Cove Road from SR 76/Kanner Highway to SR 5/US-1 Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study

A PD&E Study is FDOT's process to evaluate the social, economic and environmental impacts associated with a planned transportation improvement project. 

The purpose of this PD&E Study is to evaluate the widening of Cove Road to increase capacity from two lanes to four lanes for all modes of travel and improve the local transportation network between SR 76 (Kanner Highway) and US 1.

The purpose of this project is to increase capacity and improve the local transportation network along Cove Road. This project is needed to support economic and social demands, improve system linkage, improve capacity, improve modal interrelationships and emergency evacuation.

This project is expected to achieve the following goals: Enhance safety, reduce congestion and commuting time, provide additional accessibility and connectivity.

FDOT is leading the project on behalf of Martin County. FDOT will continue to partner with Martin County throughout the PD&E phase of the project.

FDOT follows a five-step project development process. This project is currently in the second phase (PD&E) which is scheduled to be completed in 2025. The PD&E team is currently working to advance completion of the PD&E phase to move the project into the design phase. The design phase (preparation of construction plans) extends for two years followed by potential right-of-way acquisition which could take another two years. Once the necessary right-of-way is acquired, construction can begin. FDOT is looking for opportunities to shorten the project schedule.

To address potential increased traffic noise, a noise study will be conducted during the PD&E Study phase for this project. This study will evaluate the existing and projected noise levels and will determine if noise walls are feasible and cost reasonable in reducing noise levels for noise sensitive sites. The final determinations concerning noise abatement are based on the contract plans developed during final design. Results (potential noise wall locations) from the noise study conducted during the PD&E phase will be shown at the Public Hearing.

Prior to construction, a Temporary Traffic Control Plan will be prepared and provided to the contractors to provide safe and efficient movement for all roadway users during construction. 

Prior to the start of construction, a Temporary Traffic Control Plan will be prepared and provided to the contractors to provide safe and efficient movement for all roadway users during construction. The project team will continue to coordinate with Anderson Middle School and Treasure Coast Classical Academy to identify improvements that can be made to mitigate the current issues and prevent future issues along Cove Road.

A project traffic study is being conducted as part of this PD&E Study and is evaluating both existing and future traffic conditions along Cove Road to determine recommended improvements to address traffic deficiencies. A safety analysis will also be conducted to determine where safety issues exist and identify the improvements that can be made to address safety issues.

As part of the PD&E Study, the project team will evaluate the opportunity to provide new sidewalks or shared use paths along both sides of Cove Road within the project limits.

Florida Statutes prohibit local governments from denying an application for development due to road deficiency. Unfortunately, development often occurs faster than the process that it takes to study, design, and construct a roadway widening project. The entrances and exits for new developments on Cove Road will be determined through coordination between the developers and Martin County.

The project is currently in the early stages of the PD&E Study and alternatives have not been finalized. Impacts to driveways have not been determined at this time, however, all existing driveways are expected to remain.

The construction phase of the project is not currently funded. The timeframe for construction will be based upon the Preferred Alternative which will be chosen following the Public Hearing tentatively scheduled for the Fall of 2024. An approximate construction duration will be estimated once alternatives are refined. The actual construction days that will be allotted to the contractor will be determined when the preferred alternative enters the final design phase.

The latest materials for the Cove Road from SR 76/Kanner Highway to SR 5/US-1 Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study will be available on the Documents and Publications page of this website. Please check back regularly for updates as the study is constantly evolving.

Notice of public meetings will be posted on the Public Notices page of this website. Please check back often for details on upcoming meeting locations and times.

FDOT has embarked on a public involvement program as part of this PD&E Study to ensure public input throughout the study. This involves actively encouraging and facilitating the participation of the general public, citizen groups, interest groups, elected and appointed officials and other stakeholders. There is no need to wait until a public meeting to provide your input. Public comments and questions are welcomed at any time throughout the study. The community is encouraged to learn more about the project through this study website. Information on this webpage (www.CoveRoadStudy.com) will be updated as the project progresses. Additionally, the project team encourages you to sign up for email updates and follow us on social media. 

If you have a question about this project that is not answered on the project website, please contact the FDOT Project Manager Vanita Saini at Vanita.Saini@dot.state.fl.us or visit the “Contact Us” page to leave a comment or to sign up for notifications.