A Roadway Conceptual Analysis (RCA) Study is a formal process used by Orange County to document the development of proposed roadway improvements for major County roadways. This process begins with the determination of the need for transportation improvements. This is based on existing and projected traffic conditions, roadway safety, consistency with local comprehensive plans and social/economic demands. The number of travel lanes, median type/width, inclusion of sidewalks and/or bicycle lanes, etc., will then be determined and a recommendation of the best alignment of the improved roadway will be made. The analysis evaluates environmental impacts (wetlands, threatened and endangered species, etc.), social impacts (neighborhoods, parks, churches, etc.) and economic impacts (construction costs, right-of-way acquisition costs, business damages, etc.), in addition to a traffic operations and engineering analysis. 

During the analysis phase, consideration will begin for specific alignment alternatives and the documentation of potential social, environmental and economic impacts will start. Specific intersection improvements, such as number of turn lanes, pedestrian/bicycle features and traffic signal requirements will also be determined. 

The project team will document the traffic operations analysis, environmental impacts, social impacts and costs associated with each roadway improvement alternative through a series of reports. These alternatives will then be compared with each other along with the option of not doing any improvements. This will be the basis for Orange County to select the type, design and location of improvements to Pine Hills Road.

Public involvement is a very important aspect of the development of this project. The goal of the RCA Study process is to consider all public input and concerns during the study process in order to provide a roadway improvement which facilitates the movement of traffic while maintaining or enhancing the community's character. Orange County is coordinating this project with the Pine Hills Community Council and other neighborhood groups as well as the City of Orlando, the Florida Department of Transportation, the Orange County School Board, and other agencies interested in the project. Informal Public Workshops and two Public Hearings will be held during the study, as well as individual or group meetings as necessary to address public concerns. Dates, times and locations of upcoming meetings will be included in the Public Involvement section as they become available.

If you have questions, either as an individual or as part of a group, please contact the assistant project manager, Brian Sanders, by phone at (407) 836-8022, or email at Brian.Sanders@ocfl.net.

After this RCA Study is complete, construction plans for the selected improvements will be designed. Construction of these improvements will then take place after the construction plans are complete.