,000 vehicles per day.

Roads to be improved or extended under the status quo option include Immokalee Road from Collier Boulevard to Oil Well Road, Camp Keais Road from Oil Well to Immokalee, Collier Boulevard in the Davis Boulevard area, Oil Well from Randall Boulevard to Camp Keais and SR 82 from SR 29 to the Lee County line.

At a cost of $3.49 billion, $990 million over anticipated revenues, the intermediate level of service would add several interconnecting roads including Wilson Boulevard north to 47th Avenue, 8th Street and 16th Street between Green Boulevard and Randall Blvd., a Golden Gate Boulevard extension, a Carson Road extension to Immokalee and an overpass at Collier Boulevard and Immokalee as well as a new interchange at Davis and Collier boulevards.

The study found that even at this level of service, the roads would still fall short of accommodating the anticipated traffic.

At a cost of $3.94 billion, $1.4 billion over anticipated revenues, planning officials said only a premium level of service will address Eastern Collier County's expected road deficiencies.

The premium level would provide an urban level of service with four overpasses at high volume intersections, road connections with new bridges and 10 new alignment alternatives. The premium service level also includes bicycle and pedestrian improvements, sidewalks, bike lanes and asphalt pathways.

Officials had no estimates on the mitigation costs necessary to widen and build new roadways in Eastern Collier; however, the mitigation cost for Collier Boulevard extension from Immokalee Road to Bonita Beach Road have been estimated at 25 percent of the cost of that project.

Officials said the premium level of service would reduce traffic delays by 40 percent over the status quo level.

Commissioner Jim Coletta objected to the word, "premium," stating it appeared as if there was an option in what service level residents east of Collier Boulevard deserved.

Commissioners agreed on the importance of polling residents in Eastern Collier County, to measure interest in the level of service desired.

Many residents contend they moved to the area to get away from urban life, while others say they want services close by to avoid traffic.

To measure that interest, an ad hoc study committee will be formed to oversee a series of public input meetings and advise commissioners on urban services east of Collier Boulevard.

In addition to the transportation needs, county planning staff suggested the study also address shortfalls in commercial, industrial and retail space and determine where these services should be placed to serve the growing area and reduce the need for Eastern Collier residents to travel west for goods and services.

Staff also recommended the study coordinate traffic and planning with Lee and Hendry counties to address the needs of the residents using SR 29 and SR 82 and the possibility of toll road through the center of the state.

Finally, staff suggested environmental screening be conducted to identify problem areas and establish possible solutions to avoid environmental challenges.